Well, well, well. What a terrible blogger I am. I started my monthly reads post last June and since then I have only done 3! Yes just 3. It’s been a year and I should have 12 of these posts up, but no, this one is only my third. Seriously, though, I don’t know where the time has gone. It just feels like a year as flown by. And its made me see that I really need to read more. I don’t read as much as I used to do and it makes me really sad saying this.
So here are my May book reviews or should I say November-May books.
May Book Reviews
Think and Make Like an Artist
This book is aimed a children aged 8 years plus. It explores how artist think, research and experiment before making an art project. From painting to illustration, from costume design to sculpting, the book covers lot’s of different areas. Try your hand at making a monster from foil or make a football team out of stones. This book is great for crafty kids and it has easy step by step instructions to follow. This is priced at £12.99 and available to buy from Thames & Hudson and also from Amazon
World of Animals Magazine
I actually won this magazine on World of Animals twitter page. This was a really great magazine and I will be buying now and again. Full of really fun and amazing facts and the photo are just stunning!! This one had an article with 50 shark facts, which my youngest Aaron absolutely loved as he was learning about sharks at school so he used this article to help him with some homework he had. Buy a subscription and get 20% off.
Hyde and Squeak
Hyde and Squeak by Fiona Ross is a great book that the kids really enjoyed reading. It’s about a little mouse that just can’t resist eating some horrible looking jelly. But when Squeak does eat it, he turns into Hyde – a very hungry monster mouse! Both Caitlin and Aaron thought this was really hilarious and I thought the illustrations where really great. 5/5 stars. This book is published by Little Tiger Press and is available to buy on Amazon and Waterstones.
Happiness Diary
The Happiness Diary by Narissa Phipps is a daily journal that is supposed to be filled in every day. There are 180 pages altogether and by the end of it you are supposed to get into the habit of having a happy life. Each day you have to write things down that you are thankful for, what you are proud of yourself for etc. And each day there is an inspirational quote and a challenge to do for the day after. I really like the dairy, I like to fill it in just before I go to bed.
I don’t really like filling in the first part, which is ‘Before the day comes to an end I wish to have achieved..’ as I like to write in my book last thing at night, so that means I have to fill it in for the day after. So I would rather it be on the same page but say ‘Before tomorrow comes to an end I wish to have achieved..’ I love reading the daily quotes. After every 30 days is a reflection page to write down anything what you have achieved and what you want to reflect on. I really love my Happiness Journal, it really does make me feel happier and more proud of myself. This is priced at £11.99 and available from The Book Guild and Amazon.
Mindfulness for Parents
I am really starting to get into mindfulness as it really helps me slow down and just be in the moment. This Mindfulness for Parents book by Amber Hatch helps you to keep calm, and patient and helps you to feel more connected to your children. The book covers subjects like, dealing with the early weeks, responding to a babies cries, prevent mealtimes and bedtime stresses, managing difficult behaviour and more.
The book over all is really good and full of loads of advise and tips but I did feel that this book is aimed at parents with children between the ages of 0-5 years. My youngest two are 6 and 7, so really the only parts that I could take on where the behaviour, as my kids are past the other stages. But I would recommend this to parents with younger children. Mindfulness for Parents is priced at £9.99 and available to buy from Watkins Publishing and Amazon.
My Little Pony – Pinkie Pie’s Perfect Party
I am not sure where I got this book from now, but my daughter has two other My Little Pony books and really enjoys reading them. She really loved this one as Pinkie Pie is her favourite. This is an easy to read book with large letters and some really pretty pictures to look at. If you have a child that has just started reading chapter books, this is a good one to start them off with, especially if they are a My Little Pony fan. Available to buy from Amazon or Ebay
If Ever I Fall By S.D. Robertson
*I got this ebook on Net Galley in return for my review
I was really drawn to the cover and title of this book and the blurb sounded really interesting.
The book is told by 3 people. Dan’s story goes back and forth in time, Maria’s story is told through letters she writes to her daughter Sam. And Jack is suffering from amnesia and not sure if he trusts the guy he is currently living with.
I liked reading Jacks chapters the most as it was a mystery what was going on. He didn’t know who he was or remember anything from his past. Mike, the guy he was staying with seemed a really shifty character and acting like there was a secret he was keeping from Jack.
I least liked reading Maria’s chapters as I just didn’t like the letter format they was in. We soon find out that Maria and Dan are married and have a 7-year-old daughter together. They also have a 14-year-old daughter, Sam, who died. I loved reading how both Maria and Dan coped with Sam’s death and how they both tried to come to terms with it.
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out how Jack was tied into Maria and Dan’s life and also what happened to Sam. But I felt the ending all came out at once and I had already guessed about Jack but was disappointed that it never touched further about the reasons behind Sam’s death. I kept looking for an extra chapter. But saying this, I would love to read more books by this author. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. Available to buy from Amazon.
Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner
When Edith Hind goes missing leaving her front door wide open and with broken wine glasses in the kitchen, it’s DC Manon Bradshaw’s job to find out where Edith is.
Each chapter of the book is told through the eyes of different characters, from Manon, Davy (her partner), Helena (Edith’s best friend) Miriam and (Edith’s mum). The main suspect in the case seems to be Edith’s boyfriend, but we don’t get to see the story told by him.
