June Wrap Up…

Welcome to my June Wrap Up. I had a pretty great reading month, finishing 9 books (2 books off my TBR). I also received 9 ARCs this month.

I have reviews up or coming up for these books so as usual this is just going to be a brief rundown on each book I read.

Without further ado, let’s get into my June Wrap Up:

Votes For Women! by Mark Wilson: This book was wonderful. This is the second book of Mark Wilson’s that I have read and I wasn’t disappointed. The information was presented in a clear and concise manner making it easy to understand and follow. On top of the fantastic information were the truly stunning illustrations that just elevated this book to a whole new level.

What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say by Davina Bell: This book was lovely. I loved the message of this book. The situations were relatable and the fantastic illustrations by Hilary Jean Tapper made this a truly engaging little book. I can easily see this book becoming a fast favourite of many young readers and their families.

Magical Zoo by Daisy Edwards: This book was thoroughly entertaining. The story that Daisy Edwards created was fun and easy to follow and the Illustrations by Lee Cosgrove were utterly eye-catching adding an extra layer to this beautiful book. I can easily see this book being devoured by young readers and their families over and over again.

My Friend, Happy by Hannah Campling: This book was absolutely beautiful. The story was sweet and the message was wonderful. The writing was rhyming and lyrical making it easy to follow. Adding to the fantastic story were the stunning Illustrations by Sian Robert. This is one of those books that I can see becoming a much-loved favourite with young readers and their families.

Goodnight Sleepy Unicorn by Sienna Williams: This book was adorable. The writing was musical and fun, and the story was both entertaining and utterly sweet. Complimenting the story perfecting were the truly magical Illustrations by Roger Simo. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. If you have a young reader in your life get them this book now.

One Million Kisses by Sienna Williams: This book was lovely. The story was beautiful and the imagery drawn upon by the writing was really fun and clever. Benedetta Capriotti’s fantastic illustrations were both bright and bold and perfectly captured the story that Sienna Williams created. This book is a must-have for all young readers and their families.

L Platers by Madonna King: This book was both fascinating and insightful. It has been a while since I was a teenager so I was shocked by just how much teenage girls have to deal with these days. This book was filled with great first-hand experiences that really need to be heard. I am glad that I read this book and I truly believe that it should be read by all parents.

Anne Frank by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara: I loved this book. As I have been making my way through the Little People Big Dreams series I have been waiting for this particular book to enter my collection and now that it is finally here I couldn’t be happier. It was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. This is definitely my new favourite book from the Little People Big World series.

The Bay by Allie Reynolds: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the suspense and the fact that I was constantly changing my mind about who the killer was. The writing was perfect for the story; it was dramatic and fast-paced. As for the characters, they were all so different yet all hiding something which added to the craziness of the story.

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That’s it for my June Wrap Up. I hope you all had a great reading month. Let me know what you guys read this month in the comments section.

Until my July Wrap Up…

Happy Reading…

~>GEM<~

Winter Wonderland Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Winter Wonderland Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

WHAT BOOK IS SO HAPPY AND SWEET THAT IT WARMS YOUR HEART?

Wishyouwas by Alexandra Page

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK WITH A WHITE COVER?

The Last Woman in the World by Inga Simpson

YOU’RE SITTING IN A NICE COMFY CHAIR, WEARING A ONESIE, WITH A LOVELY WARM HOT CHOCOLATE BUT WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?

Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales

IT STARTED SNOWING SO YOU DECIDED TO HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT! WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE THE SNOWBALL FIGHT WITH?

Audrey Rose Wadsworth – Stalking Jack The Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco

SADLY, YOUR FIRE IS BEGINNING TO GO OUT. SO WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU TEAR THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS OUT TO THROW INTO THE FIRE?

Talking With Psychopaths and Savages: Beyond Evil by Christopher Berry-Dee

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Well, that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading… 

~>GEM<~

What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say by Davina Bell

‘I’m not brave enough today. Maybe next time.
You’re hurting my feelings right now.
Want to join in?

A warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life’s little moments and big emotions with empathy, kindness, and words from the heart.’

This book was beautiful.

This is one of those books that I saw and just knew I needed to have. The cover captured my interest and after I had read the synopsis I was hooked. Once I finally got my hands on this book I knew that I had made the right choice in getting myself a copy of it.

It is books like these that make me wish I had a young reader in my life to share it with. The writing, the story, and the message were all incredibly sweet yet educational and the illustrations were so lovely that as soon as I finished reading this book I started it again just so I could study the illustrations.

