The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel (Review + Giveaway)

I've chatted before about how difficult it is to get my son to read. He's come a long way in the last few years. He loves being read to, and listening to Audibles whenever he can. He'll take the time to sit down and look at graphic novels, or something he deems "easy" to read. The challenge really comes to getting him to sit down and take the time to read something that is on his grade level. 

Like most boys, he wants to read something quick and easy. (Most likely to get back to playing outside, or to perfect his latest Fortnite dance.) 

The key to getting him to read comes down to finding something that actually interests him. It has to entice him enough that he actually gets excited about checking this task off his list. 

Well, thank you Sheela Chari! She wrote a book that my son absolutely could not put down. My son was so into The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel, that I actually caught him a few times in his room just reading quietly. Without being asked to. 

In my book, that deserves a big huge THANK YOU!

REVIEW

I thought I would share and give a quick review in case anyone else is looking for some good reading material for this age group (4th-7th grade). 

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel totally is meant to intrigue this generation. It's a middle grades mystery book with technology tie ins. It's unique and intriguing, not only due to the plot, but it's fun format. Comprised of podcast transcripts, text message chains, emails, and news stories the story is written in a way that hits home with kids technology filled world of today.  My son loved this style of writing. 

It's fast paced and filled with fun characters. The story immediately sucked him in from the first page, and he already says it's one of his favorite books he's ever read. 

We also didn't realize until later that the book is based on an award winning podcast. It has a few seasons, and he already can't wait to listen to them. 

DETAILS FROM THE BACK COVER

Mars Patel’s friend Aurora has disappeared! His teachers are clueless. His mom is stressed out about her jobs. But Mars refuses to give up—after all, his own dad disappeared when Mars was a toddler, before he and Ma moved to Puget Sound from India. Luckily, Mars has a group of loyal friends eager to help—smart Toothpick, strong and stylish JP, and maybe-telepathic Caddie. The clues seem to point toward eccentric tech genius (and Mars’s hero) Oliver Pruitt, whose popular podcast now seems to be commenting on their quest! But when the friends investigate Pruitt’s mysterious, elite school, nothing is as it seems—and anyone could be deceiving them. Slick science, corporate conspiracies, and an endearingly nerdy protagonist make this first book in the series a fresh, exciting sci-fi adventure.

GIVEAWAY

Walker Press was nice enough to help us spread our Mars Patel excitement. We have teamed up to give away one copy to a lucky reader! 

To enter just comment with the answer to this question: 

Who you are excited to share The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel with?

Winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Monday, March 1, 2021. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to announcement or a new winner will be drawn. Winner must be a U.S. resident and over the age of 18. 

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A Review of Amazon's Kindle Kids Edition

My son went from not ever wanting to read (on his own) to being obsessed with books. He now reads non-stop. This Summer was the turning point. All it took was finding was a book series for him to really get sucked into to. For him it was the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey and the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (read his review here).

He's also really gotten into listening to books, and downloads Audibles at a faster rate than I do. I love that he has a new found love for all things reading.

In January he turned nine. He had mentioned some new books he wanted, but I decided to do some research about getting him his own e-reader. Besides, it seemed like a much better alternative to adding more toys to my house. I had the thought that everyone could get him gift cards for books for his birthday or any holiday and it could be the gift that would keep on giving.

After a few weeks of research, I decided on the Amazon Kindle for Kids. It came out in October, and seemed like best choice for what I was looking for. Now that he's had it for about a month, all I can say is best. gift. ever.

Here's my thoughts on it in case you've been thinking of getting your own little reader an e-reader.

AMAZON'S KINDLE KIDS EDITION vs. KINDLE FIRE

A friend of mine decided to do the same gift idea for her son for Christmas, but went with the Kindle Fire for Kids instead. After chatting with her about it, I was curious. She brought her son's over one day for me to play with, and I was so impressed. Our kids all have iPads, but for the cost and the set-up, the Kindle Fire hands down is the better choice in my opinion.

If we didn't already have iPads for the kids, I would have pulled the trigger on the Kindle Fires. They are easy to navigate, already come with a ton of age appropriate apps, a protective cover, and have an excellent warranty. It's a no brainer at less than a third of the cost.

Ultimately I decided to stick with the Kindle Kids Edition. We already have iPads and I wanted him to have a device that was strictly for reading and not worry about him getting on YouTube or Netflix or anything else.

Size Comparison: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Kids Edition

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE KINDLE FOR KIDS

I have the latest Kindle Paperwhite, and thought about just purchasing him that option, but then I realized what a better deal the Kindle Kids Edition was.

