Adult and Children's Colouring - Artline Stix Review

Hands up if you love colouring in!
As a young girl, I really enjoyed spending time colouring in, (particularly during the school holidays!), and all these years later, with the large range of adult colouring books on the market,  I have re-discovered my love for it.
Recently, my daughters and I have been lucky enough to try out some markers from the Artline Stix range.
The Artline Stix markers have been designed to not only allow children to draw, but to build as well! This means that they are entertained for longer, which is always a good thing, right?! 
They come in packs of 20, so there are plenty of hues to select from.

The markers have a connection system which allows them to be joined together, or to be connected to toys within the Artline Stix range. My girls loved this element; they thought the toys were super cute, and I agree!!

Some of my favourite features are that they're non-toxic and washable!! I also love that they are designed to be safe for young children to use. The markers have ventilation holes in them, so in the event of a young child putting a piece in their mouth, they will still be able to breathe. The marker colours are vibrant and don't bleed into one another.

There are three types of markers - Drawing, Colouring, and Brush.

The Drawing Markers feature a fine tip, making them ideal for fine line art work. 

The Colouring Markers have a bigger, rounded tip, and my daughters loved using these for colouring in and crafting. The triangular shape allows for the ultimate grip for small hands.

My personal favourite are the Brush Markers. As the name suggests, they have a soft brush nib, and it feels like you are painting with these. I had a great time colouring in my mandala's in my adult colouring book.

 

The markers are packaged in a cardboard casing, however, I found that it was not very durable, so I'd advise to put them into a pencil case upon opening.

These markers are aimed at children 3+ years.
Click here for stockists. 

Do you or your children enjoy colouring in? I'd love to hear!

Disclaimer: I was gifted a package of Artline Stix products in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own, and not influenced in any way.

Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst

This is the first novel that I have read by Carolyn Parkhurst, and I thought it was a really interesting book.
The story centers around the Hammond family - mum Alexandra, dad Josh, and their daughters, 13 year-old Tilly and 11 year-old Iris.
Tilly has been labelled as being on the autism spectrum, and her family, in particular, Alexandra, find it extremely difficult. Tilly struggles at school and can be a handful at home. Alexandra wants to give her daughter the proper help she needs, and her desperation leads her to make a drastic lifestyle change for the Hammonds.
They move from their home in Washington DC to a 'family camp' in New Hampshire, which is run by a self-proclaimed child behaviour expert, Scott Bean. 
But all is not what it appears to be once they arrive at Camp Harmony...

I loved how this story was told in alternating chapters from Iris' and Alexandra's perspectives, with the odd chapter here and there told by Tilly. Iris shares with us the present situation, whilst Alexandra's perspective is from the past.
Iris is a great character who adds a lot of emotion and heart to the story. The bond she has with her sister Tilly is really sweet. 
Whilst the story is fairly predictable, it is an easy read, and was enjoyable. I particularly loved the epilogue - the way the author depicts a child with autism as someone 'with wings' is a lovely sentiment; it was my favourite part of the book.
Harmony was released at the beginning of August 2016. I was given an ARC of this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review:  Blame by Nicole Trope

Blame is told in alternating perspectives from former best friends, Anna and Caroline (or Caro as she is better known).
We are introduced to the women a fortnight after a terrible accident has occurred, when both are taken in to the police station for questioning in relation to the accident.
Both of them tell conflicting stories, and at times, they place the blame on the other. They are each hurting and feeling guilty, and wish that the outcome had been different.
As their stories are told, we are taken back to the very beginning of their friendship, when they first met at a maternal health centre. 
Anna's daughter Maya, and Caro's daughter Lex, were both one year-old at the time.
Anna was struggling with her severely autistic daughter Maya, and Caro offered her the support and friendship she so desperately craved.
We find out how important they were to each other's lives as they each battled with their own personal issues.
So now we are left with the mystery of who is to blame for the accident?
And will forgiveness ever be possible?

