Dad of Divas' Reviews: April 2017

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Book Review - Culture Works

Culture Works

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About the Book
What would it feel like to have an extraordinary workplace culture that generates both joy and remarkable financial results? Imagine walking into your workplace where smiles are real, laughter is genuine and vibrant energy fills the room. Your team wins and so does your financial bottom-line.

Many leaders and managers find culture to be abstract, intangible and elusive. They want a clear guide about how to actually create a framework that helps both the organization and employees thrive.

Perhaps you’ve noticed people walking on eggshells or avoiding conversation landmines. Is your team’s performance waning due to gossip, silos or apathy? Maybe millennials have you miffed or ‘there’s not enough time!’ is used as a common accountability scapegoat.

Culture Works helps you navigate around and through those kinds of obstacles. In this book you will learn how to create an extraordinary workplace culture. Not with rainbows and unicorns, but with concrete innovative concepts, enlightening stories and tangible tools.

After reading this book, you will be ready to take action with doable, down-to-earth steps to energize your team and yield real deal results.

Every book includes a bonus personalized culture assessment inside!

About the Author
Kris Boesch is the CEO and founder of Choose People, a company that transforms company cultures, increases employee happiness and boosts the bottom line. Over the past decade she has researched and tested – in a variety of workplaces – innovative concepts and tangible tools to create empowering contexts in which teams thrive. The Choose People 360° Culture Audit is based on more than 1,000 hours of research Boesch conducted with a team of doctoral students in the Industrial Organizational Psychology Department at Colorado State University. Prior to Choose People, Boesch was the CEO of Exodus Moving & Storage. Under her leadership, Exodus became the largest mover in Northern Colorado, with a turnover rate nearly 40 percent less than the industry average and a bottom line twice that same average. Kris is also a proud mother, dancing diva and dog lover.

My Take on the Book
This is a practical book that really allows you to work through some tough topics and make substantive changes that will help change the culture of your workplace. I loved that the book did not placate the reader but allowed you to be proactive and really work through specific steps that will truly change your workplace for the better! I have to give this 2 thumbs up, especially with the culture assessment that it provides as this really helps get the dialogue started!


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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Book Review - A-MAZE-ING Animals: 50 Mazes for Kids

A-MAZE-ING Animals: 50 Mazes for Kids
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About the Book
Find 50 Fun, colorful cartoons-within-a-maze from the designer of the world's largest hand-drawn maze and internationally-acclaimed creator of MazeToon! Mazes are a great way to increase hand-eye coordination, bolster problem-solving skills, sharpen reasoning, and more. You'll get all that and then some with these 50 colorfully illustrated mazes that feature fully solvable characters, cartoon elements, and imaginative creatures that figure prominently along every start-to-finish path. Themed, integrated animal illustrations (set within the mazes) are fun, playful, and perfect for big kids and grown-ups too. Besides navigating the usual twists and turns of a traditional maze path, puzzle-solvers will have to navigate through crazy cartoon features, like a dinosaur's mouth, a bat's wings, a vulture's beak, a frog's tongue, and more. There are dozens of dead ends, illusions, twists and turns that increase with the difficulty level. It's not just thoroughly entertaining it's absolutely A-MAZE-ING!


My Take on the Book
This is a great book with some very cool mazes that are made from images of a ton of different animals. We loved trying the mazes and found that some of them were easier than others but all of them were a ton of fun overall. If you love mazes, this book is one that will bring you and your kids together and you can have a ton of fun together!

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Book Review - Monster Itch: Ghost Attack

Monster Itch: Ghost Attack

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About the Book
When Alex and his cousin Sarah are visiting their grandparents, Alex gets terrible red, itchy hives. Yikes! He's allergic to a ghost! Even worse, the ghost won't leave him alone -- he wants Alex and Sarah's help. Can they solve the ghost's mystery and get rid of Alex's awful rash before it ruins everything?



My Take on the Book
My family always loves a good mystery and this book was a fun and quick one that I read with my daughter. My daughter loved the characters and there was a great mix of humor and mystery that was very exciting. My daughter wanted to read this straight through and so we did! You will love reading this together or by yourself.

