Classic Storybook: The Monsters Monster

I thought I'd share one of my favorite storybooks tonight. It's an older book from 2012 - it's so much fun to read this book and get into character. I usually end up making my throat very sore and scratchy about half way thru. I love this book!

This fun story is about 3 little monsters who learn about manners, courtesy, respect and kindness from a surprising source. The "big, bad" monster that they created all by themselves. This story is well worth investing in the hardback book - you will be reading it over and over and over again.

The Monsters' Monster
by Patrick McDonnel
$ 4.79 (Thriftbooks, used copy)
$ 17.09 (Amazon hardback) $15.57 (paperback)

Once upon a time, there were three little rascals who thought they were the BIGGEST, BADDEST monsters around. Then along came an even BIGGER monster who changed their minds. And all it took was two little words. In this playful tale from bestselling picture book author Patrick McDonnell, a very BIG monster shows three very BAD little monsters the power of boundless gratitude.

Monster Crafts and Activities:
1. Paperbag monsters
2. Papercone monsters by Easy Peasy and Fun
3. 20 crazy easy monster crafts by Brooklyn Farm Girl
4. Monster Math Games by The Measured Mom
5. Monster Music & Songs

Reading App: Teach Your Monster to Read
This is the program that Gianna loves to play. She began playing this at around 3.5 and at 5.5 is almost all the way through the game. She is only allowed to play it in the car while we are picking up kids from school so it's pretty limited. She began reading just after her 4th birthday and I think this game is a big reason why she began reading so early (along with all the reading we've done together, sesame street and the one on one I've done helping her). It's available on most electronic devices: Laptop, Computer, Kindle, Ipad and Android devices. Learn more here.


Disclaimer: This review is based on a book I have in my personal collection and read to my daycare kiddos. I think I actually love it even more than they do! No money exchanged hands and I received this book to review about 7 years ago from the publisher or maybe the author. At this point I don't remember. Enjoy!

Linked up at: (both are monthly linkups)

MandyandMichelle.com

Book Nook @ Create with Joy

Changes are a comin...

I've come to a realization or two in the 5 weeks since I closed my daycare doors and began working for someone else:

Most importantly, I had forgotten how difficult it is working for someone else.

Wow! Currently (as of the last 5 weeks) I am working as a courier. I like the job for the most part. It's easy and it's nice meeting new people. But the boss doesn't pay on time (always a day late), he takes his stress out on the drivers. I don't handle conflict well and his screaming and yelling at us has been really difficult to get used to. And the cars we are driving weren't safe at all when I started. I very nearly quit when the van I was driving wouldn't stay running and died when I had 2 cars and a semi on my tail on F Street. Then he put me in another car that was worse. I was actually told to not turn the car off until I got back to the office because it wouldn't start again. I called mom and asked her to begin praying - these cars are not safe.

This job will likely only be for the next week or two. Thank heavens. I want a job where I feel valued and like I'm making a difference. Being a courier is ultra easy and like I said I like the customers for the most part. But when you have a question on how to handle something (and no one has told you and you've never picked up something for them) you shouldn't get put down and torn apart.

Hopefully I will have great news in the next week or so. If so, I will be moving out of state mid October and starting a new chapter in my life. 

Thanks for listening...

Welcome!

Welcome to the NEW GivingNSharing blog. Creatively known as GivingNSharing 2. Lol

This blog will be dedicated to handmade and my thoughts and ideas whether it's handmade, reviews, interviews with other handmade artists and possibly more. I actually intended to originally combine GivingNSharing 1 with the new version but for some reason I'm getting a error message so needed to make up another one.

I'm looking forward to seeing old and new friends in this blog. As most of you know reading is a passion of mine and sharing literacy with families around the world is so very important. I found this neat quote online by Joy J Golliver and it fits my passion so well:

"The meaning of life is to find your gift

    The purpose of life is to give it away."

~ Joy J Golliver

So, remember whether you are reading to your child, spending time with a dear friend or helping a handmade artist support their family you can make a difference in their life by the time you give & the love you share.

You can find me on social media by clicking on the links in the right column in the Welcome section. As many of you know I'm nearly always available. I'm working as a courier now so mostly I will be answering after 3 pm or weekends. =D 

Thanks, Tina