Fantastic Feathers: February 2019

26 February, 2019

The Secret Life of Moles by Liz Burgess - [Book Review]

The Secret Life of Moles
by Liz Burgess

Summary:

Liz Burgess has always held a keen interest in nature, especially small furry mammals!

Long fascinated by their secret activities at home in her own back garden, and the fields surrounding it, she decided to explore this special underground world, and find out more about moles and their other little friends. Liz Burgess lives in South Yorkshire and The Secret Life of Moles is her first book for children.

Information about the Book

Title: The Secret Life of Moles (and their friends)

Author: Liz Burgess

Release Date: 28^th February 2019

Genre: Picture Book

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44015942-the-secret-life-of-moles

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-Moles-Liz-Burgess-ebook/dp/B07NJ4VR79

My Review

I remembered the movie 'Ratatouille' while reading this story. This is the story of a young mole 'Ragwort', who explores the other places to build a home for the younger generation of their family as space where they live is overcrowded.

This story is about coming out of the comfort zone, being adventurous and planning for the future. The story also tells that we can achieve anything when we work as a team and plan properly.

More than the protagonist Ragwort, I loved the characters of Hogknows and Climbing Fox. It is because of them and wingthing's help that the moles could build and move to their new house which is safe for them.

The book cover is apt and colorful. The illustrations inside the book are great too.

The writing style is good but it is very descriptive. So, I recommend this to the children above 3rd grade/ or young kids who have the patience to read more lines and large paragraphs.

The story and concept are really good and it has morals to teach our children like being helpful, kind and supportive to friends.

My Rating : 4.5/5

Author Information

Liz Burgess lives in South Yorkshire has enjoyed a varied career, including working for a UK Environmental Charity, the latter 10 years as a Director. She had always had a keen interest in nature especially small mammals, activities in her own back garden and the surrounding fields inspired her to write the Secret Life of Moles. Any reference to a moles natural behaviour in The Secret Life of Moles is correct according to Liz’s small amount of research. All the drawings were been done by Liz in pencil and ink.

At the age of 68, Liz enjoys hiking, birdwatching anything to do with wildlife. She has done quite a bit of foreign travel, including rain forests, jungles and was fortunate to see a 'tiger' in the wild. Liz retired at 60, previous to this she worked for an environmental charity for 28 years. Mainly involved with operational developments but she does have a background in Human Resources and Employment Law.

Tour Schedule

Monday 25^th February

Bound 4 Escape

Tuesday 26^th February

Life of a Nerdish Mum

Wednesday 27^th February

Fantastic Feathers

Thursday 28^th February

Rosie Writes…

Friday 1^st March

Jazzy Book Reviews

Saturday 2^nd March

Donna’s Book Blog

Sunday 3^rd March

Short Book and Scribes

Monday 4^th March

Heavenly Good Books

Tuesday 5^th March

Big Book Little Book

Wednesday 6^th March

Yet Another Blogging Mummy

Thursday 7^th March

A Bibliophile’s Book Blog

Friday 8^th March

Black Books Blog

Saturday 9^th March

An Awfully Big Adventure

Until next time,

20 February, 2019

A minute to death by Ganga Bharani - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title : A minute to death part 1 & Part 2
Author : Ganga Bharani
Genre :thriller
Length of the book : 105 pages(part 1), 104 pages (part 2)
Source : A free copy that I won in some giveaway

Blurb:

Young, vivacious and an aspiring writer, Riya wants nothing more from her longtime crush/boyfriend than to let her in on one of his exciting investigations. After all, what better source material for a book than a real-life tragedy?

A no-nonsense veteran cop, Rohan picks a case of probable suicide to satisfy Riya’s needs. Little does he know that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

What made the victim hang herself at the break of dawn? What is the secret that her group of friends is hiding? Will Riya be able to salvage a workable plot for her upcoming novel out of this case of seemingly simple suicide?

Purchase Link:
Amazon

My Review :

This is a thrilling investigation story of 2 suicides in the town by a cop Rohan and his girlfriend Riya. The story is interesting with twists, turns and clues leading to the cause of death.

What I liked?
The thrill factor is great. The clues and deductions are good and make us analyze and think about the case. The characters are cool. Rohan as a handsome and smart cop and Riya as a bubbly writer are interesting. The story flows smoothly and the mystery is maintained till the end. I loved the plot so much that I purchased the part 2 of the kindle copy immediately after finishing the first part.