The book isn’t filled with twists and turns but I was still captured by it. I really like the main character, Manon, as the book went on, I liked her even more. The story seemed to focus more on Manon and her life than the actual crime. Towards the end I could guess what was going to happen, but still a pretty good read. I can’t wait to read more book, with DC Manon Bradshaw in. 4/5 stars.
Available to buy on Amazon and Ebay
I have read a few more books, but I will included them in next month’s reads.
You can see my previous Book reviews here
Have you read any of these books? Or will you be adding any to your To Read list?
I received some of these books free of charge in return for my review of them. all opinions are mine
Contains affiliate links
37 comments on “My May Book Reviews”
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I’m gonna have to get the Pinkie Pie one for my daughter! Pinkie and Rainbow Dash are her favourites.
I’m pretty sure my daughter would love the Pinkie Pie one 😀 xxx
What a fantastic round up of books, I have to admit I think I would love to read Missing, Presumed, I might have to treat myself to that later.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…I am a Borderliner
Wow what an impressive amount of books you read in May! Will have to check a few of them out
Some interesting books on your round up this month – may have to check a couple of them out
Mel recently posted…If Your Short On Time Try A New Shopping Service – Slick Shoppa
I’ve just bought some new books to take away with me on holiday, but I might pop some of these on my list for the summer 🙂
Ashleigh recently posted…REVIEW: THE DEVONSHIRE, BALHAM
I love Hyde and Squeak!
I planned to pin all the books I’ve read this year on Pinterest but haven’t managed it. I haven’t read that many for myself this year either!
#readwithme
Hyde and Squeak Looks and sounds Brilliant! That may have to be on my to buy next list! 😀
I like the idea of mindfulness for parents! #bigpinklink
YOu have read more than me so I would’t worry. I don’t have any spare time to read most of the time. I love the sound of Hyde and Squeak!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN recently posted…Hawksmoor Restaurant Seven Dials
These look like good books, never read any of them
These all look like some brilliant books, will have to add some to my reading list
I would love a happiness journal, especially as it would be a great reminder of what we need to be grateful for each day x
Ana De- Jesus recently posted…What Does The Future Hold For Bloggers
A nice wide selection there, I really enjoyed Missing Presumed, thanks for sharing with #readwithme
chantelle hazelden recently posted…Burgers, Shakes and Baconnaise – Gourmet Burger Kitchen Review
I love the Happiness Diary! I actually have a similar one for traveling, that I haven’t used yet as I couldn’t find the perfect trip to fit it in. I think that this type of diaries are so cool and make you do things out of the box 🙂
Such a great selection for all the family, I really like the look of the mindfulness book, it’s something I’m really into anyway so extra reading would be great x
I haven’t read any of these. I liked the sound of If Ever I Fall, but it’s a shame the ending was a bit predictable.
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…Parkrun: Sixth PB this year
Ive just added Missing, Presumed to my amazon basket! thanks for the tip!
Deborah Nicholas recently posted…Summer Party Ready In 5 Easy Steps!
that happiness diary looks good! ive got something similar and its just trying to get into that routine for jotting something down everyday but am getting there
nicol recently posted…Working Out Whilst Travelling
Oh, I’m jealous, I think I want ALL of these books.
Great selection.
#readwithme
I like the sound of the mindfulness for parents and the happiness diary 🙂
What a great mix of books you have checked out this month. I love the idea of the happiness diary, and I really want to read Missing, presumed the most x
Tanya Brannan recently posted…Blogging changed MY life
Aww I’m so glad someone has written a mindfulness book for parents.
The mindfulness for parents looks interesting and I think I would love If I ever fall
I love that there’s a mixture of books for adults and children! I’ve been trying to read more-I read to the children all the time, but haven’t always found time to read myself-I’m putting some recommendations together-Missing Presumed sounds really good! My boys actually love My Little Pony-they’d love the Pinkie Pie book!!
Thanks for sharing with #bigpinklink
I’ve not sat and read a book in ages. But I think I could do with getting my hands on a copy of mindfulness for parents at the mo. I’m really not myself and need to sort it out. I feel like this might help, maybe?
Louise x
Louise recently posted…7 Super Romantic Places to Go On a Date in Nottingham
You sound just like me! I’m forever starting things and not actually carrying on with them. Sounds like you have a fab selection here for all ages. I always like honest book reviews. Thanks for linking up with the #bigpinklink this week.
I love the sound of Hyde and Squeak!! My kids would really love it, they’re really into great looking picture books and this one looks just that!!!
Missing presumed sounds like a book I will really enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great selection of reads. Love the look of the art book, a great way to encourage kids to be creative. #readwithme
I really fancy the Mindfulness for parents, am ordering it now so thanks!
Missing, Presumed sounds like my kinda book! I need to read some more, I’ve been falling behind on my reading goal this year.
Love the mindfulness book for parents
It really is beautifully written
Think and Make Like an Artist sounds like such a fun book, my daughter would love that one.
I didn’t read much in May, I’m so ashamed as I am trying to read 52 books! Missing Presumed sounds like my kind of book though.
Hayley Warren recently posted…Beauty: Taking Care of Your Hair the Natural Way
Oh you naughty blogger, time out on the naughty step is needed and make sure you take a book with you I enjoy reading but just can’t seem to find the time with three busy children xxx
I read Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner last year and it’s a beautifully written book. I really enjoyed it.