Picture Book Wednesday: Literacy Board Books

 

 

It's almost back to school time.

 Almost everything you do in the early years counts as literacy: singing, playing, crafting, talking, and reading. All of it adds up.

Here are some board books to jump start literacy:

There's nothing like opening up a new box of crayons and having ALL the possibilities before you. This is a book all about colors and drawing. 

An alphabet book with textures, bright colors, and lots of vocabulary. This is an adorable book. It also makes a great baby shower gift!

A counting book featuring Bruce - the adorable grumpy bear and some animals from his books. They are all having fun, but he's still grumpy.  A great concept book with great vocabulary to share. 

Art project ideas* in this textured book. So many bright colors and fun ideas here. It also makes a great baby shower gift!

* Crafting is a precursor to writing. You're practicing holding crayons or a paintbrush the way you would a pencil. You're making similar movements across paper. It's ALL helpful. Keep up the good work!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Deadly Heat

* Book #5 in the Nikki Heat Series *

Nikki Heat found a breakthrough in her mother's case; a secret code that she's told no one about. Soon, she confides in Rook. Together, they dig deeper. 

Unfortunately, another article about Nikki has hit the internet. She's attracted the attention of a serial killer. He's leaving bodies all over town with clues to his next victim.

Nikki's scrambling to work both cases - but her boss only wants her focusing on the Rainbow Killer. Nikki's not about to give up her mother's case. She juggles them both. Only the serial killer's getting too close. He wants to play a game, but in his mind she ends up dead in that game.

Can Nikki close out the case before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I love the tie in books with Castle. As a big fan of the show, I like seeing it extended beyond the show and finding similarities between them. I like the story-line of Nikki Heat's mother and how it becomes the backdrop of the books, in addition to the murders happening in New York City. I like seeing Heat in her element at the precinct. I like watching her bounce ideas off her team and her debriefings.  I like the mystery of the serial killer and seeing him try to outwit Heat. A great installment to a fun, fast-paced mystery.

Cover Thoughts: I like it.

Source: My Library

Mini Review: Storm Season

 *  volume 2 in the series *

Derrick Storm sees a ghost from his past while working a case. He's been hired to help a woman recover money she lost. Everything should have gone smoothly, but the man she identified as the con artist, comes to Derrick asking for help.


He's looking to find his missing sister, who disappeared. As Derrick digs into the case, he uncovers a dangerous criminal organizations - along with his old CIA partner.

My Thoughts: I'm so happy to learn more about Derrick Storm - with great illustrations, lots of action, lots of danger, and a hint of romance. I hope these graphic novels continue!

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Frozen Heat

*4th book in the Heat series*

When a murder happens early one morning, everything changes. At the scene, Nikki Heat recognizes the suitcase the victim lies in. It's the suitcase that was stolen from the apartment the night her mother was murdered.

Now, years later, she believes the murders are connected. She's never heard of the deceased woman, but she's determined to find out the connection between her and her mother. Rock attempts to help by rehashing her mother's death. Nikki has no desire to relive the past, but as Rook prods her, she relents.

Together they dig up some clues. As they keep digging, they uncover hidden life of Nikki's mom. Will Nikki finally know what happened that night and who's reponsbile? 

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series. I'm a HUGE Castle fan and these books are on my automatic to read pile.  I love how similar and yet wildly different the books are to the characters on the TV show. Obviously it's not the same characters, but key plot points are similar. I love how Rook tries to make Nikki laugh at traumatic moments. I love his geekiness and hit wit. I love their banter. There's deep emotions running through this book. It's personal. I love uncovering the secrets of Nikki's mother's life. I liked how Rook and Nikki traveled to uncover answers that no one asked before. I love the combination of Roach. I like how the police force is very different from the TV show, but with similar players. An emotional roller coaster ride of action, danger, and death.

Cover Thoughts: Fun - but I'm not sure it would grab my attention if I didn't know about the series.
Source: my Library

A look at: Once Upon a Time

Have you heard about this upcoming show?

It looks really good - I love the way the past and the present combine. The Enchanted Forrest and then a small town in Maine.

Plus it has some great actresses.

I'm so looking forward to watching it this fall.

Check out the trailer and more info here at EW.