I found the story a little slow at the beginning, and it took me a while to get into the characters. 
Certain scenes felt a little repetitive, most probably due to the fact that it is told from each woman's view.
But as the story unfolded, I became more drawn in.
Now that I have finished the book, I can say that I really liked it, although I would've prefered a little less focus on the police interviews, and a more detailed and lengthier conclusion.
The story touches on a lot of important topics, including prejudice and lack of understanding and/or empathy to parents of children with autism, as well as other parental, moral, and social issues.
I wouldn't describe it as light-hearted, but it is still an entertaining story.

Book Review:  Promising Azra - Helen Thurloe

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Promising Azra is Helen Thurloe's debut novel; it is written with such sensitivity, and told so well. (And can I just mention how eye-catching the book cover is?! I love it!!)

The main character is 16-year-old Azra Ajmal. She is a Year 11 student of Muslim background, residing  with her family in Sydney. She loves to study and is very passionate about chemistry, and dreams of attending university after completing high school.
But her plans to further her education are thwarted when she learns that her family is arranging for Azra to be wed to a much older cousin in Pakistan.
When Azra discovers this, she is understandably terrified and tries to find a way to fulfill both her dreams, and that of her family's.
But will that be possible?

There were many times throughout the book that I felt so sorry for Azra, but I admired her determination and courage.
Many times, Azra gets treated unjustly by her family. 
It's totally different for her older brother Rashid though, who is still respected by his family after his many transgressions. Her younger sister Soraya is an adorable character, very innocent and a lovely addition to the story.
Azra is responsible for picking her up every day after school, and for most of the cleaning and cooking too.

To a certain extent, I felt for Azra's parents. They wanted a better life for their children, and with the help of Azra's Uncle Zarar, they were able to achieve that by coming to live in Australia. He arranged their visa's, job opportunities, and accommodation. However, Zarar is controlling, and has the final say about all family matters. I wish they would've stood up to him a bit more, but their hesitation was warranted.

Although it is a fictional book, there are many cases of arranged marriages still occurring in Australia presently.  
Helen Thurloe describes the Muslim culture well, and I enjoyed reading about their traditions in the story. I would've loved the ending to be a bit longer to answer a few more questions, but perhaps Helen can write a sequel?..

This book is targeted at young adults, but many adults will enjoy it too. I highly recommend it as this book bought the topic of arranged marriages to light, in a respectful and entertaining way. 


**There's still time to enter my Cheer Chick Charlie children's book giveaway! Head here to enter: http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/cheer-chick-charlie-childrens-book.html

Cheer Chick Charlie - Children's Book Review & Giveaway!!



I've recently discovered The Cheer Chick Charlie book series written by Leanne Shea Langdown, and my three young daughters were delighted to each read and review a book from the range.
We received the following titles: Book One - The Journey Begins, Book Seven - Above And Beyond, and the recently released Book Eight - Let's Do This!, along with a motivational wristband and postcard each.

Cheer Chick Charlie is about a 10-year old girl named Charlie Chance who has dreams of becoming a cheerleader.

However, in her community, there are currently no cheerleading squads, so Charlie sets out to make her dream a reality, with the help and support of her family and friends.

Charlie is such a positive, enthusiastic and determined girl, and it wasn't long before my daughters were all enthralled with her.

My youngest daughter and I read The Journey Begins together over a few days. 

This is what she had to say about it: 

"I like how Charlie goes on the plane on a trip to America with her family. She sees a cheerleading team and wants to be on a cheerleading team too!"

My middle daughter read Above And Beyond. 

She said, "I liked how Charlie goes camping without her family, and that Charlie made new friends. Her friends sound  really nice!"

And my eldest daughter read the latest book in the series, Let's Do This. 

She said, "Charlie is a very determined girl who has a strong care for the environment. Throughout this book, Charlie encounters many challenges relating to saving the globe, and she tackles them by using her positive attitude."

When we were at our local library last week, we noticed more books from the Cheer Chick Charlie range and borrowed them to read.

