Archive for the ‘Book reviews’ Category

I am a graphic designer. Though after the birth of my children, designing has taken a backseat because it consumes a lot of time, time I’d rather be spending shaping my children. My love however to continue to create in many ways still remains and designing illustrations will return in the right season and time. But until then, I will continue to let everything around me inspire for future projects, you honestly can never really turn that off. Anything can spark an image, an idea, and so on. And speaking of inspiration, have I ever found a book after my own heart in Abrams Young Readers Spring collection called “Pantone’s Colors “.

Pantone Colors is beautifully done in a style that not only children but adults will delight in. Throughout this book, the 9 basic colors, each represented by an image such Pink for Pig, Red for Wagon, Green and there’s a frog pictured and so on. Where this book takes a twist not seen any many if any other color themed children’s book is that it displays 20 different shades of each main color. It’s a great way to teach children about lighter and darker shades and the fact that with any color, there are numerous color tones within.

My children adore this book, especially my three year old daughter. She points to the different shades of colors and asks me what the name for it is. She’s even started telling me what her favorite shades are and which one she doesn’t like as much. A feature I am extremely partial to is that the actual Pantone Number is included on each color swatch in the book making this a great reference that I’ll be looking to use in the future of my illustrations works as a graphic designer.

I highly recommend this book for those of all ages. It’s a wonderful learning tool, a conversation starter, and a work of art all by itself to display proudly in your home.

If interested, you can purchase Pantone: Colors on Amazon.com for $9.95 and it’s also eligible for free shipping.

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Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in exchange for my opinion of them. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

 Can you believe that in about two more weeks that Spring will be upon us? Spring is one of my favorite seasons and my children are getting pretty excited about the season too. I don’t know about you but ways I like to welcome the season in is by doing crafts, decorating the home, and reading seasonal appropriate books to my children. And speaking of reading, I’m thrilled to be spreading the news about two brand new puzzle books that are perfect for children ages 2-4 years old in welcoming the Spring and Easter season from Abrams Appleseed books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

My Birdie and My Bunny Puzzle Book by author and illustrator Jessie Ford were a hit with my children, ages a little over 1 and nearly four years old. Each book is in hard cover format and the thickness of the pages ensure that these books will last for a very long time. The illustrations have the look of trendy stationary and design making these boards book quite stylish! I for one as a graphic designer welcomed the different textures and the spring color palette which gives each book a very sophisticated feel.

These books are great for early learning concepts with the single pull-out puzzle pieces on each page spread of the book. Your child or you can remove each piece as you read through the story and at the end the puzzle can be completed. In the My Birdie book, children will learn how to count up to the number four as well as learn different colors. And in the My Bunny book, senses are covered such as smelling, tasting, listening, and so on.

I highly recommend My Birdie and My Bunny Puzzle Books to share this Spring season. I think these would make wonderful additions to any child’s easter basket too. You can purchase these books right now on Amazon.comfor $6.95.

Get Connected with Abrams Books:  Twitter |  Facebook | Sign up for their newsletter | Check out their online catalogs

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in exchange for my opinion of them. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Peepsqueak is a cute story that teaches and reminds us the importance of never giving up on your hopes and dreams no matter how big or small that they may be. This story is written by Leslie Ann Clark an artist and designer whom has worked on books, magazines, greeting cards, puzzles, fabric designs, and more. This is her first book and I’m sure it won’t be her last.

Peepsqueak went over well with both of my children ages three year old and a little over 1. The colorful full page illustrations of the farm and surrounding areas were fun for the kids to look at. And my daughter even pointed out that there was a little gray mouse that made an appearance on almost every page in which the little chick was on.

The story isn’t too long or to short. I would say it’s just right. This book would be great for a beginning readers too, in my opinion. I like how certain words in the text stand out and go along well with the story being told. For example with Peepsqueak falls down the text gradually goes in down toward the bottom of the page and when he’s going up, the text rises up to the top of the page. Also certain phrases that are repeated in the story stand out with color and size.

This would be a cute book to give either a young boy or girl during the Spring season. I know both my kids enjoyed the simpleness to it and I’m sure others will too.

You can see a book trailer for Peepsqueak  and download a maze based on Peepsqueak! [PDF] for the kids too!

Buy it: Peepsqueak! can be purchased at Amazon.com for $9.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping as well as other well known book stores.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in exchange for my opinion of them. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.