Hazel Nutt Book Reviews

I read three of Hazel Nutt's books, in exchange for honest review. The books are entitled: What Squirrels do: Just for fun; What Squirrels do when you are not looking; and What Squirrels do: the Squirrel Olympics. Each book is written from the perspective of Hazel Nutt. 

About the Author


Hazel Nutt is a baby who is nutty about nature, especially squirrels, whom she often has
a good natter with. They tell her their secrets and her parents help her write them down
to share with the world, as picture books. Loving nature is really important to her and Hazel Nutt hopes to make sure that lots of other kids get nutty about nature as well.

Author Website:
Book Website:

Contact Details:
Email: HazelNutt@Hazelnutt.com or HazelNutt@WhatSquirrelsDo.com

Social Media Links:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Google+
Amazon:

What Squirrels do when you're not looking
The book has excellent graphics. The book also rhymes. The book discusses what squirrels do when we are not looking (swinging, going to bathroom, buying food, etc. The book was a quick read and the kids loved it. The book is available on CreateSpace, Amazon


Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1478363800
ISBN-13: 978 - 1478363804
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches



Product Links:
Amazon UK
Kindle
Kindle UK



What Squirrels do: just for fun

Once again, the book has excellent graphics. In this book, Hazel wants to know what squirrels do for fun. Some activities include making faces at people; shaking branches, and swinging from branches. The kids loved the book.

Paperback:32 pages
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Language:English

ISBN-10:1482354195

ISBN-13:978-1482354195

Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Product Links:

Kindle
Paperback
Kindle UK
Amazon UK

What Squirrels do: squirrel Olympics.
First the book has excellent graphics. Hazel Nutt is discussing the squirrel Olympics. The competition has the vertical leap, the high jump, tennis, and running. The squirrels also bungee jump. The book teaches children about the different types of sports.


Paperback:32 pages
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Language:English
ISBN-10:1482354195
ISBN-13:978-1482354195
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches



Product Links:
Createspace:
Amazon.
Amazon UK
Kindle
Kindle UK

Rosebud Blooming

I read Rosebud Blooming, in exchange for honest review from BookSneeze.The book was written by Nancy Maggio and published by WestBow Press.

I used Reader for PC to read the book and I admit I did not like the panel format, but I loved the book. The book discusses moving forward, even when life has challenges. We need to find ways to move past the pain and depend more on God, during the good times and bad times.

I am not a perfect Christian. I have made plenty of mistakes. Some of my issues, I had to truly rely on God because I could not trust people. As we rely on God, we mature and blossom into more beautiful human beings.

The book presents stories and poems. The first poem was simply beautiful. It was entitled Unfolding this rosebud. The poem was saying the author was a rosebud, who could not grow because she was in so much pain. Her heart was hurting. She needed God to help unfold the rosebud and to help her grow, otherwise she would wither away and die. Seeking God and maintaining a relationship will also require maturity, wisdom, and and trust.

The other stories and poems have a reoccurring theme of listening and depending on God. One of the first stories discusses hearing a voice in the woods, and thinking it was grandma. Nancy and her brother heard the voice and ran towards it because her brother was hurt. The voice was God because their grandma did not know the kids were missing. Another good story involved an unplanned pregnancy and the boyfriend wanted an abortion; child molestation; single parenting; child illness; depression,  and addiction

The book, discusses finding freedom in letting the past go. We have to free those old skeletons in the closet and give God the burdens, worry, and baggage. Let God handle our problems. I really enjoyed reading this book. I did identify with some of the author's stories and poems, especially on single parenting,, depression, and addiction.

Amidst Traffic by Michel Sauret

I read Amidst Traffic, in exchange for review by Michel Sauret. The book was published by One Way Street Productions. I received the paperback from Sauret. I also have the Kindle version and the Smashwords copy, I got on my own, so I can read it on my e-readers and the Kindle, of course.

About the Author: paraphased from the back of the book

Sauret, is an indie author, who was born in Rome, Italy.  Sauret graduated from University of Pittsburgh English writing department. He published "Breathing God", his first novel at 18. He also served as a public affairs specialist and journalist for the United States Army since 2004. Sauret also has won several awards, including Army Journalist of the year in 2008. He also was featured in the Northside Chronicle recently, but I could not find the article online.

