Clean Slate by the editors of Martha Stewart Living

This is much more than a recipe book.  It can revitalize your life!  Clean Slate is about resetting your health and starting out on a new path to health.  The first section of the book is titled "reset".  In this section the reader is presented with 10 golden rules for eating and how we can achieve each one:  
1) choose whole foods over processed 
2) embrace a plant-based diet
3) practice mindful eating
4) engage in an active lifestyle
5) make sure to get enough fiber
6) boost energy with lean protein
7) pay attention to how you feel
8) remember to stay hydrated
9) establish smart meal planning habits
10) know what you are buying

The book goes on to detail specific nutrients our body needs, how we use them, what foods to find them in and how best to prepare them so we get the maximum nutritional value.  Suggestions are given on how to restock our pantries to contain only foods that are beneficial for our bodies.  

There is a section on detoxing your mind and body.  A discussion on how mind and body work together for total health is included as well as a 3-day or 21-day detox plan with step-by-step instructions that include recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

The largest section of the book of course is the recipe section.  It is divided into recipes that replenish, reboot, recharge, reenergize, restore and relax your body.  The recipes are divided into four main categories.  These categories are:  vegan, dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free.  In the back of the book is a recipe index that is color coded to match each category for easy access to the type or recipe you wish to use.  

Beautiful photographs of each recipe enhance the appeal of this recipe book.  Easy-to-follow instructions are given for each recipe.  Each recipe also includes the calories, saturated fat, fiber, and carbohydrate gram amount.  

If you are looking for a way to start on a healthier pathway this book will give you a great jump start.  I really enjoyed the fact that the meal plans and practical advice are not complicated.  The way the ideas were presented were clear, concise and easy to understand and follow.  It is a positive book with a lot of encouragement for those who want to eat better and live a more energized life. 

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Kinkajous by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Kinkajous

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a baby Kinkajou.  There is a physical description of the Kinkajou that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult Kinkajou is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the types of trees they live in.  The unique physical features of the Kinkajou are outlined with arrows pointing to parts of the anatomy of the Kinkajou.  The author gives details on the baby kinkajou’s development from birth to independence.  She explains who their predators are, how the mother protects and feeds her baby, and what types of food the kinkajous eat once they are weaned.  At four months old the kinkajou has learned skills to survive as an adult in the Amazon River.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.          

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review. 

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Pink River Dolphins by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Pink River Dolphins

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a baby Pink River dolphin.  There is a physical description of the Pink River dolphin that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult Pink River dolphin is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the Amazon River.  The special skills of the Pink River dolphin are outlined with arrows pointing to parts of the anatomy of the dolphin.  The author gives details on the baby dolphins first year of life.  She explains who their predators are, how the mother protects and feeds her baby, and how playtime helps prepare the baby for adult life in the Amazon River.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.   

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers By Max and Denalyn Lucado

Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers

By Max and Denalyn Lucado

Illustrator Lisa Alderson has rendered breathtakingly beautiful and tender artwork to enhance the bedtime prayers found in this book.  This book would be worth its weight in gold simply for the outstanding illustrations.  When I saw the pictures and started to read the poetry I literally said, “Oh,” because I was in awe.  This is a gorgeous, gorgeous book that would make the perfect baby shower gift or a gift for a beloved child or grandchild. You truly won’t want to miss out on this book!

Max and Denalyn Lucado have selected the perfect combination of scripture, well-beloved children’s poetry and their own original poems for soothing and comforting bedtime prayer time.  This book could be used as part of the daily bedtime ritual with a young child.

The book begins with a letter to parents explaining the importance of teaching children to pray.  There are paragraphs on forgiveness, hope, God’s care and the power of prayer.  Then the book is divided into sections.  The sections include:  Good Morning, God; God, You are Great; My Family and Friends; In My Play and Through the Day; My Mealtime Payers, God Takes Care of Me, Teach Me, God; Prayers for Special Days; Thank You, God; and Good Night God.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Owl Diaries – Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott

Owl Diaries – Eva’s Treetop Festival
Rebecca Elliott
Illustrated by Rebecca Elliott
            Eva the owl longs to have an achievement of her own.  When she begins to plan the Treetop Festival her imagination goes wild.  She soon learns that organizing and planning such an event takes a united effort.  As she chooses which friends to include in the process she is surprised to discover that many of her friends have hidden talents.  But the biggest surprise is the reaction of her long-time nemesis Sue Clawson.  The story is written as Eva’s diary.  It begins with an introduction of Eva herself.  She includes her likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite foods, and a description of her family and friends.  Eva’s diary then launches into the routine of her school day routine.  Eva has personality plus and she entertains us with her present day dilemma of pulling off the Treetop Festival in style.  The bubble notes above the owls’ heads and illustrations to highlight Eva’s diary add a realistic childlike quality to this book.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Peter Loves Penguin by David McPhail

Peter Loves Penguin

David McPhail
Illustrated by David McPhail

David McPhail has a true talent for creating books that are endearing.  This story of Peter and his pet penguin is no exception.  The first page of this book shows Peter and Penguin asleep side by side in the bed.  As the reader turns the page Peter and Penguin wake up to begin there day.  Each page is a part of their day together as best friends.  The story shows how Peter and Penguin are alike and how they are different.  For example when they go outside to play in the snow Peter needs books but Penguin does not.  The story also demonstrates sharing, cooperation, unselfishness, shared enjoyments and love between best friends.

McPhail’s illustrations are a perfect fit for his own prose.  Soft, muted water colors give a feeling of tenderness and warmth.  McPhail chooses words that pack a lot of meaning in them so he doesn’t have to use many on each page.  The simple text carries the story brilliantly.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Is There A Dog In This Book? by Viviane Schwarz

Is There A Dog In This Book
Viviane Schwarz
Illustrated by Viviane Schwarz

            This enchanting tale is told entirely by three cats.  They invite the reader to help them search for the dreaded dog they fear.  Flaps are lifted to move the couch, lift the piano lid, open the closet, search a suitcase and more!  The flaps are cleverly situated to even resemble shrinking back in fear of the dog and eventually patting the dog.  Through the fun of flaps a tender tale is woven of a fear enemy becoming a friend.

But it doesn’t end there.  The dog gets lost and the cats are frantic to find their new-found buddy?  The reader is asked:  Can you help?  More flaps are lifted here and there throughout the house in a mad hunt for the dog.   At the end of the book the child is invited to make friends with the dog too.

Bubble thoughts are above the cats’ heads to convey the cats thoughts and words to the reader.  Bright colors, expression filled faces and a variety of intricately drawn hiding places fill this fun and warmly told tale.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.