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Book Review - Harry Potter Magical Artifacts Poster Coloring Book

Harry Potter Magical Artifacts Poster Coloring Book

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About the Book
From the speedy Golden Snitch to Hermione's mysterious bottomless bag, the world of Harry Potter is full of enchanting and beautiful artifacts. Featuring artwork from the hugely successful Harry Potter Magical Artifacts Coloring Book, this special poster collection features twenty stunning, one-sided prints that are perfect for coloring. Each detailed illustration is printed on high-quality card stock and can be easily removed for displaying.


My Take on the Book
This is a great book that offers you a ton of amazing pictures that were very large and intricate. The pictures offered you an array of options and my daughters loved working on all of the pictures that were in this book. You and your kids will love to create some amazing pictures that will being the world of Harry Potter alive.

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Monday, April 24, 2017

Book Review - Ultimate Dot-to-Dot: Minecraft

Ultimate Dot-to-Dot: Minecraft

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About the Book
Calling all Minecraft devotees: this exceptional collection of dot-to-dot scenes from the world of Minecraft awaits you! Puzzle addicts and Minecraft fans of all ages will enjoy these 40 complex, challenging dot-to-dot creations that range from grand structures built in Creative Mode to familiar scenes from the game played in Survival Mode, and everything in between. Every puzzle is specifically designed to absorb, entertain, and captivate you for hours. Simple color coding offers hints about what the finished image may look like and gets you excited about making lots more connections. When you’re done, you can color the completed images to create a truly one-of-a-kind Minecraft experience. (Ages 8 and up) Find out more here!
My Take on the Book
This was a very cool book that was both challenging and exciting for any Minecraft. Each of the puzzles are definitely challenging but the images that you get in the end are so awesome. You will love the Minecraft images that you get and in the end you can color these and make them ones that you can even put up around your room or give to others!


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Friday, April 21, 2017

Book Review - Precise Leaders Get Results

Precise Leaders Get Results

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About the Book
Throughout my career, I have observed, studied, and interviewed many leaders including CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, executives, consultants, coaches, managers, and teachers. My goal all along has been to identify what the best leaders do in order to influence, inspire, and bring out the best in people. What I have discovered is that the truly great leaders have a clear and precise understanding of three things:

  1. 1. The context—they know how to diagnose and evaluate the current environment. They see both the problems and opportunities. Afterwards, they are able to clarify “what is” and identify “what’s possible.”
  2. Themselves—they are self-aware. They know who they are and what they believe. They are clear on their mission and priorities, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. 
  3. The interaction—they know how to connect with people and make a positive impact. They understand how to present their ideas in a clear, concise, and compelling way. 

All great leaders find precise answers to the following questions:
  1. What are my core beliefs and values?
  2. What is the current situation and what is possible in the future?
  3. Why change is needed?
  4. Who needs to change and what specific changes are required?
  5. Are people able and willing to change?
  6. What is the plan to increase people’s knowledge, skills and desire?
  7. How will people benefit?




My Take on the Book
The author of this book delved deep into some great examples of leaders from numerous companies and industries. Paul Thornton examined these leaders and these businesses and found that great leaders leave nothing to question. In actuality, the author finds that the opposite is true. Instead, he found that leaders that were seen as world-class were striving for a 'precise' understanding of the company culture and employee behavior that they are seeking. The book is honest and forthright and while shorter than some books, this book goes deep, and is a book that all leaders should read!

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Book Review - Super Saurus Saves Kindergarten

Super Saurus Saves Kindergarten

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About the Book
Arnold has a plan.

The evil genius Zorgo-disguised as Mr. Zachary-will never stop him. That's because Arnold is . . . SUPER SAURUS! No kindergarten in the universe can hold him.

Or can it?



My Take on the Book
All young readers will love this story and will appreciate the fact that a mild manner character has an alter-ego. The story is a ton of fun and the images are even more fun. You will love reading this with your young readers!

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Book Review - Matylda, Bright and Tender

Matylda, Bright and Tender
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About the Book
Sussy and Guy are best friends, fourth-graders who share their silliest thoughts and deepest hopes. One afternoon, the two of them decide they must have something of their very own to love. After a trip to the pet store, they bring home a spotted lizard, the one with the ancient face and starfish toes, and they name her Matylda (with a y so it’s all her own). With Guy leading the way, they feed her and give her an origin story fit for a warrior lizard. A few weeks later, on a simple bike ride, there is a terrible accident. As hard as it is, Sussy is sure she can hold on to Guy if she can find a way to love Matylda enough. But in a startling turn of events, Sussy reconsiders what it means to grieve and heal and hope and go on, for her own sake and Matylda’s. By turns both devastating and buoyant, this story is a brave one, showing how far we can justify going for a real and true friend.



