My Crocodile does not bite

I read my crocodile does not bite by Joe Kulka, in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley.com. The book was published by Learner and Carolrhoda Books. The book talked about a boy named Ernest and his pet Croc, Gustave. Ernies rival is a girl named Cindy Lou, who has a pet doggie named Fifi. The school is having a pet fair and all the kids are bringing their pets to school. Cindy Lou thinks her pet is superior. Cindy Lou does not like Ernest or his croc. She does not want the Croc to go to school. It also does not help the croc knows more tricks than Fifi. The book is a good read, with a surprise ending. My kids enjoyed reading this book.

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10 questions kids ask about sex

I read 10 questions, kids ask about sex, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Bill and Pam Farrel. The Book was also published by Harvest House Publishers.

The book provides guidance on how to answer sex-related questions. Topics include sex, gender, and babies. The book is written from a biblical perspective, with bible verses given for each topic. The book encourages honest, positive, comprehensive communication.

The book also discusses how parents do not want to talk to kids about sensitive topics. Parents want to be liked and be cool. Parents need to pray, listen, and talk in a calm manner when having difficult conversations. Conversations should also be held in a mutual place.

The book is a good book, but the first part lost me at times. It discusses God and parenting, but I got a little confused. For example, it talked about Jesus being a hero and how parents should be Christ-centered, which is true, but I didn't see how it correlated to sex. I read the first pages a few times to gain understanding. The book also provided the definition of love and marriage. Overall, the book had good information, but some sections lacked flow.

The book also discussed sex statistics for students (abortions, rapes, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancies).

Parents are responsible for teaching kids sex education and teach them God's purpose for sex:

1. (procreation (reproduction)
2. recreation (emotionally, physically, spiritually)
3. marriage
4. rejuvenation (emotional and physical wellness). 
5. proclamation (love and commitment). 

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Hazel Nutt Book Reviews

I read three of Hazel Nutt's books, in exchange for honest review. The books are entitled: What Squirrels do: Just for fun; What Squirrels do when you are not looking; and What Squirrels do: the Squirrel Olympics. Each book is written from the perspective of Hazel Nutt. 

About the Author


Hazel Nutt is a baby who is nutty about nature, especially squirrels, whom she often has
a good natter with. They tell her their secrets and her parents help her write them down
to share with the world, as picture books. Loving nature is really important to her and Hazel Nutt hopes to make sure that lots of other kids get nutty about nature as well.

Author Website:
Book Website:

Contact Details:
Email: HazelNutt@Hazelnutt.com or HazelNutt@WhatSquirrelsDo.com

Social Media Links:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Google+
Amazon:

What Squirrels do when you're not looking
The book has excellent graphics. The book also rhymes. The book discusses what squirrels do when we are not looking (swinging, going to bathroom, buying food, etc. The book was a quick read and the kids loved it. The book is available on CreateSpace, Amazon


Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1478363800
ISBN-13: 978 - 1478363804
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches



Product Links:
Amazon UK
Kindle
Kindle UK



What Squirrels do: just for fun

Once again, the book has excellent graphics. In this book, Hazel wants to know what squirrels do for fun. Some activities include making faces at people; shaking branches, and swinging from branches. The kids loved the book.

Paperback:32 pages
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Language:English

ISBN-10:1482354195

ISBN-13:978-1482354195

Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Product Links:

Kindle
Paperback
Kindle UK
Amazon UK

What Squirrels do: squirrel Olympics.
First the book has excellent graphics. Hazel Nutt is discussing the squirrel Olympics. The competition has the vertical leap, the high jump, tennis, and running. The squirrels also bungee jump. The book teaches children about the different types of sports.


Paperback:32 pages
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Language:English
ISBN-10:1482354195
ISBN-13:978-1482354195
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches



Product Links:
Createspace:
Amazon.
Amazon UK
Kindle
Kindle UK

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Rosebud Blooming

I read Rosebud Blooming, in exchange for honest review from BookSneeze.The book was written by Nancy Maggio and published by WestBow Press.

I used Reader for PC to read the book and I admit I did not like the panel format, but I loved the book. The book discusses moving forward, even when life has challenges. We need to find ways to move past the pain and depend more on God, during the good times and bad times.

I am not a perfect Christian. I have made plenty of mistakes. Some of my issues, I had to truly rely on God because I could not trust people. As we rely on God, we mature and blossom into more beautiful human beings.

The book presents stories and poems. The first poem was simply beautiful. It was entitled Unfolding this rosebud. The poem was saying the author was a rosebud, who could not grow because she was in so much pain. Her heart was hurting. She needed God to help unfold the rosebud and to help her grow, otherwise she would wither away and die. Seeking God and maintaining a relationship will also require maturity, wisdom, and and trust.

