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! 

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |

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? 

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |

Books to Get Boys Reading

Okay this is totally one of those posts where I give you a little something and I hope you give me a little something. I need some major suggestions on books that help get boys to enjoy reading. More specifically - Cute reading. We've found a few books here and there that he seems into, and I'll share those, but I am up for any and all suggestions you guys have got!

This is Cute's last week of first grade and all year we have been on the struggle bus when it comes to encouraging him to read. Don't get me wrong. He loves books and stories, and being read to. But when it comes to reading himself? He has other more important things he feels he has to do.

If school were based on Lego building skills, ability to score soccer goals, solve multiplication problems, drawing ninjas with friends, or running the fastest during P.E. he would be an ace student. He excels in all other subjects, and I know he'll get there at some point. Reading is life skill you just need, kind of like tying your shoes (and that's a subject we'll save for another day), but he just feels zero desire to take any part in it.

So in the spirit of the "summer slide" I was hoping to get a little insight into what books you might suggest to keep him motivated. I have stumbled upon a few these last few months that seem to keep him interested and a few he gets excited about. So maybe this can be a bench mark for suggestions too?

I can't be the only mom on the struggle reading bus! So share any and all - you never know who it might help!

BOOKS THAT BOYS LOVE

(Or at least my little boy!)

Captain Underpants Series - Underwear and potty talk. Need I say more? This is full of potty style humor and has tons of illustrations to put a visual to the story. It makes Cute literally laugh out loud. We even watched the Captain Underpants movie as a reward after he finished the first one. Do I like potty talk? No. But do I like my son being interested in reading? Absolutely. Plus it's such a huge series, I'm not the only parent hearing all about giant potty people or Booger Boy. (Seriously, those are things.)

Dog Man Series - This series is written by the same author as the Captain Underpants books, so a similar type of humor, but with less actual potty talk. It follows a police officer who is half dog/half man and his crime fighting adventures. The pages are filled with comic style photos and Cute loves the flip-o-ramas included.  So far this seems to be the series he's gotten the most excited about, and he's already excited about the Lord of the Fleas that comes out this August. 

The Bad Guys Series - This series is fun! This follows the notorious "bad characters" of various tales (think Big Bad Wolf), and changes it up a bit. The bad guys all team up together to do good deeds, and each story follows their mishaps along the way. Cute has a few books in this series he grabbed from the book fair and even though there are less photos he still enjoys reading them a ton. 

Inspector Flytrap Series - This one we recently grabbed while running errands. It's a mystery series where the main character is a Venus Flytrap. It seems funny, but Cute hasn't sat down to read it through it's entirety. It has a few pictures in it, and tons of silliness so hoping he ends up liking this short series too. 

Mighty Marvel Chapter Books - We've had these for awhile, and while some of the words are tough it's a super hero book and in some boys' world that's all they need to motivate them. Cute loves look at these over and over and his teacher let him keep one in his desk all year to read whenever he liked. 

Magic Tree House Series - Several people have suggested these to me, and my mom purchased a few of them for Cute. I know there are tons of books in this series, and while Cute likes these being read to him, he hasn't been consistent quite yet on reading them on his own. There aren't as many photos as there are in other series so that could be the drawback? 

The Stink Series - Cute owns one book in this series, and he reads through it often, but when asked he doesn't seem interested in looking at another. The book series is based on Judy Moody's little brother, and follows him on some silly adventures. A super funny little series!

Pedro Series - Cute originally grabbed two of the books in this series because one is about being in first grade, and one is about soccer - two of his main interests this year. The book series is cute and kind of showcases the main character, Pedro, in some scenarios that make him uncomfortable and shares how he handles them. Filled with great messages for this age group! 

Okay, that's all I have in my boy book arsenal. What are some of your suggestions? 

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |

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!