Try The World Review

With Try The World, get a beautiful box every two months full of gourmet, international products from around the world!  This month, is our new Marrakesh box, which will be our box of the month for March & April!

We curate the most luxurious and delicious foods from destinations such as Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Rio and more!

This is what I got in my box:

I am giving this box of products a 4/5. I was given the box via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own,

Never Ending Bad Day by Lady Jenniviere Review & Giveaway

Middle grade fiction for ages 8 - 12.
Deja Vue. The feeling you are repeating a moment. We have all experienced it. A second or two that seem oddly familiar.

What would happen if your entire day was deja vue? What if you know exactly what will happen, but nobody believes you? And what if it just happens to be the worst day of your life? And what if you know tomorrow it will repeat all over again?

Well for Misty Bentley there is no what if. She did not want the last day of summer to end. She and her best friend Stanley Green were having a wonderful summer vacation when the pair stumbled across a fountain. Without a thought, Misty tossed a coin in and wished the day would never end. As fate would have it, her wish was granted.

Regrettably, the day turned out to be the worst day of her life. Humiliation piled on humiliation. Injury was added to insult.

If she has any chance of catching tomorrow, she must convince Stanley they are repeating the same day and together they have to figure a way to undo her wish.


Never Ending Bad Day  is the sixth book in the Lady Jenniviere's Quill series of preteen books.  Each book has an underlying moral.  This book centers around friendship and the consequences of neglecting preparation.

My Review:

This is the second Lady Jenniviere's Quill series and I liked the first book as well. This book has a moral that I think is important for kids to read and learn about. Preparation is not always the key to success, but it definitely helps with anxiety and saves time. I have gotten the feeling of deja vue before and I think that it would be hard to convince me that it is truly happening again. Misty definitely has her work cut out for her. This is a series that I can not wait to read more of. It is fun and I liked the illustrations. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own. 

I am also giving away an ebook copy here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Next Boston Band by Michael Fertik Review

Mekhi Bessel was maybe the top indie promoter in all of Greater Boston.  He could get anyone to come to anything.  He could get the Saudi kids from BU to show up to a football game at BC.  He could get the cokehead finals club WASPs from Harvard to a poetry slam at Chocolate City, the Afro-theme house at MIT.  And he knew from experience he could get the Euro-Latins from Emerson to dance salsa in the freezing cold to Israeli rock music in the parking lot outside the Beanpot hockey semi-final.  He had been an indiscriminate impresario since his sophomore year in college when he produced his first play and charged for it in violation of Theater Club rules.  Now, at 24, he had a whole series of gigs under his belt: nightclubs, rock and roll bands, hockey, football, girl’s lacrosse, good seating at the Head of the Charles, poetry reading, hip-hop (battles, a-cappella, and instrumental), dj’s, album launch, magazine launch, school committee candidate (Alan Price, Democrat, victorious), class day at Lesley University, ill-fated steak-and-live-blues restaurant, not-ill-fated brunch-and-live-blues restaurant, independent movie premieres, and the highly lucrative after-hours party.  Boston shut down at 1 a.m., so the party had to go somewhere just as it was getting going.  Mekhi found the lofts, bought the liquor, paid the dj, and collected the bar and gate.

This is how he had run afoul of the Tygers brothers.  They cooked all the nightlife in Boston.  Last night was the first time they had given him such a serious beating.

My Review:

This book was about a person that thought he could get away with anything, However he did not realize that he was on someone elses turf. He soon realizes that he made a mistake and he is in way over his head. It was interesting to see how he tried to get out of trouble. I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.

The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall by Jillian Lin Review

The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!
Chinese New Year special! For a limited time, get another book in this series FREE when you buy The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall. For instructions on how to receive your free offer, see inside the book.

Meet the brilliant, all-powerful First Emperor of China. In this book, read about his interesting life and how he became one of the most important men in Chinese history.