Davina Bell has done a fantastic job with this book. The writing was simple and easy to follow and the situations that she wrote about are ones that many children will be able to understand and relate to. The way Davina Bell captured what can at times be difficult and scary moments for young children was sweet and encouraging and made for a really special reading experience.

Perfectly complimenting Davina Bell’s wonderful story were the stunning illustrations by Hilary Jean Tapper. Hilary Jean Tapper’s illustrations were bright and engaging but also had a really warm and comforting feeling to them which really enhanced the story being told elevating this already beautiful little book.

I am so glad that I have a copy of this magical little book on my bookshelf.

What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say by Davina Bell is a must-have for all young readers and their families.

Uni Update 26!

It’s that time again…

Uni Update!

I am happy to say that I have officially finished Uni for the trimester.

Over the last few weeks I have been overwhelmed with essays and assessments before sitting my final exams last week, so I am very excited to have not only finished this trimester of Uni but to also get a short break before the next trimester starts.

This break is new to me as my trimesters usually start the Monday after the last one finished but since they have rearranged the dates this year I get to relax and regroup before starting again which I am very happy about.

I have already received some of my results for the trimester; I am happy to say so far I have passed everything. I am only waiting on the final results from one more unit; hopefully, I pass that one too.

Overall I am very happy with how this trimester of Uni has turned out. Hopefully, this little Uni break will be good and I will be rested and ready when Uni starts again next month.

Well, that is all from me today. I will catch you all in my next Uni Update.

Until then…

Happy Reading!

~>GEM<~

Votes For Women! by Mark Wilson

‘In 1890, Rose Birks and her stepdaughter, Nellie, two strong-willed and determined women, began writing letters and attending meetings to help improve the lives of women and children in their home city of Adelaide. They soon found themselves part of a movement that would change the lives of women everywhere. Through their friendship with the famous female suffragist Mary Lee, they petitioned politicians and lawmakers – and in 1896 they became the first women in Australia to vote in an election. Votes for Women! tells their story.’

I loved this book.

This is the second of Mark Wilson’s books that I have read and since I adored the first one I went into this one with high hopes. Thankfully it not only lived up to my high expectations it well and truly surpassed them.

I loved the way Mark Wilson condensed so much information into something that young readers can both learn from and enjoy without being overwhelmed. The way he moved from scene to scene and woman to woman felt really natural and compelling.

As this book is aimed at children I hadn’t expected to learn as much as I did from this book. I was genuinely surprised by just how much information Mark Wilson was able to include in this book and I can only imagine how much joy this book will bring to young readers and their families.

On top of the fantastic information that Mark Wilson included this book was overflowing with utterly stunning illustrations. The illustrations perfectly complimented the story and added a whole extra layer to this already wonderful book.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I loved every second of it and I am so glad that I now have it on my bookshelf.

Votes For Women! by Mark Wilson is a must-have for all Aussie kids.

Stuck At Home Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Stuck At Home Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

Be The Love by Sarah Prout

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE “CAN’T-LEAVE-THE-HOUSE” ACTIVITY?

Other than reading that would be weaving, or embroidery.

A BOOK YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ FOR FOREVER

Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley 

AN INTIMIDATING BOOK ON YOUR TBR

The Life of P.T. Barnum by P.T. Barnum

TOP 3 PRIORITY BOOKS ON YOUR TBR

Grind by Edward Vukovic 

Siren’s Wave by J.A. Hazel

Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews

RECOMMEND A SHORT BOOK

Heroes Next Door by Samuel Johnson and Hilde Hinton

RECOMMEND A LONG BOOK

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King 

SOMETHING YOU’D LOVE TO DO WHILE STUCK AT HOME

Paint!

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON READING NEXT?

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood 

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Well, that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading… 

~>GEM<~

My Friend, Happy by Hannah Campling

‘A magical friend to chase away your worries.

Meet Happy, a magical imaginary friend who can make any day brighter. If you’re feeling worried, sad, or scared, Happy is always there to remind you just how strong and brave you are!’

This book was utterly beautiful.

I picked this book up on a whim and I am so glad that I did. It was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.

Going into this book I hadn’t expected it to be equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. The idea of children being lonely and depressed just breaks my heart but seeing the magic that this book brings to the table was incredibly beautiful to read about and imagine.

