Dad of Divas' Reviews: June 2016

Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Review - Leaders Ready Now: Accelerating Growth in a Faster World

Leaders Ready Now: Accelerating Growth in a Faster World

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About the Book
Better leaders, ready now. It's what successful businesses need to stay viable and what most are unable to achieve. The problem is not the absence of tools, technology, or processes. The problem is a lack of energy.

Growing leaders at the speed of business should be exhilarating, and even scary at times. Some organizations have figured this out, and are showing how more aggressive approaches rally business performance. It doesn't take slick new technology or a clever tool. It takes boldness.

Leaders Ready Now challenges CEOs and Talent Management leaders to rethink lackluster approaches to accelerating leadership growth and to change the equation so that tools and processes don't rob energy from the organization but, instead, create it. The authors take a fundamentally different angle and clearly illustrate how to transform your existing succession and development systems and grow the leaders your business needs fast and fully enough to gain the advantage in a complex world.



My Take on the Book
This was a great book that really makes you think hard about your own organization and what you are doing currently and what you need to do to transform your organization for the better. The book is down-to-earth and offers straight-forward approaches for direct action in your organization.

The book also offered great insight into what you needed to do to stand out and be bold in your own management and leadership.

I appreciated the candid approach of the authors and how they offered experiences and stories that backed up their suggestions.

As someone that is always intrigued with leadership concepts, the authors in this take on the topic and approach their suggestions in a new and unique way!

This was a great book that was easy to understand and offered practical approaches that can be implemented right away!

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Book Review - Solving the Student Loan Crisis: Dreams, Diplomas & A Lifetime Debt

Solving the Student Loan Crisis: Dreams, Diplomas & A Lifetime Debt

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About the Book
Higher education should not be a business from which many profit while millions go into a lifetime of debt! American higher education is at the point of colossal failure. Thanks to the creation of "Higher Ed Inc.," we now live in a dysfunctional country with millions of Americans struggling to pay or completely unable to pay their student loan debts. Millions of new students going to college will end up equally in debt, saddled with loans and unable to join the middle class and enjoy the American dream. The student loan debt crisis is no longer a matter that each student or family can solve on their own. We need everyone to put our voices together to push aggressively for change. Read this book and join us if you are among the millions of current student loan debtors, future students and parents about to take out loans, or policymakers and politicians who want to help fix our broken system of higher education.



My Take on the Book
I have worked in higher education for many years and have found that the amount of debt that students are leaving their degrees with continues to exponentially increase. This crisis in higher education in my point of view is making higher education more and more unattainable for some. The other challenge is that there have been some student loan companies that have followed questionable practices over the years in how they solicit and sell the products that they have.

This author provides a down-to-earth, understandable conversation to demystify the student loan industry. The author does a great job at helping the reader to understand the history behind the practices as well as lays out the problems with the current system. She even provides some possible fixes that were interesting and unique.

I appreciated the stories that were shared in the book and you can truly see the passion that she brings to this topic due to her own personal experiences.

The book provides a great guide for understanding student debt, this book is a great primer!


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Book Review - Cool & Calm Coloring for Kids: Fabulous Animals

Cool & Calm Coloring for Kids: Fabulous Animals


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About the Book
Kids these days are so busy running from school to extracurricular activities that they can easily get overscheduled and overwhelmed. That's what so great about the Cool and Calm Coloring for Kids series. Inspired by kindergarten teachers' use of art therapy for 'quiet time' in class, this brilliant new series helps children relax, focus, express themselves, and create something beautiful. With Fabulous Animals,, young colorists will enjoy a large variety of animal pictures, including soaring butterflies, slithering lizards, majestic giraffes, underwater creatures, and more. Gorgeous illustrations with colored backgrounds guide the children through each wonderful design. Thick paper keeps their best efforts from bleeding through and ruining the other side, while detachable pages let them pull out their favorites and hang them up for all to see. It's perfect for a quiet afterschool activity, to keep them busy before dinner, or anytime they need to unwind.