The other stories and poems have a reoccurring theme of listening and depending on God. One of the first stories discusses hearing a voice in the woods, and thinking it was grandma. Nancy and her brother heard the voice and ran towards it because her brother was hurt. The voice was God because their grandma did not know the kids were missing. Another good story involved an unplanned pregnancy and the boyfriend wanted an abortion; child molestation; single parenting; child illness; depression,  and addiction

The book, discusses finding freedom in letting the past go. We have to free those old skeletons in the closet and give God the burdens, worry, and baggage. Let God handle our problems. I really enjoyed reading this book. I did identify with some of the author's stories and poems, especially on single parenting,, depression, and addiction.

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Amidst Traffic by Michel Sauret

I read Amidst Traffic, in exchange for review by Michel Sauret. The book was published by One Way Street Productions. I received the paperback from Sauret. I also have the Kindle version and the Smashwords copy, I got on my own, so I can read it on my e-readers and the Kindle, of course.

About the Author: paraphased from the back of the book

Sauret, is an indie author, who was born in Rome, Italy.  Sauret graduated from University of Pittsburgh English writing department. He published "Breathing God", his first novel at 18. He also served as a public affairs specialist and journalist for the United States Army since 2004. Sauret also has won several awards, including Army Journalist of the year in 2008. He also was featured in the Northside Chronicle recently, but I could not find the article online.

My thoughts:

The book is a collection of short stories. First, I liked the coding at the beginning of the book which signified language, violence, or sexual references. The codes were the first thing, which stood out. I wanted to incorporate something similar into my next poetry book, whenever that may be. I loved the stories from Eli and his strange dream in Three Straws. I also loved Voice with a Reason. Trevor's story was emotional and intense. Voice with a Reason details the story of Trevor, voices in his head, and a bank robbery. I was entranced from beginning to end, and the end was not what I was expecting, neither was the middle. Another good story was Blessed are the War People. The story was about Myron, a military journalist, heading to Iraq. He had his camera and ammunition, ready to work, yet getting angry at a woman at the airport.  Myron also got angry at a few soldiers, but with the power of Christ, he forgave them. Though, Myron was in a war-torn country, he recognized the power of God and recognizing the enemy within ourselves.  He seemed to be passive. I saw part of myself in him. Being angry on the inside and not doing anything about it, until it builds up. The stories were descriptive, graphic, and detailed. Definitely would want to see this book in audio format. Next, I loved the cover. It was simply beautiful.

Articles discussing Amidst Traffic:
Pittsburgh City Paper:

Blogtalk radio podcast, featuring Sauret

Upcoming Appearances:

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Workshop: "Writing Short Stories with Long-Lasting Effects" | Allegheny Library

 | 6:00 p.m.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Workshop: "Self Publishing: Rising Above the Stigma" | Shaler Library

 | 6:30 p.m.

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Will I ever have sex again? No will I ever be completely ready

wrote this back in January, but forgot it was in draft mode.

I havent had sex since November, 2010. Prior to this, I experienced a loss of sex drive since my last miscarriage in 2009. The second miscarriage led to me not wanting sex as much. It also lead to postpartum depression. I went from having sex with a lot of men on a weekly basis to a few men, spread out over the month. I hardly added new men to the mix after that. All regulars-all repeats.

Fast forward two years later- I have two wonderful kids. I want to date, but scared to. I also don't want to fall back into old habits. I don't (right now) want to have sex (for the time being until an indefinite time). I don't want to be pressured into having sex again (by any man). If I have sex, I may acquire my old taste and old addictions (toys, masturbation, and of course sex). I was a nymphomaniac. I was a sex addicted.

Then, I have to consider the possibility that my skills (no matter how average) may have declined. Toss in a few new missing teeth (since I am a-scared of the dentist) and I am not wanting to sex anything for a long time.

A dude asked for my time this weekend and I could not give him a definite yes. I have myself and my kids to think about. I want to date but not sure if this is the right time.

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Mind of her own

I read Mind of her own, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Diana Desire Brandmeyer and published by Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

The book is about Louisa, who develops a case of amnesia after a knock to the head by a George Foreman Grill. (which is why I chose the book. The description was amazing). She can't remember her name or her life, with three kids.

The book opens as Louisa is reading a romance novel, maybe she reading a steamy love scene. Anyway, she is entranced in the book, and jolted back to reality, when the kids start fighting and screaming. Nothing like children to mess up a little tranquility. :-) The scene continues as mama tries to diffuse the situation, with a smart-mouthed child too. Louisa is also in a relationship with Collin and they are currently not speaking or sleeping in the same bed because of a fight. This is just the beginning, in addition to a headache and an annoying grandma :-) Oh yeah, they have a dog named Cleo.

I definitely felt Louisa's pain--the kids, annoying relatives, stay-at-home mom--the frustration--the need for a quick break.  Taking on too much--juggling one too many balls, and hoping a ball does not fall. Then, BOOM, the grill hits her in the head. The first few pages and scenes really grabbed me. I was lost in the book. The book was a great read. Will continue to read until it expires.

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