Even though the First Emperor lived more than two thousand years ago, his memory still lives on. Each year, thousands of people visit the Great Wall, as well as the army of Terracotta Warriors hidden in the emperor’s secret tomb. And did you know that China was named after him?

In The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall, discover for yourself why he built the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what he hid in his secret tomb.

The simple language and beautiful illustrations make The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall a wonderful beginner/early reader or bedtime story. It is suitable for all ages, but children aged 5-12 years will especially enjoy reading, listening to, or reading along with this book.

About the Once Upon A Time In China… series
China has a very long history that includes many fascinating stories, but often they are too complex for young children to read. For this historical fiction collection, Jillian Lin has rewritten the most well-known tales as simple, engaging short stories, for kids from age five to enjoy and at the same time, learn from. While some stories sound almost like fairytales, they are all based on true historical facts. Fully illustrated, each book contains the life story of a famous figure in Chinese history, a list of interesting facts, a quiz, and a map.

Other books in this book collection are:

- The Miracle Doctor (to be released in March 2015)
- The Mountain Man of Words and Music (to be released in April 2015)
- The Dreamer of Stars (to be released in May 2015)
- The King Without A Throne (to be released in June 2015)
- The First and Only Female Emperor (to be released in July 2015)
- The Greatest Explorer in the World (to be released in August 2015)
- The Pirate King (to be released in September 2015)

My Review:

This is a great book to learn about China. Evan as an adult I learned something new. I was drawn to the cover and the illustrations were really nice. I also enjoyed that the author made this book child friendly. The quiz is also great because it helps to remember what I read. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson. however all opinions are my own.

Town Secrets by Scoot Gelowitz Review

How is the small town of Grayson linked to historical events like the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the story of

Adam and Eve?

Who built a system of tunnels underneath Grayson - and for what purpose?

Why are nearby towns being destroyed, leaving no trace of their residents?

Thirteen-year-old Adam McTaggart and his friends uncover these secrets and more as they race to save their tiny town.

Will they find the Town Secret before someone much more dangerous does?

From Amazon.ca:
5.0 out of 5 stars An utterly CAPTIVATING page-turner from cover to cover !! Jan. 23 2015
By Jill Cowan
Format:Kindle Edition
"The Book of Adam - Town Secrets" was cleverly written with thoughtful attention to every detail ! From this story's rich characterization to it's vivid description of the settings; it wove a thrilling adventure that was easy to get lost in the pages. This was an entertaining read that is very identifiable for the young reader as well as the older. It was engrossing, suspenseful, breathlessly thrilling, and was wrapped up neatly in a package of an evocation of a myriad of emotion. I was left with a happy sense of nostalgia, and will miss cheering on the young champion Adam and his friends until I can get a copy of the next story in this series !! "The Book of Adam - Town Secrets " is a tale for the ages !! Mr. Gelowitz, well done; ( Now get cracking on the next one !!!! )

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read!! Oct. 6 2014
By Cherie Frick
Format:Kindle Edition
Very entertaining. Good, clean reading for all ages. Pace is like a Dan
Brown book, I.e. lots of great suspense and adventure.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great way to visualize my hometown! Nov. 23 2014
By Pamela de Bruin
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Throughout the story, i had mental images of Grayson. It was fun and a delightful adventure. Thank you for the journey.

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars Oct. 4 2014
By Kimberly D Schaan
Format:Kindle Edition
Great read for kids and parents!

My Review;
This is a great suspense book about a town that has too many secrets. Eventually they were going to found out. I liked that this was a clean book so I could share it with my relatives. I liked the ending and would love to read more from the author. I loved all the history in this book and the new take on old stories that we all know. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.