My thoughts:

The book is a collection of short stories. First, I liked the coding at the beginning of the book which signified language, violence, or sexual references. The codes were the first thing, which stood out. I wanted to incorporate something similar into my next poetry book, whenever that may be. I loved the stories from Eli and his strange dream in Three Straws. I also loved Voice with a Reason. Trevor's story was emotional and intense. Voice with a Reason details the story of Trevor, voices in his head, and a bank robbery. I was entranced from beginning to end, and the end was not what I was expecting, neither was the middle. Another good story was Blessed are the War People. The story was about Myron, a military journalist, heading to Iraq. He had his camera and ammunition, ready to work, yet getting angry at a woman at the airport.  Myron also got angry at a few soldiers, but with the power of Christ, he forgave them. Though, Myron was in a war-torn country, he recognized the power of God and recognizing the enemy within ourselves.  He seemed to be passive. I saw part of myself in him. Being angry on the inside and not doing anything about it, until it builds up. The stories were descriptive, graphic, and detailed. Definitely would want to see this book in audio format. Next, I loved the cover. It was simply beautiful.

Articles discussing Amidst Traffic:
Pittsburgh City Paper:

Blogtalk radio podcast, featuring Sauret

Upcoming Appearances:

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Workshop: "Writing Short Stories with Long-Lasting Effects" | Allegheny Library

 | 6:00 p.m.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Workshop: "Self Publishing: Rising Above the Stigma" | Shaler Library

 | 6:30 p.m.

Will I ever have sex again? No will I ever be completely ready

wrote this back in January, but forgot it was in draft mode.

I havent had sex since November, 2010. Prior to this, I experienced a loss of sex drive since my last miscarriage in 2009. The second miscarriage led to me not wanting sex as much. It also lead to postpartum depression. I went from having sex with a lot of men on a weekly basis to a few men, spread out over the month. I hardly added new men to the mix after that. All regulars-all repeats.

Fast forward two years later- I have two wonderful kids. I want to date, but scared to. I also don't want to fall back into old habits. I don't (right now) want to have sex (for the time being until an indefinite time). I don't want to be pressured into having sex again (by any man). If I have sex, I may acquire my old taste and old addictions (toys, masturbation, and of course sex). I was a nymphomaniac. I was a sex addicted.

Then, I have to consider the possibility that my skills (no matter how average) may have declined. Toss in a few new missing teeth (since I am a-scared of the dentist) and I am not wanting to sex anything for a long time.

A dude asked for my time this weekend and I could not give him a definite yes. I have myself and my kids to think about. I want to date but not sure if this is the right time.

Mind of her own

I read Mind of her own, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Diana Desire Brandmeyer and published by Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

The book is about Louisa, who develops a case of amnesia after a knock to the head by a George Foreman Grill. (which is why I chose the book. The description was amazing). She can't remember her name or her life, with three kids.

The book opens as Louisa is reading a romance novel, maybe she reading a steamy love scene. Anyway, she is entranced in the book, and jolted back to reality, when the kids start fighting and screaming. Nothing like children to mess up a little tranquility. :-) The scene continues as mama tries to diffuse the situation, with a smart-mouthed child too. Louisa is also in a relationship with Collin and they are currently not speaking or sleeping in the same bed because of a fight. This is just the beginning, in addition to a headache and an annoying grandma :-) Oh yeah, they have a dog named Cleo.

I definitely felt Louisa's pain--the kids, annoying relatives, stay-at-home mom--the frustration--the need for a quick break.  Taking on too much--juggling one too many balls, and hoping a ball does not fall. Then, BOOM, the grill hits her in the head. The first few pages and scenes really grabbed me. I was lost in the book. The book was a great read. Will continue to read until it expires.

The Pony

Kalen got his pony on Monday, February 18, 2013. He is learning to use it very slowly. So far, he either moves backwards or stays in one spot. Most of the time, he cries until he figures out how to escape. He had one successful escape and one fall so far. He also got approval for his braces. His braces will arrive in four to eight weeks, from last week. The walker is on loan from his physical therapist. He has to practice two to three times per day, for 30 minutes each session. Ms. Sandy said practice on tile, even though I have tried to put him on carpet as well. I recorded the carpet videos yesterday. The video with Kalen and Sariyah, my great niece, was recorded today. 

Time Control by Justin Byers

I read Time Control, in exchange for honest review from Empowerment Nation.  The book was written by Justin Byers and published by Empowerment Nation.

