Today is International Chess Day

All three of my grands enjoy playing chess. They often want to play chess with me when they are at my house - primarily because they always beat me. My middle grand has won games with me by making fewer than five moves - I still do not know how they did that! My oldest grand likes to play chess with me - he also often beats me with fewer than ten moves. My youngest grand will play chess with me IF he is able to start without his queen - the last time we did this he managed to get two queens back, and yes, he won. 

There are many reasons teaching children to play chess is something which benefits them - did you know . . . 

Summer Reading - Do NOT Open This Book!

 

I have reviewed this book before, but as I think about books my grands have loved which I am able to recommend for Summer Reading fun, this one is definitely a book I happily recommend! It was sent a few years ago for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about, Do NOT Open This Book!

Tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day!

By the way, did you know tomorrow, July 20th, is National Ice Cream Day?! I do enjoy a nice bowl of ice cream, but since I've been focused on losing weight (I've lost 100lbs since the start of 2020!), I rarely eat this sweet treat. I have found, however; sorbetto on a stick - especially the mini-size only has 50 calories per serving! Hooray! 

But back to ice cream - let's look at some ice cream fun facts - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - My Heart is Like a Zoo

Every once in awhile a book comes along which is so unique, so delightful, so much fun . . . My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall is one such book, so today as I wait for more books to arrive for my Summer Reading reviews, I'm very happy to let you know about this book.

Water-Wars for Hot Summer Fun!

Many places in our country are downright hot today, so, what might the children you love want to do if it is a warm, sunny, even a hot day and they are at your house? 

Play in the water! And, not just play in the water, but use squirt guns if you have them.

Summer Reading - Duck!

A few years ago I received a box of books from Candlewick Press - I am "re-sharing" one with you today for my Summer Reading posts which I absolutely loved!  Duck! by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom is most certainly a book you will want to have in your own library - and give to your grandchildren as well.

Hot Summer Fun!

In many parts of the country it is hot, so . . . what could be more fun than making and playing with sponge bombs! I found this link on  Pinterest, but when I tried to follow it to the site with the directions, it told me it had been reported the site had spam, so I found another one for you!

Summer Reading - Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad

Last year I received a package of wonderful books from Penguin/ Random House Canada/Tundra and today I'm sharing with you again about one of the books from last year - it was so excellent, it is absolutely well worth getting for the children you love if you didn't last year. One of the best and most important things we are able to do for the children we love is to surround them with books from their youngest ages, read to and with them, because when we do they will begin talking sooner, they will have a larger vocabulary, will begin reading sooner, and will do better in school. Plus, all this reading and spending time together will help build strong relationships with you and the children you love.

So, this Summer be certain to surround the children you love with books - such as Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad by Anna Humphrey and Irma Kniivila.

grandma's cookbook - Creamy Mocha Coffee Caramels

I'm not sure which word "grabbed" your attention - "creamy", "mocha", "coffee", "caramel" or all four of them, but they certainly "grabbed" my attention when I came across them on Pinterest! 

Summer Book Review - We're Not Weird

Today I'm happy to share with you a very interesting book from Holiday House - We're Not Weird - Structure and Function In the Animal Kingdom by Michael Garland. This is a book which will amaze the children you love - and you, too!

Today July 15th is Global Hug Your Kids Day!

Now this is a "day" this grandma is very willing to celebrate - although, for the most part, I hug grown kids and grandkids nearly every weekend when they are here - I'm sending virtual hugs to them today! So, to celebrate this wonderful day, let's look at some of the benefits of hugs - did you know . . .

Summer Book Review - Bear and the Three Goldilocks

I received a fantastic book from Holiday House which I am SO happy to let you know about - it is my favorite book I've reviewed so far this summer - Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino - and yes, it is a "take" on the old familiar story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But, don't worry, it is filled with humor which will have you - and the children you love - laughing for sure!

grandma's cookbook . . . Apple Dessert!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday, so I made an apple dessert for him and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. I live in Michigan . . . otherwise known as Apple Country, so I have to have at least one go-to apple recipe! For me, it is my Apple Dessert . . . I know, not an incredible name, but it does taste incredible! It is very simple to make and if your family likes apples, it is a dessert they are sure to love!

Summer Book Review - Can You Find the Black Cat?

I'm happy to share with you today a fun board book from tiger tales - Can You Find the Black Cat? by Danielle McLean.