Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Book Review: Orange Pear Apple Bear


Orange Pear Apple Bear
Author: Emily Gravett, Illustrated by Ben Cort
campbellb, Paperback, Hardback, Board book, US

Large_9780230707191
Synopsis:
Available in difference book formats, this simple book featuring an orange, a pear, an apple and a bear is extremely clever. By rearranging just four words, Emily Gravett creates a series of playful images which are a sheer joy - and intensely satisfying. The loose energy of the pencil and watercolour pictures will be irresistible to adults and children alike.


I dont know what it is about this book, but I was enchanted the minute I started reading it.  And there is not much to read at all.  Everyone joins in, though it is a bit basic for the 4 year old.  She still likes the pictures and finds it amusing.  Clever and simple - it is pure joy.  

Happy reading.
xx

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

I ♥ Hexies

I've recently discovered Hexies.
And I have fallen hard...
They are time-consuming and require quite a bit of effort but... once you stand back and look at them...
Ahhhh
My 1st (and only) to date: size 1cm




xx


Linking up with crafty peeps here.

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Book Review: Aliens Love Underpants

Aliens Love Underpants
Author: Claire Freedman, Illustrated by Ben Cort
Simon & Schuster, Paperback, US
Large_9781416917052


Synopsis:
"Aliens love underpants, in every shape and size, But there are no underpants in space, so here's a big surprise..." You probably thought aliens came down to Earth with a view to taking over the planet - but, no, they simply want to steal your pants! This zany, hilarious tale, delightfully brought to life by Ben Cort's vibrant illustrations, is sure to enchant and amuse the whole family. With a madcap, rhyming text, perfect for joining in, this story is fantastically fresh and funny - you'll laugh your pants off!


A delightful rhyming story with bright and fun illustrations.  It is a little more wordy than the last few books I've written about but all 3 stay engaged with and enjoy this story.  Ideal median age would probably be 3.  It's bright, fun and funky.  What's not to love? 


Happy reading.
xx

Monday, 13 February 2012

My heart in a card...

Valentines day...  Hubby and I aren't big on the occasion but will often at least exchange a card... and I didn't really realise that it was today, until yesterday...

Thanks to my good friend Pinterest though, I had seen this fantastic idea/tutorial/template a few days ago...

Hubby discovered it this morning at work when he opened his laptop up... I'm sure there are little hearts stuck in the keys now...



Happy V-Day Everyone
xx




Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Cake Anyone?

Having spent a bit of time researching cakes for the last birthday I have fallen in love (again) with rainbow cakes... And then the universe showed me this pattern...

How could I not give it a go?































I didn't have poly-fill pellets around so I cut out a cardboard triangle and popped it in the bottom for stability.  And I added a pink cherry on top!

Good enough to eat :)































Nom nom's
xx

Linking up with crafty cats here.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Book Review: Stomp!

Stomp!
Author: Ruth Paul
Scholastic, Softcover, New Zealand
Large_9781775430056


Synopsis:
A dinosaur follow-the-leader story! Follow Ruth Paul's colourful dinosaurs as they HOP, STOMP and ROAR their way through the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. On the outward journey the largest dinosaur leads, until they can go no further ...then on the way back, it's baby dinosaur who gets to lead the way!

This book is delightfully simple.  Few words and gorgeous pictures.  The girls love it and it's especially suited to little ones like my >1 and 2 year old girls.  The words are easy to follow, the pictures clear and beautiful, and lots of things to name and point out - dinosaurs, other animals, actions, etc.  We Love it.

Happy reading
xx

Monday, 6 February 2012

C-r-o-c-h-e-t

Last year my lovely juvely friend Cat and I became Hookers...

Christmas Baubles - Pattern @ Greedy for Colour











Like true ladies of the night, we learned the basics on Friday nights during November 2011 from the very talented and funny Natalie.  Once we got into the rhythm we were hooked!

First Hat - Lesson 2


Since those first lessons full of innuendo, jokes, frustrations and the odd expletive, laughter and scrummy food, we have become more bold and daring in our projects!

Mastering the "Ripple"


I don't have nearly enough time for all my little projects but from Friday night we'll be having monthly crochet/craft nights which should go a little way to scratching some itches!
Cutie Cupcake - Pattern Here


You can read about our lesson evenings here, here and here.
Christmas stars - Lesson 4, just for fun.

Ohh the possibilities...
Stripy Dutch Christmas Bauble

Gifts, decorations, fun...
Granny Square Cushion Cover

I'm working on another new item...just for fun...


I highly recommend it as a hobby!
Go wild, go crochet!
xx