1. Cover Options are included.  It comes with a protective cover when purchased, so you don't have anything additional to buy. With the Paperwhite I still had to buy a cover as an extra. There are four cover options to choose from.
   
2. Amazon Free Time is included free for one year.  A Free Time Unlimited subscription allows a Kindle user to have unlimited access to books, magazines, Audibles, movies, and shows. The Paperwhite offers a free subscription with purchase for up to three months, but the Kindle for Kids edition comes with a free one-year subscription. It also allows for the Kids version to switch back and forth between reading the story and the Audible version for free.
   
   I was nervous the subscription would just be a few books, but it includes a ton of popular titles and almost any book a kid would really want to read. For example, the entire Harry Potter Series comes with the subscription. 
   
   I haven't done a cost analysis since we've only owned it a month, but I'm guessing if you have an avid reader the yearly savings would be huge. (Free Time increases to $2.99/month for Prime users and $4.99/month for non-members after the free subscription period ends. It can be cancelled anytime.)
   
3. Security. As with any electronic device these days, parents have to worry about security on multiple levels. The device works off wi-fi, but there isn't any chatting, etc. available. I also control purchases and what content he views from my own account. He can independently search and download within the parameters I set him and his reading level, but anything outside of that has to get permission from me. Super simple to set up and use, and very easy to alter if needed.
   
4. Free Replacement if damaged. The Kindle Kids Edition comes with a 2-year worry free guarantee. If anything happens to it within two years of purchase it can be replaced for free. That alone makes it worth it because...well, kids.
   
5. Wireless headphone capable. Total first world problem, but I can't stand untangling cords. The kids could care less how many knots are in them, but it drives me nuts. With just a click of a button their wireless headphones were able to be connected. (We own these inexpensive ones.)
   
6. Battery Life. Battery life for the Kindle Kids Edition is excellent. We've had to charge it once in the past month. That's with at least an hour of use daily. It takes four hours for it to get a full charge.
   
7. No distractions. I love that the device is just set up for reading and listening to books. No distractions from apps or games. No commercials or ads for those things either. Just reading.
    
8. It's small. Just like my Paperwhite, the Kindle Kids Edition is pretty small. Think the size of a small paperback. I was nervous it would be too small after being used to a larger tablet for so many years, but I actually like the smaller size. For travel it is excellent because it doesn't take up any room and is light enough that kids can carry it around with out it making their bags heavier. 

I will add things to this list as we navigate through new features or anything else new we learn. The only con I can see so far is that the screen is only black and white. The lighting is excellent, and our son hasn't complained about the lack of color, but in some books I can see where color for younger readers might help (especially when they are still looking at photos for reading cues). 

Hope this helps anyone thinking of getting a Kindle Kids Edition for their own little reader, or if you were needing a great gift idea! 

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Percy Jackson: Final Review

It is so funny to us what kids latch on to. When we were asked to read and review the Percy Jackson book series we had no idea just how into the series our kids would get. From the moment they read The Lightning Thief they were all in.

We spent the Summer reading and listening to the entire series. We hosted a Percy Jackson themed pool party to celebrate the kids enthusiasm for the series. We've watched the movies. We've even done some extended reading about Greek gods and mythology.

And if I'm being honest, I really loved the series too. It was entertaining - especially when listening to it! It's probably one of the best Audible reads I've listened to. 

My son loved the book series so much that he is now reading the Apollo series by Rick Riordan. There seems to be some cross over from the characters of the Percy Jackson series, and it is just as jam packed with adventure. I love that this series has made him so excited (even though I now know more about Greek mythology than I ever cared to). 

Head over to Savvy Sassy Moms to see our final thoughts on the Percy Jackson series, and check out a few fun ways that you can extend your reading by taking part in your own Percy Jackson style quests. 

Is there a book series that your kids' have really gotten into? Now that we've finished this one we are looking to see what would be a good idea for them to read next! 

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Host the Ultimate Percy Jackson Pool Party

Usually during the Summer we have to beg our kids to read. Refreshingly, the griping has been almost non-existent this year. We started reading the Percy Jackson series together, and the kids have loved it. The books are really well written, and are extremely fast paced so it keeps our young readers attention.

Some of our little ones aren't advanced enough to read the books yet so we downloaded the Audible versions for them to listen to while everyone else read it. Honestly, it might be one of the best Audible books I've ever heard. I'm so impressed with the narrator's ability to speak in so many voices. I've enjoyed listening to it just as much as the kids!

If you are interested in reading or listening to the books we noticed that The Lightning Thief (the first book in the series), the Audible versions of the books, and the boxed set are all on sale on Amazon right now!