Isecas The Dream Cat is by Preston Squire & Dixie Albanex Review

Discover why kids, parents and teachers are raving about this children's book!
"I usually don't like to read but this was FANTASTIC!!!!" - Maggie Hawkins - young reader
"The book is great to use as a springboard for discussing feelings, self-esteem and treating others with respect. I can't wait to see more books about the Dream Cat!!!" - Harriette Connell - Teacher
"My girls love this book and are hoping for more Isecas in the future!" - Brett Russell - Parent
"A powerful story and it's a page turner to boot." - Richard Comely - Illustrator of 13 children's books

Feeling out of place, bullied and alone, Sahar doesn't want to go to school anymore. When she's given an ancient Dream Cat, it shows her she's capable of more than she'd ever dreamed possible.

Isecas The Dream Cat is a heart-warming tale about a young girl's struggle to adjust to life in a new school, in a new country. She's guided through a process of self-discovery, learning confidence and self-reliance by the mysterious and mystical Dream Cat known only as Isecas.

My Review
I really liked that this book is relateable to a lot of kids. i also really enjoyed that the cat was like a guide for Sahar. This was a fun book with a good life lesson. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.


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Alien Mission by Lady Jenniviere Review

Middle grade fiction for ages 8 - 12.

On the alien world of ZOOT it is QB9’s birthday. The lonely little alien’s only wish is a friend. Instead, he receives a WISH-A-MA-GIG. The WISH-A-MA-GIG grants your every wish…however not always how you expect. It directs QB9 to travel to Earth where he will find his perfect friend. While preparing for the journey, QB9 becomes bored studying Earth’s culture and customs. So, he decides to just “wing it.” After all what could go wrong? Getting to Earth is the easy part. QB9 quickly learns “winging it” was not a good idea. In an effort to remain inconspicuous, QB9 lands on a tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. With the help of his trusted laptop Benni and his dog K9-20, he is able to escape to Alcatraz. Disguised as a strange looking human named Du Jour, he tries to blend in with the locals. He must find his perfect friend; fight to save himself, Benni, and his new friend from determined alien hunters and get back to ZOOT.

ALIEN MISSION is the third book in the Lady Jenniviere's Quill series of preteen books.  Each book has an underlying moral.  This book centers around friendship and the consequences of neglecting preparation.

My Review:
This was a fun read. To wish for a friend is common for a lot of people. The alien and all the puns was funny and I thought this was a great book for readers to understand about preparation. Winging it hardly ever succeeds. However every once in a while it does. I do not like those odds. I liked the idea of studying culture and the well known places that QB9 went to. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.

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I'm Dreaming About..... by Dan Jackson Review

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Want your kids to learn about dreams?

This is Bella. Bella is a six-year-old cat. She likes to dream. She dreams about sailing, traveling, and more. 

Come join Bella and his dreams with this fun and informative, colorful e-book. 

This beginner reader’s e-book will inspire young ones to learn about cats and dreams while hearing or reading an engaging story. 

Children will enjoy full-color illustrations of Bella and his dreams. 

Young readers will: 

1. Learn facts about dreams 

2. Be curious and ask questions 

3. Tell you about their dreams 

4. Enjoy a book about cats 

This is a sweet children's book written primarily for children ages four to eight years old. Targeting beginner readers, the book contains simple text and colorful illustrations. Each page also includes educational information about dreams.The story is suitable to be read out loud to preschoolers or as a self-read book for beginner readers. 

Bonus: Black and white images to print out and color. 

Parents: At the end of the book, it asks, "What is your dream?" Ask your child to tell you about his or her dream. Build a conversation around the topic to promote discussions about dreams. 

My Review:

This is a great book. I have bought more than one book on how to interpret dreams and I think about dreams I have had the next day. I also liked that the author picked a cat as the main character. I have heard the phrase "catnap" numerous times. These are definitely things that I could relate to.  This is a great book for fun and the readers learns something at the same time. it is also a great tool to use to talk to your child. Especially if you think that they are having bad dreams. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own. 

