Callie Moon Blog

Book Report || June 2015

Lemon Tart by Josi KilpackThis was such a fun read, combining yummy recipes and a murder mystery.  A perfect summer read.Columbine by Dave CullenThis was an intense read and I was nervous to pick it up, but I had a long drive alone in the car and decided to take a chance and downloaded the audiobook.  It was an engaging read and told the story of Columbine very differently then I expected. Ramona the Pest by Beverly ClearyI've been so excited to share this book with my kiddos and it did not disappoint.  A perfect read aloud book, easy to read and completely engaging for both parent and child.  I read the whole series in third grade (same grade my daughter just finished) and completely adored them.  I remember her being a bit naughty but adorable.  As an adult I am completely enjoying them and seeing Ramona in a whole new light.  She is not a naughty, mischievous girl, but passionate and precocious, and completely misunderstood by the adults all around … [Read more...]

The Reading Promise Review

I read this book a couple months ago and shared it on my January Book Report list and promised to share a more extensive review.  The Reading Promise by Alice OzmaI absolutely adored this book.  I actually checked out the book on CD and listened to it and would completely recommend doing the same.  The author, Alice Ozma, reads the text and is a complete delight to listen to.   Each chapter begins with a quote from a different read aloud book.  Alice's father also is part of the audio, and reads these quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This is a story of the power of reading aloud.  Alice and her father began a reading streak that they believed would last 100 days, but to their delight it ended up lasting much longer.  Alice's father read aloud to her every night from junior high until Alice left for college, over 3,000 nights.  Alice's father was compelled to begin the streak after he noticed that Alice's older sister had lost … [Read more...]

Book Reports || May 2015

 When you sell a man a book you don't sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue~ you sell him a whole new life.Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night~there's all heaven and earth in a book, a real book.~Christopher MorleyOne Plus One by Jojo MoyesThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgen BurnettEssentialism by Greg McKeown  Working through Don Quixote and I'm excited to start Unbroken and will be starting The Green Ember with the kids.Find my 2015 booklist here.Find my other Book Reports here.Linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy today.   … [Read more...]

Favorite Friend’s Book List

When I did the Oh Comely gift swap this last year, in my package my swap partner sent me a list of her favorite books.  I thought I would share the list with you today.Goldfinch by Donna TarttWhite Oleander by Janet FitchA Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled HosseiniHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieIsland Beneath the Sea by Isabelle AllendeThe Secret History by Donna TarttTales of the Unexpected by Roald DahlLife After Life by Kate AtkinsonThe Corrections by Jonathan FranzenStoner by John Williams … [Read more...]

Mother’s Day Gift Book List

Non Fiction ChoicesCalm My Anxious Heart by Linda DillowThis book speaks of anxiety, particularly in motherhood, and ways to apply contentment to our daily lives.  Sounds perfect.  It is broken into 12 sections, into a bible study.  I just ordered a copy of this, it came highly recommended from a trusted friend, and I'm excited to start on it.  Maybe I'll spend a couple of hours during my Mother's Day weekend Deliberate Motherhood by Power of MothersThis book is broken into 12 chapters, each chapter focused on a particular aspect of motherhood.  So encouraging for moms.  We studied this a few months ago during a motherhood book group with some good friends.Surprised By Motherhood by Lisa-Jo BakerLisa-Jo Baker shared her story of motherhood, how she began her adult life not wanting children, and how that changed for her over time.  Lots of tears shed throughout.A Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina KenisonKatrina Kenison shares her thoughts on … [Read more...]

The Fairy Tale Project || The Frog Prince

We read the version entitled The Frog King or Iron Henry in the Grimm Fairy Tales and the version in the Anderson Fairy Tale version.The Frog Prince by Paul GaldoneLoved the illustrations in this one, especially the cover.The Frog Prince by Kathy-Jo WarginA retelling of this classic tale by Kathy-Jo Wargin with lovely illustrations.The Frog Prince or Iron Henry translated by Naomi Lewis and illustrated by Binette Schroeder This is the Grimm's version of the tale with unusually wonderful illustrations. The Frog Prince Drinks Diet Croak by Kate McMullanA little fairy tale joke book.  Very fun!Fractured Fables by Jim ValentinoA book of fractured fables, in comic form, including the tale of the frog prince.The Frog and the Princess and the Prince and the Mole by John BearThis tale takes an odd turn when the Princess kisses the frog and turns into a mole.The Princess and the Frog by Will EisnerBased on the original frog prince tale with lovely illustrations.The Frog Prince, … [Read more...]