First, the first sentence kind of irritated the grad student in me. I wanted to edit the sentence APA style (it, there, that). The second sentence is a little lengthy, which can lead to confusion.

 Other than that, people are drained by work, kids, and finding time for self. People also want to improve productivity and accomplish dreams, but first, we need to identify goals, schedule time to complete goals, and make a commitment to achieve goals.

Goals also require a change. We have to identify goals, in addition to monitoring and identifying progress. We also have to find time to work on and complete goals. We also need to be honest with self, when accomplishing goals. Next, we need to identify why we want to accomplish each goal. Specify each goal, with details. For example, the book discussed finding a new home versus finding a better living situation.

Next, the book discussed time destroyers. Some of mine included procrastination, pessimism, and not having a plan to tackle large tasks. I need to break goals into smaller tasks, schedule time to complete tasks, and focus on one task at a time.

I am also subject to time distortion, or over estimating time needed to complete a task. I also rush into tasks without thinking.

Finally, the book provides tips for being more productive. The tips include:

1. Plan and schedule all tasks, including small, moderate, and large. 
2. Track daily activities to determine time wasters. 
3. Identify distractions (television, websites, online gaming, etc). 
4. Group and double up tasks
5. set aside time blocks to work
6. use a friend as an accountability partner
7. reward self for achieving goals
8. set aside a dedicated work space
9. don't let failures get to you
10. Attempt tasks, even if you do a bad job
11. limit negative emotions. 
12. remind self of past successes
13. get sleep and rest. 

Childrens Book Reviews

Where is my Baby: 

I read Where is my baby, in exchange for review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Harriet Ziefett and illustrated by Simms Tabeck. The book was published by Blue Apple Books. The book was a quick read. The book had excellent colors, design, and graphics. Great read for the children.The book has each mama (or daddy) animal, looking for their baby. The book also teaches about the names of baby animals (chick, piglet, kid, etc). The kids loved the book.

Eggs, 1, 2, 3, Who will the babies be: 

I read Eggs, 1, 2, 3, who will the babies be, in exchange for review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Janet Halfmann and Illustrated by Betsy Thompson. The book was published by Blue Apple books. Key selling points from Edelweiss:

1. Kids are interested in reading about baby animals
2. Poetic flow and nature facts. 
3. The book teaches kids how to count
4. The book is interactive
5. The art and design work is fabolous
6. The author has wrote over a dozen nature-themed animal books. 

The book was a quick read. I loved the artwork and graphics. The book flowed poetically. The first story is on penguins. The penguin family is waiting for their egg to hatch. The book also teaches counting skills, in addition to guessing skills. For example, the section on platypi, only shows the platypus tail. The kids can guess which animal the tail belongs to. Maybe it's a playpus, maybe it's a beaver. Great read. 

Do you wear Diapers?

I read Do you wear diapers, in exchange for review from Edelwiess. The book was written by Tanya Roitman and published by Blue Apple Books. The book was a quick read and the kids loved it. I also chose it because my youngest is still in diapers and my oldest is in pull-ups. I added images from the book to the right

The book asks different animals do you wear diapers? and each animal responds with how they go to the bathroom. For example, the bear poops in the woods and the tiger poops in the jungle. The other animals respond with where they poop at. The book also teaches kiddies about animal habitats. Loved the book.

Women's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Storz

I read A woman's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Stortz, in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. The book was published by Bethany House Publishing.  I wish I skimmed this book sooner because I truly enjoyed reading it this weekend. Definitely am thinking about buying either the Kindle or paperback version of the book.

Second, The book starts out with inspirational stories, starting with a ladies group, who desired to read the bible in a year, focusing on three chapters per day. The group eventually broke off into multiple groups, including a men's group. The stories also included a Jehovah's witness, who desired more, in addition to a missionary, who realized she lacked familiarity with the bible, even though she taught it.