My Take on the Book
This is a great book that had a ton of great pictures within it that are wonderfully illustrated. The pictures are easily detached and with the illustrations that are in this you have the ability to create some very unique images that can be given as artwork to many!

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Saturday, June 18, 2016

Book Review - The Art of Disney's Dragons

The Art of Disney's Dragons

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About the Book
Imagine if one sketchbook had been passed down through the decades from one Disney artist to the next, with each one making a contribution before leaving it in the talented hands of another. That idea was the inspiration for The Art of Disney's Dragons. The drawings contained within this volume represent the entire range of dragon-themed development art from animators, live-action studio artists, and Imagineers. Inside find playful pencil studies of Mushu; color concepts on Figment (who was green before he became purple!); bold pencil layouts on Maleficent, and the latest character explorations of Elliot from the new Spring/Summer 2016 live-action film Pete's Dragon. Tom Bancroft, often recognized in Disney circles as being lead animator on Mushu the dragon in Mulan, writes the book's introductory essay.



My Take on the Book
As someone that loves Disney artwork, this book was amazing! The creative process was completely spelled out in how many of the iconic Disney dragons were created and you even get a behind the scenes look at some of the early drawings and renditions of characters that you know and love. I learned so much by reading this about how animators work, but also came to a better appreciation for the artistry behind the characters and the films that we see. This is a book you do not want to miss if you are a Disney fan!


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Book Review - Galactic Hot Dogs 2: The Wiener Strikes Back

Galactic Hot Dogs 2: The Wiener Strikes Back


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About the Book
Cosmoe, Princess Dagger, Humphree, and the gang are back for another wild space adventure in the second hilarious illustrated novel of the Galactic Hot Dogs series, which Lincoln Peirce calls an “an insanely entertaining, eye-popping adventure.”

What could go better with wieners than a flying space circus? Nothing! Which is why Humphree’s all jazzed up at the chance to sell Galactic Hot Dogs as the official food of Crostini’s Cosmic Carnival and Wonder Circus train. Cosmoe’s not entirely convinced—but once his skills as a monster tamer are unveiled, the deal is done and the Neon Wiener is officially hooked onto the train.

Only things aren’t quite what they seem at this circus, and pretty soon Cosmoe realizes he and his buddies are in more danger than ever. To get to the bottom of it all, they have to travel somewhere pretty familiar, providing a glimpse at last into Cosmoe’s past and how he ended up aboard the Wienerin the first place.




My Take on the Book
Seeing that we recently finished reading the first book in this series, we dived in quickly to read this next. This was a ton of fun and the characters that you came to love in the first book are back in a new fun-filled adventure. The artwork in this continues to be stellar and the humor, while different, is similar to the first. My girls continued to love the story in this as much as in the first and by the end they were asking if there were more to read. As a father, this warms my heart as I want them to find books that they are passionate about and this series has become one that continues to deliver!


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Book Review - Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway

Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway

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About the Book
“Mind-blowing action and big-time fun!” —Jeff Kinney, bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

“Galactic Hot Dogs is an insanely entertaining, eye-popping adventure!” —Lincoln Peirce, bestselling author of the Big Nate series

Meet Cosmoe, the Earth-Boy. He’s captain of the Neon Weiner, the finest flying food truck in the galaxy. Along with his bud, Big Humphree, he spends his days cruising the cosmos and staying crazy busy…
  1. Cooking up a Mega-Dog. (Dude, this hot dog is the size of a jeep!)
  2. Escaping mutant worm monsters, zombie space pirates, and grumpy robots. (What the butt?!)
  3. Playing Super Moon Ninja Death Jab (Turbo Ear Slap! 9,000 points!!)
  4. And…PROTECTING THE GALAXY from the Ultimate Evil. (He’s kind of an awesome space guy.)


My Take on the Book
Just finished this first book within the Galactic Hot Dog series and have to say that it was a ton of fun. The artwork was stunning and you really get drawn into the overall story itself. The plot of the book really moved along and due to the humor too you get to have a ton of fun along with the characters too. My kids were completely transfixed and by the end they were asking for the next story! If you child loves graphic novels, humor, great characters and artwork throughout this book is definitely one to read!!