Fox Picture Books

Here are a collection of very fun fox picture books.  We collected these last year for a very special fox birthday party and celebrated with books, decorations, and foxy gifts.  Francis The Little Fox by Veronique BoisjolyRosie's Walk by Pat HutchinsFox Tails by Amy LowryChanticleer by Barbara CooneyFox by Margeret WildThe Tomten by Astrid LindgrenFox's Dream by Keizaburo Tejima The Meeting by Brigitte LucianiThe Fox in the Library by Loren PauliThe Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter SpierBrave Little Fox by Patricia JensenJane, the Fox & Me by Isabelle ArsenaultHarquin:  The Fox Who Went Down to the Valley by John BurninghamFlossie and the Fox by Pat McKissackHere are some other fun posts where I have shared a collection of picture books.The Fairy Tale ProjectFavorite Author Jan BrettSpring Picture BooksThis post contains affiliate links.  … [Read more...]

Parenting Books

A few months ago I was part of  a book group where we discussed the book Deliberate Motherhood.  Great book and a great discussion with some wonderful moms.  Before our last group meeting I collected parenting book recommendations from all the other moms in the group and created the list below.  I was so inspired by all of these book recommendations coming from amazing moms that I respect.  I thought I would share this list on the blog.  I would love to hear if you have read any of these and if you have any other great parenting books you would recommend.   General Parenting BooksTeaching Children Joy by Linda &Richard Eyre5 Spiritual Solutions to Everyday Parenting Challenges by Richard & Linda EyreThe Happy Family by Linda & Richard EyreI Didn’t Plan to Be a Witch by Linda EyreA Joyful Mother of Children by Linda EyreThe Potentially Sane Mothers Guide toRaising Young Children by Tamara A.FackrellSuper Nanny:  How to … [Read more...]

Book Report || April 2015

Fangirl by Rainbow RowellThis was such a fun read.  This is basically a story of a girl during her first her of college.  Rowell's books are real, the love stories aren't spectacular, but more about friendship and building a relationship through experiences shared.  I listened to this as I drove around in the car.  Lots of language in this one, not sure how I feel about reading (listening to) that, not my favorite and I could most definitely do without it. A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'EngleLoved this book.  Just a collection of Madeleine L'Engle's thoughts on life, God, writing, and relationships.  I absolutely loved it and am excited to read her other writings.  She talks about her struggle to publish A Wrinkle in Time and her simple life as a writer, mother, wife, and friend.Les Miserables by Victor HugoThis book is epic, I'm not sure what to say in a short review about it. I was determined to read the unabridged version and it took me literally … [Read more...]

The Fairy Tale Project || Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin by Paul ZelinskyWonderful oil painting illustrations throughout.Rumpelstiltskin by Paul GaldoneBeautiful illustrations.  The story is rewritten by Paul Galdone.Rumpelstiltskin by Christopher NoelThis version is based on the Grimm fairy tale version and is readapted by Christopher Noel.  The illustrations are fun. Rumpelstiltskin looks a bit like a court jester. Rumpelstiltskin pictures by Jacqueline AyerThis one is based on the Brothers Grimm version of the tale and the illustrations are a bit medievel.Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter by Diane StanleyThis is a fun fractured fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin where the King is anything but kind (was he ever?)  and Rumpelstiltskin becomes the hero of the story.  Loved it.Rumpelstiltskin by John CechJohn Cech retells this lovely tale and it has beautiful illustrations throughout.Rumpelstiltskin illustrated by Bernadette WattsSuch lovely little drawings.  Rumpelstiltskin looks like a little elf. The Girl Who … [Read more...]

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