I heard great reviews about this book before starting the book itself and thus my expectations are high. This book met all my expectations.

The only downside is the mistakes/ spelling errors. This book might have been reviewed before publishing.

One more thing that I didn't like is that the intelligent Riya might not have chosen that path for fame. Her decision doesn't match to her personality and there would have been some justification about this in the book, which is not there. I cannot talk more as I don't want to reveal anything for new readers.

My Rating : 4.5/5

I would recommend this book to all readers who like short thrillers/ fast-paced reads.

About the Author:

Ganga Bharani Vasudevan is the author of 'Just you, me and a secret', and Plot Engine, among many others.
Her short films 'Tiny Steps' and 'Candles' won the Best Film Award and Special Mention Award in an international film festival. She was awarded 'Best Urban Chennai Blogger Award'.
She is now writing a script for an Indian Feature film that will be released in the year 2017.

Website: http://gangabharani.com/

Until next time,

19 February, 2019

Made in Italy by Laura Morelli - Book Spot Light

Book Details:

Book Title: Made in Italy by Laura Morelli

Category: Adult Non-fiction, 161 pages

Genre: Travel, History, Art

Publisher: Authentic Arts Publishing

Release date: Jan, 2019

Tour dates: Feb 11 to March 8, 2019

Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Richly painted maiolica ceramics from Tuscany. Supple Florentine leather. The cameos of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses. Jaw-dropping glass from the island of Murano.

MADE IN ITALY takes you on a complete tour of the dazzling artisanal legacy of Italy, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind, hidden workshops where everything from leather bags to gilded frames are turned out completely by hand, piece by piece.

This book includes instructions for getting a free copy of the companion guide, ARTISANS OF ITALY, with complete, continually updated listings of Laura's personally recommended shops and artisans across Italy.

Laura Morelli, art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you behind the tourist traps to discover some of Italy's most traditional arts.

Laura holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and shares how, what, and where to buy; hints on recognizing quality and authenticity; and tips for bringing home the artisanal treasures of Italy in your suitcase.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Author's Website

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

LAURA MORELLI holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, has taught college students in the U.S. and in Italy, and currently produces art history lessons for TED-Ed. She authored a column for National Geographic Traveler called “The Genuine Article” and has contributed pieces about art and authentic travel to CNN Radio, The Frommers Travel Show, and in USA TODAY, Departures, and other media.

Laura is the author of the Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes the popular book Made in Italy. Her fiction brings the stories of art history to life. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, won an IPPY for Best Historical Fiction and a Benjamin Franklin Award.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends March 15, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time,

18 February, 2019

Opposite Poles Attract #vdayblogtrain #ShortStory

Radha is studious, ambitious with only one goal in her mind from her childhood - to take care of her parents well. She is from the middle-class family and she is practical.

While all their relatives thought a girl is a burden, she wanted to prove them wrong by earning a good name and making their parents proud.

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Rakesh is born in a rich family but raised with moral values by his loving parents. He doesn't know the problems of the world but he is sensitive and kind to his friends and family.

Money is never a problem in his life and he never knew financial planning/ sticking to budgets.

Life is smooth for him. He is an intellectual and smart student.

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Radha is multi-talented. She excelled in music and always won prizes in competitions. As usual, in her second year of engineering, she attended Youth festivals representing their college for music.

While Rakesh doesn't know anything about arts, he is good at winning prizes in debate competitions. He also participated in that year's youth festivals.

Radha and Rakesh's colleges were given accommodation next to each other. Radha met Rakesh for the first time when Radha is running to hospital taking her injured friend. Rakesh just jumped in when she needed help with searching for a hospital and managing her sick friend in an unknown city.

But, they both don't know that destiny will make them meet again.

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5 years passed.

Both forgot each other, both settled into their dream jobs in different cities.

When Rakesh's profile came up from their parents for an alliance, Radha immediately recognized him. Radha always believed that Arranged marriage is a gamble and only a few lucky people will win a lottery (aka a decent husband).

Rakesh is not even interested in marriage at that time but with parent's force, he went with his family to Radha's home and instantly recognized her.

They both talked for some time but they were not sure if they are a good match.

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Radha and Rakesh's families liked each other and now, they are waiting for their children's decision.

They both agreed hesitantly and the marriage preparations started.

Even though Radha didn't know much about him, she fell for his looks and she also knew his kindness and helping nature from youth festivals.

Though it was not a love at first sight, they both tried to learn more about each other. The late-night phone calls extended till 2 am.