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Book Review - Cool & Calm Coloring for Kids: Magical Designs and Color-by-Numbers

Cool & Calm Coloring for Kids: Magical Designs and Color-by-Numbers

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About the Book
Kids these days are so busy running from school to extracurricular activities that they can easily get overscheduled and overwhelmed. That's what so great about the Cool and Calm Coloring for Kids series. Inspired by kindergarten teachers' use of art therapy for 'quiet time' in class, this brilliant new series helps children relax, focus, express themselves, and create something beautiful. With Magical Coloring and Dot-to-Dots,, young colorists will enjoy whimsical illustrations of flowers in bloom, spectacular palaces, mysterious color-by-numbers, and challenging connect-the-dots. Gorgeous illustrations with colored backgrounds guide the children through each wonderful design. Thick paper keeps their best efforts from bleeding through and ruining the other side, while detachable pages let them pull out their favorites and hang them up for all to see. It's perfect for a quiet afterschool activity, to keep them busy before dinner, or anytime they need to unwind.



My Take on the Book
This was a wonderful book that my kids loved to create within. The nice thing with this book is that they make it easy and you can connect dots, color by number and more and still create amazing pictures! This is VERY fun and definitely a book my girls really enjoyed and your kids will too!


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Friday, June 10, 2016

Book Review - Fly Guy Presents: The White House

Fly Guy Presents: The White House

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About the Book
It's time for a field trip! Fly Guy and Buzz are going to the White House. With straightforward text, humorous asides, and kid-friendly, full-bleed photographs throughout, young readers will love learning about the presidents and their famous house.

Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold really brings nonfiction to life for beginning readers! And this book has eye-catching holographic foil on the front cover!



My Take on the Book
The nice thing about this book is that not only is it a ton of fun with a great character that you will just love, but beyond that you will not even realize how much you have learned until the very end of the book. There are amazing images throughout and you really are taken inside the white house from a unique perspective. This is a very cool book!

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Book Review -Tranquil Ocean Mandalas

Tranquil Ocean Mandalas

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About the Book
Mindfulness, wellness, enhanced creativity, and stress-busting are just some of the benefits attributed to adult coloring books. As a result, coloring has taken its place at the grown up's table as a legitimate form of artistic expression, right along with painting and drawing. Plus, it's just so much fun! Here's a new and exciting addition to the best-selling Just Add Color adult coloring book series! Tranquil Ocean Mandalas let you tap into coloring's restorative side with calming mandalas inspired by the sea. This gorgeous coloring book offers 120 pull-out illustrations ready to be brought to life and framed for all to see. It also features a QR code link to calming ocean music, allowing you to have a truly relaxing, immersive, and creative coloring experience. You'll find yourself so entranced that you'll run for your crayons or coloring pencils whenever you can!



My Take on the Book
I truly enjoy to work on these mandalas after a long day at the office. It helps me to unwind and find some peace. With the way that these images are presented and the spaces that you are given you also can create some very unique and special images that you may find that you want to keep for some time to come. This book is jam-packed with imaged to color so you will have a ton of time to create masterpieces!

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Book Review - Ginny Louise and the School Field Day


Ginny Louise and the School Field Day


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About the Book
Nobody loves Truman Elementary more than Ginny Louise. She didn't think school could get any better until--

School Field Day!

Ball throws, long jumps, tug-of-war, and, to top it all off, a sack race! Ginny Louise is game for it all.

But the Truman Elementary Troublemakers, Cap'n Catastrophe, Destructo Dude, and Make-My-Day May, aren't playing fair. When they go too far, can Ginny Louise use her irrepressible good humor to give everyone a reason to cheer?

Jaws will drop and eyes will pop before this School Field Day crosses the finish line.


My Take on the Book
This was such a fun story that really shows you the power of friendship, teamwork, positive optimism and more. On top of this you will love the larger than life characters and the overall story that was shared. The illustrations just jump off the page and you will be completely drawn into the action that surrounds these characters. This is a must read!


