Creating Binder Scrapbooks

When you think of scrapbooking what usually comes to mind? Most of us think about scrapbooking as a way to preserve memories. Sometimes, though, we need to think outside of the box when it comes to preserving memories through scrapbooking. I love the fancy, beautiful binders that can be found when you are getting ready to work on a scrapbook project. I have a variety of colors, sizes and themes when it comes to my scrapbooks. They are filled with pictures and other memorabilia that I really do treasure. Not only do I treasure pictures, though, I also treasure keepsakes … Continue reading

Parenting Books vs. Common Sense

Someone recently asked in the forums which parenting books were the best. What are those books that you must have on your shelf? I was surprised at the number of mothers who said that parenting books were not worth their time because they are not geared specifically towards their child. Personally, I’m a big fan of Dr. Sears and have many of the things from the Dr. Sears Parenting Library. Of course, as you probably would’ve guessed, I also have a few breastfeeding books. But the common response of “trusting your gut” reminded me of how and why I began … Continue reading

Fairy Tales with a Spin – the Picture Books of David Gordon

While at the library the other day, I happened upon a darling series of children’s books written and illustrated by David Gordon. “The Three Little Rigs” is the story of three little rigs (amazing how that works) who live with their mother rig. She tells them that the time has come for them to go out and find their own garages. The first rig builds his garage out of wood, and then the big, bad wrecking ball comes along. Oh, no. The second rig built his garage out of stone. Along came the wrecking ball, and there went the garage. … Continue reading

Children’s Picture Books by Kathy Mallat

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a sucker for cute illustrations. When I found these picture books at the library, I basically turned into a drippy puddle of goo right there. The first book I’d like to share with you is “Brave Bear.” Bear sees a little bird fall from its nest and land on the ground. He offers to help, but the nest is so high up. Can he do it? He’s scared, but he makes the climb to the top and returns the bird to the nest. With minimal text, the charm of this book is … Continue reading

Author Interview – Leigh Bale (part one) How It All Began

Our featured author today is Leigh Bale, a multiple award-winning author of inspirational romance. Leigh, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start at the beginning of your impressive career – how did you become interested in writing? I’ve been creating stories all my life. As a child, I made up plays and acted them out with friends. We advertised and charged .05 cents for admission. My mom popped corn, so we had concessions to sell. She was a really good sport. When I got older, I wrote some short stories. I’ve always been a romantic. I believe in happily ever … Continue reading

Froggy Books by Jonathan London

I enjoy Froggy. With his great facial expressions and innocent view on life, he charms me and makes me laugh all at the same time. Let’s start with “Froggy Gets Dressed.” Froggy wakes up and sees snow falling on the ground outside. He leaps out of bed and starts getting dressed. Hat, coat, boots, gloves – but wait! Froggy forgot something! Running back into the house, he takes everything off and starts from scratch, this time remembering to put on his underwear. (Puffin, 1992.) Next, “Froggy Learns to Swim.” It’s a hot day outside and Froggy’s mother thinks the weather’s … Continue reading

“Humphrey” Books by Sally Hunter

We all know that I’m a pushover for cute illustrations. These books by Sally Hunter grabbed me as soon as I grabbed them. Humprey is an absolutely adorable little elephant, drawn in a style that reminds me quite a bit of Precious Memories. The colors in these books are soft pastels, all the edges and lines of the pictures are softened and not sharp, and when you open the book you feel as though you’ve stepped into a nursery. In the first book I’m featuring today, entitled “Humphrey’s Corner,” Humphrey is looking for a place to play. First he finds … Continue reading

Megan – Jack Weyland

In the book “Megan,” author Jack Weyland tackles the difficult subject of unwed pregnancy. Megan was raised in an active LDS home, with a Scoutmaster father, doting mother, and all the church meetings she could possibly want. But that was the trouble right there – she struggled to make the teachings of the gospel a part of herself, and felt that church was more of a duty than a privilege. She has been experimenting just a bit with drinking, and she’s started spending her paychecks on immodest clothing. Her best friend, Thomas, is worried about her, but she shrugs it … Continue reading

More Picture Books by Tim Egan

I had so much fun reviewing Tim Egan’s picture books, I decided to take a look at a few more. “Burnt Toast on Davenport Street” features Arthur Crandall and his wife Stella, two happy dogs who live in an apartment on Davenport Street. Arthur burns the toast every morning, but Stella doesn’t seem to mind too much. One morning, Arthur spares the life of a fly buzzing around the kitchen, who grants Arthur three wishes. Arthur sarcastically says that he would like a new toaster, he wants the bully crocodiles who hang out on the corner turned into squirrels, and … Continue reading

Sunday Coloring Books

Trying to successfully occupy my three small children during General Conference is like trying to hang glide during a hurricane – theoretically, it can be done, but pulling it off in real life is next to impossible. The LDS Bookstores and the Internet both abound with some great kid-friendly activities, but I have a hard time convincing myself to pay full price for things like activity books. I also like the Friend magazines, but once an activity has been completed by one child, the other two don’t have a chance. Several years ago, I came up with a thrifty solution. … Continue reading