My Take on the Book
This book was an emotional roller-coaster. You get to see the main characters go through anger, despair, confusion and more all set within a middle-school context. This powerful book was written in such a way that kids in middle school can understand and appreciate and while the story is about friendship, you also see that that the deep emotions that are shared lead to a story that is honest and real. The topics covered are deep and sad at times but also the friendship that is shared is deep and the connections between the characters are truly tangible.



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Book Review - The Secret Grave: A Hauntings Novel

The Secret Grave: A Hauntings Novel

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About the Book
Nightshade can be deadly.

Hannah and Scooter's sprawling, ramshackle house is named for the lethal plant that grows in the dark woods behind it. Hannah knows she's not supposed to explore the forest or nearby Moonlight Lake. But she's feeling lonely and desperate for an adventure. And there Hannah meets Cady, a mysterious girl who promises everything Hannah's been missing. Only Cady has a secret:

Cady wants Hannah all to herself.

Soon Cady is copying Hannah's style so they can be more alike. She lies to Hannah's friends, insults Scooter, and begs Hannah to break her parents' rules and sneak out for a midnight swim. Hannah wants to believe Cady's just a little insecure. But when she discovers a cemetery beyond the lake with an eerily familiar headstone, she must decide whether to trust her new friend or dig for answers that may lead her to a watery grave . . .



My Take on the Book
If you love a good scary story this book will bring you an amazing story with characters that were well developed. The story was truly engaging and scary. You will want to go further to see what is coming on the next page and the climax of the book is held to the end and you will not see it coming! The book was a fun read that really drew me in. I found that I could not put the book down and neither will you or your kids.


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Book Review - Happily Ever Afterlife: Crushed


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About the Book
Lucy is ready for her next challenge at Limbo Central Middle School: joining a club. Or actually, forming one. Lucy and her best friend Cecily were awesome ballet dancers in life, so obviously they can start a Dance Club in the afterlife!

Not according to Georgia Sinclaire. The head of the Cheerleading squad wants to forbid cheerleaders from even trying out for Lucy and Cecily's club.

Who knew starting a Dance Club would be all about drama?



My Take on the Book
Again Lucy is trying to have a great afterlife while having to go through middle school. In this book you get to see her getting involved in different ways. While starting an organization is challenging, this book shows that it can also bring in some amazing challenges too. The book allows you to meet some new characters that were not in the first book, but brings back some loved characters too. All-in-all this was a fast read that your middle-schooler will love!

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Book Review - Happily Ever Afterlife: Ghostcoming

Happily Ever Afterlife: Ghostcoming

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About the Book
Lucy has just joined the afterlife, and as a brand-new ghost she's mostly see-through, not able to stand or sit normally, stuck in the ballet clothes she was wearing before she crossed over...and stuck in middle school. Can't a ghost get a break?

But then the cutest (ghost) boy she's ever seen turns out to be her very own guide to school, and things start looking brighter. Maybe she's not quite solid yet, but Lucy is definitely going to make this the best afterlife ever!



 
My Take on the Book
This was a fun book that lets you get in the afterlife, but also into the life of a middle school girl. You get to experience some ups and down in this characters' afterlife, but in the end you can tell that Lucy is working hard to make her afterlife an amazing one. My daughters loved reading this and I found that they did not want to put this down!


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Book Review - Vampirina at the Beach

Vampirina at the Beach

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About the Book
When the summer moon is full, a beach trip is an epic way to spend the night.



My Take on the Book
This was a fun book that lets you meet and hang 10 with a very fun Vampire. I loved the idea of being able to spend time at the beach in the Moonlight just like you would during the day. You get to have a ton of fun with her and my daughters loved being able to read another book with this memorable character!


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Book Review - Owl Diaries: Baxter is Missing

Owl Diaries: Baxter is Missing

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About the Book
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In book 6, a famous author is coming to Treetopolis! Eva and her classmates each have to write a story to share with the author. Eva's excited! But then something terrible happens: Her pet bat, Baxter, goes missing! Eva can't think of anything to write about -- except how much she misses Baxter! With help from her friends, Eva looks everywhere for Baxter. She even hangs up MISSING posters! Where could Baxter be? And will Eva finish her story in time for the author's visit?