HOST A PERCY JACKSON PARTY

We are about halfway through the series, and decided to have a little fun with it. Never ones to shy away from a chance to throw a good themed party, we came up with the idea to have Percy Jackson pool party. We used the books as inspiration, and invited anyone who has been reading the books along with us.

There were Pegasus floats, themed food, and - because the boys are involved - tridents on the ready for battle.

Make the hop over to Savvy Sassy Moms to see more details and photos from the Percy Jackson Party and check out all the ideas on how you can host your own. We also share a free printable for discussion cards to keep the conversation going. 

What books are your kids reading for Summer? We are always looking for more good ones to keep our readers motivated? We'd love to hear! 

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Summer Reading List: Percy Jackson & The Olympians

In our monthly Book Club we chat about how much we love reading, but our kids...not so much. Sometimes if they find a book or a series that they love they will be into it, but most times they aren't.  Which is crazy to us because it's one of our favorite ways to relax or pass time. I mean, we understand reading has to compete with watching Ninja on YouTube or Ryan open yet another toy, but we still would love for them to sit down to read without having to be bribed. 

Last year we shared a list of suggestions on books to keep boys interested in reading.  The suggestions people sent us were super helpful, and in all honesty helped us get through our school year reading. But now it's Summer and we know our reading game has to be upped a little bit. We made it our goal to find a book (or book series) that would excite all of our elementary and middle schoolers. 

We were approached about reading the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, and thought it might actually do the trick. We read the storyline and realized it would be a series that would interest all of our young readers. 

We started reading first book in the series,  The Lightning Thief, a few weeks ago to kick off Summer, and they have loved it! Some of younger ones are listening to it on Audible (which if you haven't downloaded for kids yet - do so! The first two listens are free!), some are reading the books to us, and some are reading on their own.  All of them agree - it's a great book! 

We're chatting more about this and our plans for Summer Reading with the kids on Savvy Sassy Moms. We're also helping them give away one whole set to anyone who wants read along with us this summer. Pop over to check out the post and the details on how you can enter to win. 

What tops your kid's reading list this Summer? 

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Children's Book Club: Shark Attack!

It's Shark Week, and our kids are obsessed! Every time we turn around they are turning on the Discovery Channel to see what sharks are terrorizing swimming the ocean waters at that moment. Sharks are serious business year round in this house though, and through some of our summer adventures, it seems like the excitement about those toothy sea creatures has been amplified.

Cute came home from our family vacation, and wanted to read anything and everything about sharks. 

From fiction to non-fiction he soaks up every. single. word. Now I know way more about sharks than I ever wanted to in my life. 

You might find us sticking to pools from now on. 

We got our shark loving little boys (and girls!) together and asked them to pick their favorite shark themed books. They were so excited about this task and made sure to pick the "very best and baddest" shark books.

10 FAVORITE SHARK BOOKS FOR KIDS

1. Sharks Discovery Kids - This is one of our favorites! It has realistic photos, tons of great facts, and a peek at a variety of different sharks that are swimming in the ocean. 
2. The Shark Who Learned a Lessson - This story follows Shadow the Shark, who sadly has become the ocean bully. The creatures of the ocean ban together and show Shadow a different way to be. 
3. Clark the Shark - This is the original in the "Clark the Shark" series. Clark is a rambunctious little shark just trying to fit in at school. The series follows the lessons that Clark has to learn along the way. Great for any young school aged child!
4. Nugget & Fang - Nugget and Fang are the best of friends. Nugget goes to school and finds that his best friend is a little different. A great book to show young children even though we are all different we can all be friends. 
5. Finn Flips - Finn is a shark with lots of pep in his fins, but when he flips, all his ocean friends at Club Shark better watch out! A fun little story our early readers love!
6. Hark! A Shark! - A rhyming shark book from our favorite Dr. Suess character - the Cat in the Hat. This is a fun little book to teach shark loving little ones facts about their favorite ocean creatures. 
7. Wild Kratts: Sharks, Whales & Dolphins! -  Our favorite animal loving duo share all about sharks, and some of the larger creatures they share the ocean with. A great way to show how sharks interact with their oceanic neighbors. 
8. If Sharks Disappeared - A great way to further the conversation of why we can't get rid of sharks even if they are sometimes scary. 
9. Shark Lady - This new to us story has quickly become a favorite of all of our kids. This follows the true story of Eugenie Clark, one of the world's greatest shark loving scientists. A fun story and lots of great facts. 
10. National Geographic Kids Everything Sharks - Part fact book and part activity book this is one of our shark loving little ones favorite shark books. It's great book for car rides and restaurant entertainment. 