These books are ideal for young girls or boys who enjoy reading entertaining stories about inspirational characters. Each book has a really important message too. I also love how they explore a range of important issues including health and fitness, the environment, and the importance of being physical whilst having fun.

And now, with thanks to Leanne, I am pleased to announce that I have not one, but TWO copies of Book Eight - Let's Do This, personally signed to give away!

Each winner will also receive a matching wristband and postcard. 

To Enter:

You MUST be a follower of my blog (either by liking my Facebook page/twitter/Instagram, or following via email or bloglovin' - I don't mind which one you opt for but you must do at least one please), and

Give me your best cheerleading chant!

**Please include your email with your answer so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!**

Terms & Conditions:

1. This giveaway is open to residents of Australia only. Total prize pool $26.

2. Giveaway closes on  25th August, 6 pm; winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours. Failure to receive a response from the winner will mean the prize is forfeited and a new winner  will be chosen.

3. Winner will be selected on a basis of skill, not chance - the most creative and/or interesting answer deemed by the judge/s wins

4. The prize is not redeemable for cash.

5. In  The Good Books blog will not be responsible for postage of the item, or for any prize that is not delivered by the third party.

6. This promotion is not associated or endorsed by Facebook.

7. Those who 'unlike' or 'unfollow' after the giveaway ends will be disqualified from entering future giveaways.

Disclosure: My daughters were gifted a signed book each with postcard and wristband in exchange for an honest review. I/they were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and not influenced in any way

The Toy Maker - Liam Pieper

This book came as a recommendation, and I have to say that I didn't know much about it prior to starting it.
Released a couple of months ago by Melbournian-based journalist and author, Liam Pieper, The Toy Maker is his first book.
In the opening pages, we are introduced to Adam Kulakov, a married man with one young son, who owns a successful toy company and is quite well off.
I found the beginning of the story to be out of my comfort zone as we discover that Adam has a mistress - she is only a teenager (a Year 10 student!) and the sex scenes were a little confronting.
My distaste for Adam snowballed from there. He is egotistical, and one of those characters you love to hate.
Actually, almost all of the characters in this story aren't very likeable, however, the story is still quite compelling and worth reading.
So, the toy company is family owned, and has been passed down to Adam from his grandfather, Arkady. 
Adam's wife, Tess, helps run the company, and does her best to keep everything in order, both on a professional and personal level.
But Adam's indiscretion comes back to haunt him, and he has to do everything he can in order to try and hold on to everything he has worked so hard for. 
But Adam isn't alone in his struggle to hide the truth.
His grandfather, Arkady, was imprisoned in Auschwitz during the war, and had to make the most difficult decision of his life. Now, as he learns that his life is coming to an end, he fights to hold back the secret that has tormented him for so many years. 
I must admit that the secret that Arkady held onto was something that I wasn't expecting at all, and I was quite surprised.
It is a great twist to the story! 
Although this book does have some rather torturous scenes, and may not be for everyone, it is written well. 

I'd love to hear about when you've totally disliked a character in a book.

And if you haven't done so, you can enter my giveaway to win a 3 month book subscription here: http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/bookabuy.html Entries close tonight!!

Children's Book Review:

Is This An Emergency? Ambulance - The Adventures Of Toby The Teddy
By Catherine Buckley & Amelia Harrison

I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this fantastic book recently, and wanted to share it with those who may be looking for a way to educate your child about emergency situations, including calling 000.

The book features the adorable character Toby the Teddy, who is faced with situations throughout the story that leaves him asking "Is this an emergency?"
For example, when  Toby's ice-cream falls, he asks is dropping an ice-cream an emergency? 
Or, is seeing a friend have an allergic reaction an emergency?
It does a fantastic job of differentiating between scenarios in a way that young children will be able to grasp.
The book is hard-covered, and a nice large size, and it features lovely illustrations too.

I think a book like this is invaluable as children need to be taught what to do when faced with an emergency.
It is well worth the $19.95.

You can get your copy  from https://www.tobytheteddy.com 


* I was not paid for this post; all opinions are my own.