Miss Smith Under the Ocean Book Review

Every kid dreams of having a teacher like Miss Smith.  Miss Smith carries a mysterious and incredible storybook with her.  When she reads from her incredible storybook, book characters come out of the book and sometimes the class gets transported to different lands.

Miss Smith's ordinary name belies her appearance.  She has bright tangerine hair that sticks straight up and she likes to wear a black leather jacket with pins of her favorite bands like The Clash and U2.  

She takes her class to an aquarium and the kids get to meet Moby Dick, a mermaid, Captain Nemo, pirates, and many other amazing characters.  Will the kids escape unscathed from the wild hodgepodge of characters and the chaos that ensues from combining them?  

The Irish author and illustrator, Michael Garland, writes with wit and illustrates with equal talent and stunning detailed artwork. Michael Garland's Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook won the California and Delaware State Reading Awards.  This book will keep you and your child entertained and engaged throughout the whole story.

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations and happy reading!

Cheri

American Girl Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends Book Review

I recently bought Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends  by Patti Kelley Criswell for my 7-year-old.  She has been complaining about a few children who bully her.  We started reading the book together and discussing ways to deal with bullies.  There is a quiz on page 24 called What's Your Speak-Up Style?  Your daughter will learn her style and tips on how to best deal with bullies.

One tip I have learned is for me to listen to her and let her brainstorm and decide the best approach.  

My daughter actually got out some paper and began to taking notes.  She asked me if she could take her list with her to school and keep it in her backpack.  She wanted to keep the list as a reminder. 

At the back of the book, your daughter can cut out a promise and hang it on her mirror (or anywhere she will see often).  She will write her name to a list of promises that she will stand up to bullies and not to bully others.

Parents also have a tear out section called 10 Big Truths about Bullying for Parents.

As you know, bullying is a very tough and heartbreaking ordeal.  It is good to continually review this book and build up our girls into kind and strong women. 

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!

Cheri

My Review for Something Blue by Emily Giffin

I picked up this book with hesitation.  I thought it would be a little too trite for my taste, but I actually ended up liking it.  The main character, Darcy, is vain and superficial and makes horrible decisions.   She is very unlikable at first.

Darcy is your typical Alpha female with a loyal plain best friend named Rachel.  Darcy never lets Rachel (or anyone else) shine in the lime light.  Darcy is carelessly engaged for 7 years and cheats on her fiance a few times during their engagement.  Rachel ends up with Darcy's fiance while Darcy has gotten pregnant by her fiance's sleazy friend.

Through an unlikely source, she learns some tough life lessons and receives tough love.  Sometimes salvation clops in a non glamorous package.

This is a good summer read type of book.  I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a light read. 

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!  Happy reading!!

Cheri

My Review for The Everygirl's Guide to Life by Maria Menounos

The Everygirl's Guide to Life is one of my favorite self help books.  Maria is very down-to-earth and offers great tips for all aspects of your life.  I was pleased  to discover that she is frugal and practical and I can actually buy some of the products she mentions.  I have dog eared several pages and keep this book nearby for quick references and inspirations.











In my opinion, here are some of Maria's best pieces of advice:

• Be friends with different types of people.  It really impressed me that Maria doesn't just seek out the cool people of the world.  She is willing to befriend a coffee shop clerk and even a carny.  We truly shortchange ourselves when we only chose friends who have wealth, good looks, and exquisite breeding.  To be blunt, that's a very superficial and snobby approach to your life and you need to grow up and let go of your middle school mentality and cattiness.

• Avoid the vampires in your life.  Just like you would not allow a person to physically suck your blood, so why would you let someone suck out your valuable time, energy, and joy?  Run for your life!  Seek out friends who bring out the best in you and vice versa. 

• Maria says one of the best products she uses for her skin is Colorscience Pro Primer.  She says it's a line tamer and skin brightener.  She first tried it in January and by April she had no zits.  You can either google and find out where to buy it or you can buy it on Amazon.  Word to the wise about Amazon, be sure to shop around for prices. Some of their vendors really charge ridiculous prices for their products.  

• I love that she's frugal and thoughtful.  She created a thank you letter book for her boyfriend's gift.  She asked all of his closet friends to write a letter describing what he means to them.  She put all the letters into a gorgeous scrapbook for him.  She said he cried while reading the scrapbook and said it was the best gift he had ever received.

In summary, this book reminds me a modern day Dear Abby and provides tidbits of insightful advice.

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!

Cheri