The are tons of great shark books for kids out there, but hopefully this list has narrowed it down for you! 

And because it just happens to be "Shark Week" we are going to extend the shark filled fun by giving away one of our favorite shark tales. Pop over to Instagram to win your own copy of The Shark Who Learned a Lesson from Hawaiian children's book author Gil McBarnet. 

The giveaway will go live later today and the winner will be announced Sunday, July 30th. 

Happy Shark Week everyone!

Carrie Beth & Jen

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Friday Favorites: Fourth of July Edition

I love a short week. Even if it is summer, and every day is a holiday for us. There is just something about having a shorter work week and more weekend in your life than makes you a happy person. 

We both have been enjoying the downtime and spent our holiday weekend on the water, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Carrie Beth will give you a little peek at her houseboat vacation next week, but today I will share a little bit of what's gone on in our world lately, and throw in a favorite or two as well. Linking up as usual for Friday Favorites...

So, at the beginning of this Summer we bought a new boat. We have so many awesome lakes around our house, and with the beach not so far away, we thought it would be a fun way for our family to spend time together. Carrie Beth and a few other friends have boats, and it's always been a blast going out with them. 

Best. Decision. Ever. The kids LOVE it! We took full advantage of the long weekend, and spent every day on the water with friends swimming, picnicking, tubing, and fishing. It was a blast, and I know looking back on these memories will always be my favorite. 

And since summer and all things boat, pool, and ocean have been happening around these parts that meant mommy needed a new swimsuit or two. I've been digging the one pieces this year, and have stumbled upon some new favorites. This little navy blue swimsuit tops the list. 

| Beach Bag | Necklace | Bracelet | Watch |

I ordered this swimsuit on a whim when it popped up in my search. The reviews were great and it was less than $15. I was intrigued and kept my expectations low, but was pleasantly surprised when it arrived that it looks great and fits exactly as described! Plus $15 you can't beat that! 

This little outfit just makes me happy! 

Fourth of July is my favorite and I know it's come and gone, but I think it would be a cute outfit for Labor Day as well. The scalloped shorts I've had on repeat all summer, and the shoes are a long time favorite brand, but the "Boom Y'all!" shirt is over the top darling! 

And anything with a flamingo on it is my jam. Give me a 4th of July flamingo themed koozi and I'm one happy girl. :)  

Fourth of July was just plain fun. As I said earlier we boated all day, and then after pulling off the water we partied all night. Well at least until 10:30p.m. when everything was done. :) 

We took our "boat hair, don't care" selves straight into some 4th of July theme wear, and made way for our little town's evening celebrations. 

The kids loved everything about it. The fireworks, the sparklers, the overload of sugary treats, the glow sticks, the sparkers, the cheering, the fun drinks, the sparklers...

I'm so glad they love my favorite holiday now just as much as I do!

After all the family fun time that we had this week, Mr. Cute and I decided we needed a little date night to recover. 

We decided last minute to head to the Braves game, and we were able to get some awesome seats. This is the only pic I took because I was so nervous each time a ball flew our way...and each time the camera decided to stand a little close. 

It was such a fun date night, and definitely one of my favorite moments of the week. 

The rest of the week we spent hanging out at the house and just relaxing. It was so nice! I love summer. Summer is my favorite!

And even thought it is a break from school we've been really working on our reading skills so that we don't fall prey to that infamous "summer slide". 

Cute has been working hard to become a great reader, and has a few go-to favorite books he likes to read throughout the day. 

He is all about shark books ever since he went on the fishing trip with Mr. Cute during our Hilton Head vacation, and Finn Flips is one of his new favorites. 

I've also caught him reading these little Star Wars phonics books. My mom and sister found these for him earlier in the summer and he has taken them everywhere with us. They've been so helpful, and there are even a few workbooks included that he brings to restaurants with us to play with. 

I love that he's becoming a stronger reader and enjoying it at the same time. We've come a long way in such a short time!

And we don't just teach reading skills in our house...we teach life skills. The Game of Life skills. And  how to be a real estate tycoon otherwise known as Monopoly.  

The kids have become obsessed with playing "grown up games" lately, and finally Mr. Cute and I broke down and decided to give it a try. Surprisingly they picked up on these a lot faster than I thought they would. 

So much so that L.C. handedly won a round of Monopoly without much help from her overly somewhat competitive parents. The boys were a little miffed after all that trash talking they did. 

It's been so much fun lately, and I'm excited it's a weekend and we can do some of it all over again! We're kicking our weekend off with a little visit from the tooth fairy, and then it's all fun and games (or re-matches) from there. 

What were some of your favorites from this week? 

Happy weekend y'all!