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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: Sea Monster Surprise

Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: Sea Monster Surprise

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About the Book
Bart Barnacle, the prehistoric pirate who has been visiting the cavemice, is ready to return to his pirate island home. It's so far away that the Stiltonoots offer to accompany him on the long, treacherous journey over the sea. On the way, they encounter megalithic danger and hungry sea monsters! What an adventure!



My Take on the Book
Another great Geronimo Stilton book that will take you back in time, but that does not mean that you will be lacking on humor or fun. The book was a great read and one that I would highly recommend for all middle elementary and older. The images alone were a blast and the nice thing is that this is set up in a way that will make your kids want to read it and the story was so engaging that they will be asking for more at the end!

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Book Review - The New Love Triangle: Your Practical Guide to a Love-Filled Life!

The New Love Triangle: Your Practical Guide to a Love-Filled Life!
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About the Book
The New Love Triangle is a life changer! Short enough to be read in one sitting this book is a powerhouse for facilitating lifelong transformation. Bestselling author Allen Vaysberg is authentic and funny while masterfully weaving in concepts with practical application making it easy to add love to every part of life. You'll come away with a new perspective and simple action steps for loving yourself, others, and your day!



My Take on the Book
This was a short book, but it really packed a punch when it came to the content held within. You really can find so many take-aways and easy to enact strategies that can help you to change the way that you are looking at yourself and seeing what you have to do to make yourself better before worrying about others or other relationships. I found this to be a powerful book that I would highly recommend to all!


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Book Review - Magical Blooms: Color, Frame, & Display

Magical Blooms: Color, Frame, & Display
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About the Book
Reawaken your individuality with this hot new trend: coloring books! Adults love it because it allows them to tune in, tune out, and turn off their screens. The result? Less stress, enhanced creativity, and better health. In Magical Blooms, you'll find a riot of flowers in full bloom, just waiting to be colored in. Once you've completed each work of art, you can share it with the world with the help of this book. It features an attractive stand-up display and exchangeable cards that let you showcase your colorful take on these gorgeous patterns. Best of all, each design is featured as a one-sided illustration, so today's work of art won't bleed through and ruin tomorrow's dazzling creation. With 30 stunning motifs to color in, you can share your masterpieces every day of the month. It's the perfect way to decorate your home or office.


My Take on the Book
This was a great collection of patterns on cards that once completed can create some amazing artwork. The nice thing is that with the built in display you are really able to show this in a beautiful way and create something that you will want to keep for a very long time. This is a great gift for someone or just for yourself!

This is a great gift for someone or just for yourself!

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Book Review - Magical Patterns: Color, Frame, & Display

Magical Patterns: Color, Frame, & Display

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About the Book
Reawaken your individuality with this hot new trend: coloring books! Adults love it because it allows them to tune in, tune out, and turn off their screens. The result? Less stress, enhanced creativity, and better health. In Magical Patterns, you'll paisley prints, geometric shapes, sunbursts, birds and flowers, and more compelling images begging to be colored. Once you've completed each work of art, you can share it with the world with the help of this book. It features an attractive stand-up display and exchangeable cards that let you showcase your colorful take on these gorgeous patterns. Best of all, each design is featured as a one-sided illustration, so today's work of art won't bleed through and ruin tomorrow's dazzling creation. With 30 stunning motifs to color in, you can share your masterpieces every day of the month.



My Take on the Book
This was a great collection of patterns on cards that once completed can create some amazing artwork. The nice thing is that with the built in display you are really able to show this in a beautiful way and create something that you will want to keep for a very long time. This is a great gift for someone or just for yourself!


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Thursday, June 9, 2016

Book Review - Happy Halloween, Stinky Face

Happy Halloween, Stinky Face

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About the Book
A Stinky Face Halloween--now in board book!

"Mama, what if Mrs. Petry doesn't know it's really just me at her door? What if she gets so surprised from my super-scary costume that she throws her candy bowl up and it lands on her head and candy spills all over?"