I loved reading children’s books that have a message that children can learn from as well as situations that they can be related to and I am happy to say that this book had both. I also loved that this book encourages and at times even teaches imagination which is something I believe should definitely be encouraged.

Hannah Campling has done a fantastic job with this book. The story was sweet and interesting and the writing was clear and easy to understand, as well as being fun and captivating. And the messaging and themes of this book are handled perfectly for the target audience for this book.

On top of Hannah Campling’s amazing story readers are treated to absolutely stunning illustrations by Sian Roberts. Sian Roberts perfectly captured the story Hannah Campling was telling and added an extra layer to this already amazing little book.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. If you have a young reader in your life you should get them a copy My Friend, Happy as truly believe they will love it; I know did.

My Friend, Happy by Hannah Campling is a must-have for all young readers and their families.

Pointless Facts 27!

As I am really enjoying compiling Pointless Facts, I am going to stick with my plan of posting a new list every month; at least until it stops being fun for me. So I hope you all enjoy this month’s installment of Pointless Facts.

Let’s jump in, shall we?

The cashew nuts we eat are actually attached to a large cashew apple that is used to make soft drinks in Brazil.

A flock of ravens is called a conspiracy.

Caterpillars have eyes.

The expression “heart of gold” was invented by Shakespeare.

The Supreme Court in America has its own basketball court, nicknamed “The highest court on the land.”

In some Harry Potter movie scenes where Harry, Ron, and Hermione are doing their Hogwarts schoolwork, the actors were actually doing their actual schoolwork.

Nine-banded armadillos always have quadruplets, and they’re always identical.

George Washington owned a whiskey distillery.

Pope Gregory IV once declared war on cats because he believed Satan used black cats. His declaration lead to the mass extermination of cats.

“Happy Birthday” was the first song ever played on Mars. Mars Rover Curiosity played the song to itself on its first anniversary on the planet.

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I hope you all enjoyed today’s pointless facts. Let me know in the comments if these pointless facts were new to you or if you had already come across them.

~>GEM<~

L Platers by Madonna King

‘A must-read guide for parents of teenage girls that explores what our girls need us to know in order to support them through the unprecedented pressures of growing up in today’s world.

The world is a very different place from two years ago. And the impact on our 16-, 17- and 18-year-old girls is huge.

At one of the most critical times in their development – an age when they’re ready to spread their wings and look to the future – they have had to deal with enormous disruption and dislocation, and come to terms with living life from their bedrooms. The long stints of remote learning and the anxiety of at-home exams has compounded with the ever-present pressure of the ATAR and worries around friendships and relationships, who they want to be, gender identity, alcohol, vaping, sex, body image, and mental health. Self-harm and eating disorders have risen dramatically. For school-leavers, the uncertainty around university study and the jobs market only adds to the heavy toll.

To support our girls, we need to understand the pressures this generation is under by listening to what worries them and what they need – and journalist and social commentator Madonna King has done just that. Having consulted 1000 young women, along with parents, senior educators, and health care professionals in her research for this book, L Platers delivers the answers we need as parents to help our girls on the road to adulthood.’

This book was incredibly insightful.

This is the second Madonna King book I have read having previously read Being 14, I was excited to dive into this book. I am happy to say that this book was just as good as I hoped it would be.

After reading this book I am glad that I don’t have teenage children; especially daughters. Hearing these young women share their thoughts and fears made me happy that I didn’t have to deal with all the stress that they do.

Madonna King has done a wonderful job with this book. The insights provided by both teenage girls and various professionals were presented in a clear and concise manner that helped to paint a picture of what teenage girls are going through as they navigate high school and beyond.

This book opened my eyes to how quickly life has changed for teenage girls while also making me feel hopeful for the future that these intelligent, aware young women are going to create.

L Platers by Madonna King is a must-read for parents.

Over 30 Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Over 30 Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

NAME ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS THAT FEATURES A PROTAGONIST WHO IS 30 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.

The Last Woman in the World by Inga Simpson

NAME A BOOK THAT REPRESENTS WHO YOU WERE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER.

MIM and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad 

NAME A BOOK THAT REPRESENTS WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR LIFE NOW.

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson

NAME A BOOK THAT REPRESENTS SOMETHING THAT HAS NEVER CHANGED ABOUT YOU.

Time to Play, Gumnuts! by May Gibbs

NAME ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CLASSICS.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

NAME A BOOK YOU LIKE OR WOULD LIKE TO READ THAT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

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Well, that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading… 

~>GEM<~