They were amazed at how different they both are from each other!

While Radha is studious, Rakesh is an average but smart student.

Radha is good at financial planning and prepares budgets, but Rakesh spends money lavishly.

Radha doesn't care much about her looks and prefers not to spend money on clothes and beauty parlors. Rakesh always gives preference to maintain a good look by using the best clothes and colors that suit him.

Radha is introvert and loves reading, whereas Rakesh is extrovert and always likes spending time with people.

Radha loves to listen to music whereas Rakesh doesn't know anything about music. While Rakesh loves sports, Radha never enjoyed watching sports or playing.

Radha is a vegetarian and Rakesh is foody and non-vegetarian.

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At last, they are tied in wedlock and you know what? They lived happily ever after.

Radha and Rakesh enjoyed their differences, accepted that their tastes are different, both adjusted to some extent, respected each other and more than anything else, they kept their love ahead of their egos in all circumstances.

This story is fiction but completely based on real-life experiences.

Let me tell you from my own experience, It doesn't matter that all tastes/ interest match for a couple.

A relationship works with love, trust, and respect.

If these 3 ingredients are present in the recipe of your relationship, I am sure it tastes great and sustains long.

Don't you agree?

Let me know in comments - what do you think about the opposite poles attracting each other.

Until next time,

This post is a part of the Valentine’s Day blog train hosted by www.prernawahi.com & www.vartikasdiary.com, sponsored by ShilpSa, Kalpavriksha farms & Neha from @bloggingmadeeasier

I chose to write for the prompt - Opposites attract, great minds think alike – what type of couple are you?

17 February, 2019

Ultimate Mindfulness Activity Book by Christian Bergstrom - Book Blitz

150 Playful Mindfulness Activities for Kids and Teens (and Grown-Ups too!)

Non-Fiction, Children, Teens

Published: January 2019

Kick-start and sustain a fun mindfulness practice with kids and teens.

“This book makes it easy and is a must-have for every parent and teacher!” – Denise Besic, Mother and Teacher

Give kids lasting life skills to de-stress and calm down, navigate difficult emotions, control impulses, focus on what matters, and nurture empathy, kindness, and joy.

In Ultimate Mindfulness Activity Book you will find:

150+ playful mindfulness activities

Tools for calm, focus, joy, kindness, and emotional intelligence and regulation

A 21-step guide to kick-start and sustain your practice together

Inspirational examples of how mindfulness makes positive change

Easy to understand explanations on how to explain mindfulness to kids and youth

A FREE audio course for grown-ups and more

About the Author

Chris is the founder of BlissfulKids.com, a blog dedicated to children's mindfulness, and a dad who is thrilled to practice mindfulness with his son. He is a certified mindfulness facilitator and trained to teach mindfulness to students in K-12. He's also an executive consultant and has taught meditation for more than 15 years.

Contact Links

Purchase Link

Until next time,

15 February, 2019

Show the Love, Save a School #ProjectWhy

We have been forwarding multiple messages through WhatsApp or Facebook and sharing to all our friends about the Valentine's day but if there is one message that it's worthy to share is this.

I am happy to share these details about Project Why via a blogathon hosted by Damayanti, a fellow blogger.

This is about a group of children at Okhla Industrial area in New Delhi who used to live near railway tracks and since they didn't have a school, sometimes they are often targeted by local mafia who would use them to steal from the goods trains. Two extraordinary women - Sophia and Pushpa took the challenge of starting a small school for these underprivileged kids in a tent replacing the garbage dump. Slowly, this small initiative by Project Why grew with 100 children getting education there and now the Okhla center has class XII!

Today, this center has 300 children getting education from 12 dedicated teachers. But, the Okhla center funding is coming to an end in March and so, they are in a danger of closing.

Mithu Mandal lost his legs to polio at the age of 3 and was never interested in formal education.

At Project WHY, he not only learned about computers but became good enough to teach children how to use them.

PROJECT WHY ACTIVITIES

Project WHY is a flagship programme of Sri Ram Goburdhun Charitable Trust, which provides educational support to underprivileged children. This non-profit, after-school support programme goes beyond academics, to include life skills and all-around development.

Project WHY reaches out to 1200 children and 160 women.

Since 2005, Project WHY runs a computer education programme. Mithu started as a student, worked his way up to being a teacher’s aide, and then took over as the computer teacher.

If you would like to help Save this school, please help through the below fundraiser. Every penny counts!

Here is the link for the fundraiser.
Donate now

Until next time,