It's almost time to go trick-or-treating, but first Stinky Face has just a few questions for Mama. As always, Mama lovingly addresses each and every one of her child's concerns. A sweet and reassuring Halloween tale from Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore!

My Take on the Book
Children of all ages often have a lot of questions they ask their parents or other adults. Stinky Face's mother shows great patience as she answers each of her child's serious questions about Halloween and trick or treating with his friends. 

The story shows the creativity of Stinky Face and the thinking behind his questions about Halloween and his friends.

The story is humorous and any young child will enjoy the story and parents will delight in the answers by a smart and patient mother. 

It looks like Stinky Face and his friends will enjoy a Halloween full of fun in this story.
You will enjoy the detailed and delightful illustrations by Cyd Moore too.
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Book Review - Gods, Heroes, and Monsters

Gods, Heroes, and Monsters

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About the Book
This action-packed guide to ancient Greek mythology is filled with profiles of the most amazing characters, as well as brilliant images, fascinating facts, and riveting storytelling. Lavish CGI artworks recreate the most dramatic scenes from famous Greek myths, while incredible artifacts from the ancient Greek period are taken out from "behind the glass."


Journey back to Mount Olympus

Young readers will discover the stories of the gods and Mount Olympus itself, while they learn about artifacts that offer historical context to the mythology. Gods, Heroes, and Monsters takes readers on a tour of discovery in which the legendary creatures, epic battles, and heroic deeds of Greek mythology come alive.


A riveting introduction to Greek mythology


This engrossing book is the perfect way to introduce (or rediscover) all the stories of the gods of Olympus, the Odyssey, the Trojan Wars, and the adventures of heroes such as Perseus and Heracles. From fates and furies to the Minotaur and Medusa, this book will stir every imagination. (Ages 10 and up)




My Take on the Book
Selene Nicholaides sets the stage for the reader with an introduction about her life and her father who was a curator of a museum. In the museum he had artifacts which were apparently stolen from Greece. In the years she grew up, she found her father became very uneasy about the artifacts and hid them away until she found the box after her father's passing and sent the artifacts back to Greece.

This introduction is important because her book illustrates many artifacts found and are placed in museums. There are illustrations of the artifacts, great structures built by the ancient Greeks, stories/myths about gods, heroes who killed monsters, and the power that people thought these beings had. The stories have been told and retold for generations.

The author writes an excellent book. She gives the reader the history of the Greeks, includes information about the Olympian gods, and explains how the myths became an important part of the people's lives.

These myths were told because the people needed a way to explain events. The art work produced has a direct relationship to the stories. The stories are engaging to the reader.

One of the pages illustrates the god called Apollo. He was important because people felt he was responsible for sun, healing, music and truth. Today you can still see parts of a temple built to Apollo in Delphi. It is considered a very sacred site in ancient Greece.

I found this book very interesting to read. It is quite evident the author has done an amazing amount of research for her book.
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Monday, June 6, 2016

Book Review - Read & Play Puppet Theater: Wolf Tales

Read & Play Puppet Theater: Wolf Tales

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About the Book
Read & Play Puppet Theater allows you to not only read your favorite fairy tales, but also act them out on stage!

Read & Play Puppet Theater allows you to not only read your favorite fairy tales, but also act them out on stage. The box can be used as a stage and contains puppets, set pieces, and a book of three fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf and the Young Kids, and The Three Little Pigs. Each tale includes a shortened script and will capture the attention of event he youngest children. Just set up the pieces, get the puppets ready, and let the performance begin! The boxed set contains: a foldout puppet theatre, a book of three fairy tales with shortened scripts and prompts, 5 colorful set backdrops, and 9 double-sided paper puppets.




My Take on the Book
This was a fun story that the whole family can get into. Not only because the story was fun and engaging but this combines theatrical puppet based play and storytelling with the story itself making the story even better. The characters were fun and the illustrations creative. The puppets were well crafted and my daughters loved to create the story by themselves for us!


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