Little Trouble in Tall Tree by Michael Fertik Review

Beneath the peaceful exterior of the leafy town of Tall Tree, the brutal baby gangster underworld is simmering to a hard boil.  Squeezy the Cheeks, undisputed leader of the long ruling North Wood crew, is facing the toughest challenge of his career: his archnemesis Harry the Rash, who rules the Poopypants Gang with an iron rattle, is making a play for Squeezy's territory.  Mama's Boy, the freshest recruit into Squeezy's mob of infant thugs, is unwittingly thrust into the middle of the massive heist Squeezy must pull off to keep himself and his crew in their seat of power. Everything is at stake for the North Wood Gang.  But can Mama's Boy keep it together to make the score, or will the mysterious redhead he encounters at Story Time distract him at his most important hour? Join Mama's Boy as he journeys into the dark underbelly of the baby hoodlum wars and is forced to change his worldview forever.

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Awards: 2012 Gold Winner for eLit Awards - Illuminating Digital Publishing Excellence. (Children's Books - All Ages).

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"A consistently clever children's book with moxie to spare, aimed at readers of all ages." - Kirkus Reviews

Read the full review here! http://bit.ly/RCtRxF

My Review:

This was fun to read. It had mystery, rivalry and great puns. It was also a short read. Squeezy the leader is a cross between mikey from Look Who's Talking and Stewie from Family Guy. This is definitely going to bring smiles. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.
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The Hippo Who Did Gymnastics by Michael Rank Review

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Nobody in gymnastics class would have ever imagined a hippo joining them, but that's just what happens when Humphrey becomes the newest student. How can a hippo do gymnastics? The balance beam, the uneven bars, the floor exercises -- he's too heavy and too big! He might even fall on his head! But Humphrey just might have hidden talents that nobody expects.

This inspiring story of outsiders trying to fit in reminds gymnasts and non-gymnasts alike that sometimes all it takes is believing in yourself.

My Review:

I really think that this is a great book for children to read. It is great for the kids that are popular so they learn how to welcome everyone, because we are all different. It is also great for the not so popular kids because it will remind them that they are not alone and they have special talents that can be used elsewhere. I also liked the pictures and the author did a great job of making the book fun to read! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.

Power Bank Review

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Compatible with:
- Apple iPhone 5/5S/5C, 4/4S, iPad 1/2/3/4 mini 2, iPod Nano, Touch 4th/5th Generation (Lightning and 30-pin cables included as BONUS)
- Samsung - Galaxy Note 1,2,3, S1,S3/S4, S2 Skyrocket
- Google - Nexus 4, 7 & 7FHD, 10
- HTC One M7, M4, EVO 4G, Thunderbolt, Incredible, Droid DNA
- Motorola - Atrix, Droid, Moto X
- Nokia - Lumia series
- Sony - Xperia series
- LG - Optimus series

My Review:

I have already needed this more than once. I used it for my tablet, my camcorder, and my phone. It is easy to use, light weight, and easy to carry with you. It works great too. I highly recommend this to any one that uses electronics! I am giving this product a 5/5. 

Roaring Hot by Rachelle Ayala Review

Motorcycle racer Teo Alexiou is challenged by his grandmother to come to her birthday party with a real girlfriend. He has plenty of party girls, and he fears getting roped into marriage so he hires an actress to play the part.

The last thing Amy Suzuki wants is to be a kept woman, but her student loans are piling up and acting gigs are nonexistent. She agrees to Teo’s proposal for one summer, limited to public displays of affection.

When Teo and Amy find themselves caught in love’s grip, their new desires war with their fears. Teo wants to renegotiate, but Amy insists she’s only with him because she is paid. She would never lose her heart to a man who uses money to buy affection.

Their game playing explodes when Teo is injured on the track and breaks her contract. Too late, Amy realizes her true feelings for Teo. Can she convince Teo she truly cares before he goes back to his party girls?