My Take on the Book
Another great Owl Diary! If you have never read these books they are perfect for the young reader, adding in both great illustrations and words that kids will understand. Add in a fun story that will engage the reader you get a great book. This book is definitely a fun read and the mystery is solid too!

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Book Review - Lizzie and Lou Seal

Lizzie and Lou Seal

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About the Book
What will Lizzie do when Lou Seal loses his puff?

Lizzie lovers her flip-flops. They go shuffle shuffle across the rug, smack smack on the floor tiles, and thwap thwap down the stairs. Lizzie also loves her blow-up toy, Lou Seal. Lizzie and Lou Seal are off to the beach, but beach fun turns to beach disaster when Lizzie loses her flip-flops and Lou Seal starts losing air! It’s a sink or swim scenario. What will Lizzie do?

This is a beautiful book with mixed media art and a lovely retro feel, for fans of Ladybug Girl at the Beach. Children will relate to Lizzie’s independence and creative problem solving and fall in love with Lou Seal themselves. Filled with lots of fun words and sounds, this is a perfect read aloud book for parents and children alike.



My Take on the Book
This was a fun book that brings summer to the forefront. You get to see the fun of summer through the eyes of an energetic girl that has so much love of life. While this has a great story, it gets a bit exciting when Lizzie loses her flip-flops and Lou Seal loses his air. You get to see some great problem solving in action and the book really uses vivid wording to make you better understand and truly feel and experience what is happening in the story! This is a book you will want to read with your kids!



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Book Review - Eerie Elementary: Sam Battles the Machine!

Eerie Elementary: Sam Battles the Machine!

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About the Book
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In book 6, a mysterious substitute teacher arrives at Eerie Elementary. Sam, Lucy, and Antonio think he must be up to no good! They follow him and discover he lives in mad scientist Orson Eerie's old house! And he's building a strange machine! Who is this substitute teacher? Is he trying to free Orson -- to somehow bring him back to life for real?! Sam and his friends are about to find out!



My Take on the Book
Below is a review of the book written by my daughter who is in third grade!

I think Eerie Elementety is a great book because it is about three friends that go to Eerie Elementary. Their school is alive and because of this they have to fight the school. Someone named Olson Eerie built the school over 100 years ago and is trying to come back to life. In the new Eerie Elementary book Sam battles the machine and their guest teacher has the last name Eerie. The three do research about the Eerie family tree and they find out the guest teacher was Olson Eerie's great-great grandson. At first they thought the grandson was bad, but they followed him home and the grandson was by the machine. He found the three and trapped them in a dead end. They thought he is trying to bring Olson Eerie back to life, but the teacher said that he found the machine when he moved in and they he is working to make sure that Olson can never can come back. I think this is a great series for readers my age!








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Book Review - Open in Case of Emergency

Open in Case of Emergency

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About the Book
A mysterious box arrives at the door marked OPEN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. That sure is handy for Zachary J. Warthog. Need a packet of sugar? Just open the box and it’s there! Clean underwear? Check.

Cyrus P. Rhinosaur gets a box, too. When he has real and true emergencies, like a tornado that hits his house, he decides the save the box for an even bigger emergency.

When Zack loses his box, suddenly—a real emergency! But no box to open . . .




My Take on the Book
This was a great book that was so fun to read. We loved reading this and you will get lost in the fun characters and great story. Will Zack find its' box? Will he be able to come back from his true emergency? You have to read this book and see!

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Book Review - Marvel: Spider-Man 1000 Dot-to-Dot Book


Marvel: Spider-Man 1000 Dot-to-Dot Book


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About the Book
Join your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and all your favorite comic characters on a new adventure from best-selling dot-to-dot artist Thomas Pavitte. With 20 complex puzzles to complete, each consisting of at least 1,000 dots, Marvel fans will have hours of fun bringing Spidey and his friends, allies, and most villainous foes to life.



My Take on the Book
I am a huge Spider-Man fan and this book is perfect for any Spider-Man fanatic. You get 20 great puzzles to complete and then you can actually move to the next level and color the pictures that you have created next. Each of the puzzles take a little bit of time as there are a ton of dots to connect, but you will love the resulting pictures in each one! This was an awesome book that all fans of Spider-Man will love!

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