Why I chose the book: I never read the entire bible. I read the verses outlined in Church, plus a few chapters on my own. Read the book of Revelation a few times, but I never thought of reading the entire bible in a year. Definitely need to work on reading the bible more, plus memorization. Never memorized a bible verse, let alone a chapter,  a day in my life, I think, except like the last verse: AMEN or JESUS WEPT. Of Course, there is In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Third, The book was very inspirational. Stortz (2013) discusses how we can find truth and love within the bible. We also can find encouragement, forgiveness,  hope, understanding, accountability, appreciation, direction,healing, release,  and peace. Next, Diane told her story of being born with one, fully formed, hip socket, instead of two. She was placed in full body casts around the age of one, in addition to staying in the hospital in traction. She eventually wore braces and then learned to walk. God is good. Very inspirational since my youngest son can not walk yet. He is in Early Childhood and Physical therapy. Tomorrow, he is getting a gait walker, which is to help his balance and muscular structure. God is truly blessing him with great therapists and he has made great progress since last year.

Fourth, the book provided tips for reading the book. For example, you can start anytime. The pages are not dated. You can use the guide with any bible version. You will read about three chapters per day, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is also ok if you fall behind or get confused. You can catch up or re-read anytime. Stortz definitely focuses on using the bible to develop a closer relationship with God, which affects other relationships, such as family. Diane also encourages using the book to record your thoughts as you read the book. The book also provides guidelines for group reading.

Fifth, Stortz provided a brief history of the bible (from God speaking directly to men to traditional publishing), in addition to the books of the bible. Everything I mentioned so far, is found in the first 30 or so pages of her book.

Finally, the book provides an outline for reading the bible in a year. Each section has a selected theme, bible verses, in addition to checkpoints. The author discusses each theme first, before getting into verses and questions. Each section also has questions such as name something you learned or write down a bible verse you like to remember. The sections are very short. The bible verses given for each section also has a check box, to check your progress, I assume.

I want to date, go out, have a life, and not always involve the kids

Another rant from a special needs parent: Some things you may have heard before

I want to date, go  out, and have a life, and not always with the kids. I love my kids, yes I do, but some days, I need a break. I don't have babysitters because I do not trust too many people with my special ones. I don't know too many real-life people, who do not voice their diverse, irritating opinion about my babies.

1. Why does Brad act that way?
2. Brad just needs a whipping and his autism will go away?
3. You need to watch your kids 24 hours a day. You don't need sleep. Your kids are too bad.
4. I hope Kalen does not turn out like Brad. 
5. I hope Kalen will be the normal one
6. When you die, I am sending Brad back to his father and keeping Kalen. 
7. When is Brad going back to live with Brad Sr. 
8. I can't keep Brad because he not potty trained. He will pee on the couch (even wearing a pull-up). But Can I keep Kalen (who wears diapers)
9. If only you would, then Brad or Kalen would not ________________________
10. Put Brad on additional medications, which will make him a zombie or sleep all day, to make my life (not Stacie's) easier. 

I hear people, who want to date me, ask When do you get time for yourself? When do you get a break? The question is old. The question irritates me because my kids are with me most of the time. If I sleep, I have two kids in my bed. If I go to the bathroom, a kid or two is knocking on the door. Maybe, a kid is in his bouncer in the bathroom with me to protect him from his big brother.

There is a nursery and SPED class at church though, but still I check the pager consistently to see if the kids are acting up.

I don't want to have sex yet. I do not drink a lot. My life is about the kids. I just want time to think, to breathe, to socialize.

Then, you have to consider things have changed. I used to have one kid, who stayed with his father. I got him on some weekends. I did not get him all the time. Didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Didn't want Brad to feel unwelcome. I also did not feel I could offer Brad all he needs. Thought since he was a boy, his father could control, discipline, and teach him manly things.

Since I got Brad full-time again, in 2011, I learned Brad really did need me. Some things I have taught him, I wish I taught him before, like peeing and showering and brushing his teeth. If it wasn't for Kalen being born, I would never have appreciated Brad more. I had conflicting thoughts during the pregnancy. Could I love this child? Will he be special needs? When will I see Brad again? Will I have a full-term pregnancy? I also had thoughts about my first two miscarriages, which consumed me.

Eventually, I decided that I wanted a child, a boy child, who will live. I didn't care if he was 5 armed, 30 fingers, and green. I wanted my baby. I wanted my oldest son. I did not, never, ever, ever, want another miscarriage again. and after Kalen was born, I got fixed. I had a new appreciation for the unborn male child and my oldest child. Anything was better than another miscarry. Anything was better than losing a baby, legs propped up, in a hospital alone.

I love my kids. I am responsible for my kids. I will cuss and fuss and fight and kill for my chillens. Definitely a crazy parent, with anger and other un-diagnosed mental issues.