My Review:
I have read other books by this author and I am glad every time. She has a certain way of making her characters memorable and interesting. It is always hard to have set rules when regarding love. These two people realize that they are in love and neither of them want to be the reason that their relationship changes. However Teo gets hurt. That changes their relationship, and Amy realizes too late that her heart wants something different. It was interesting to see how Teo acted after his accident compared to before he got hurt. Especially with matters of the heart. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Tomosn, however all opinions are my own. 

The Lost Heir by Andi O'Connor Review & Giveaway

Always a meticulous planner, Darrak Hunter leads a typically straightforward and dull life until his dreams unexpectedly become plagued with visions of a peculiar and distant world. Waking up to a brilliant purple sun looming ominously in the sky, Darrak is met by a mysterious violet-eyed sorcerer who whisks him away from the struggling Earth.

Thrown into the clutches of a foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he can to shape the future. Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception

My Review:
This is a great paranormal story about two magical forces. The black magic against the good guys, However when magic is involved people might not be whom they seem. I really liked that I did not really know what was going to happen. I also liked the kings of magic that were used in the book. The characters were easy to like, and Darrak was minding his own business. he did not really know what he was getting himself into. I was so glad that there was a list of words used in the book, and their translations. It made it a lot easier to read through the plot and not get stuck on word meanings. The ending was good and I found out what happens to the characters, but what about their future? I can not wait to read more books in this series. I am giving this book a 4/5. I  was given a copy to review from Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.


Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Shackleton's Burden by Todd Yunker Review

Alec Shackleton spent his youth bouncing from one planetary system to another with his father on expeditions. Alec had likened it to searching for the real Charon, the actual ferryman at the river Styx. He couldn’t keep his father’s dream anymore, so he left and broke out on his own to make a life for himself. Alec wanted so much more than chasing across the galaxy after a myth, a legendary story. It was just too bad that the rest of the galaxy caught up to him, propelling him into the greatest adventure ever told. Alec is the guy who the steps up because there isn’t anyone else who can. 

My Review:
This was a very interesting book. To be able to hop not only from planet to planet but also their systems would be fun to do. I can only imagine all the different things that I could learn! All the different things that I would see. I felt bad for Alec, but I was glad when he made the decision to keep searching. The ending was interesting and I would love to read more from this author. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy from Tomoson to review, however all opinions are my own.


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The Magical Jump of Smallfridge by Kyle Fuhber Review

Great book for Kids

Imagination can take us anywhere ... anywhere on earth and anywhere in space. Join Smallfridge on a flight of imagination as he discovers the wonders that await him ... in the universe and right here at home at bedtime.Intended for children of all ages.

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What people are saying :
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5.0 out of 5 stars Jump, Jump, Jumping On My Bed, August 10, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars "Ecourages Creativity And Imagination", August 28, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for kids, November 16, 2013

This kindle e-book is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for beginner readers and Great as Christmas Book for kids.

My Review:
This is a great book! I really liked that the message was being able to succeed! I also liked that it was about space. This is definitely a fun book that children will be interested in! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Tomoson, however all opinions are my own,.

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We Choose Virtues Poster Review

Product Description

 This colorful poster is a complete list of all 12 of our Virtues, their Catchphrases and Antonyms. The Kids of VirtueVille are pictured next to each Virtue for easy reference. The Kids Virtue Poster presents a language of Virtue that is both clear and positive. If you are looking for a precise and consistent standard for both attitudes and actions that everyone can understand, this is a great place to start. It will help you create a brand new culture in your home or classroom that will eliminate confusion and build hope. The 12 Virtues are: I am Diligent, I am Obedient, I am Kind, I am Helpful, I am Forgiving, I am Honest, I am Perseverant, I amSelf-controlled, I am Content, I am Patient, I am Gentle and I am Attentive!

 My Review:
I really liked this because it can be easily taped to any wall. It is also kid friendly! It is in fun colors too. I like that there are examples of what to do, and what not to do. I am giving this product a 4/5. I was given an item to review from Tomoson, however all opinions are my own.


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