Ting-A-Ling: The Old Ambulance by Harry Goldstar - [Book Review]

Summary:

Welcome to the world of Ting-a-Ling. The friendliest old ambulance there ever was. With line drawn illustrations for YOU to colour in helping you to familiarise yourself personally, with Ting-a-Ling, his owner and restorer Alf, his mum, and Mr .Grimsby the boss of the big ambulance station. Open the cover and jump into a whole NEW world of ambulance stories and adventures.

Designed in a quirky style encompassing story telling entertainment colouring and education suitable for both younger readers and adults alike. Truly an all in one compendium. Just like the filling in a sandwich, the best bit’s inside.

Simple and easy to read. The stories are written with a smattering of comical northern dialect in bite size chapters so as not to be taxing on the brain.

Have difficulty in reading? Written by a dyslexic who knows what a struggle it can be. This book really is here to help YOU!

If Ting-a-Ling had wings I would say welcome to the flying start. This book is the first in a series in the making where you will meet Ting-a-Ling and his friends.

TRY ME. If not for yourself. Think of someone else. Possibly a little person who the stories are written for.

You will love Ting-a-Ling. EVERYONE does!

Information about the Book

Title: Ting-A-Ling: The Old Ambulance

Author: Harry Goldstar

Release Date: 30^th April 2019

Genre: Picture Book

Page Count: 50

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45162409-ting-a-ling

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ting-Ling-Ambulance-Harry-Goldstar/dp/1912562863

My Review

Ting A Ling is about an old ambulance recovered and repaired by Alf. The old ambulance which is in all pieces with plants growing on it and a bit of mess is repaired by Alf for many nights with hard work. When the ambulance starts working, it became the friendliest old ambulance. 

My kids love all different types of vehicles and so, they naturally liked the story. This story gives a moral to not to give up even when a task seems impossible. Alf works hard for many nights to bring life back to the old ambulance. 

The illustrations are good but since these are not colorful, they don't look attractive for a toddler. This book is good to read for children below 8 years of age. The narration is fine. The book cover and title are apt.

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I have received this book through Authoright in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion on the book.

Author Information

Born in Lincolnshire, the author draws on his northern roots with northern colloquialisms throughout these stories. As a child, the author was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease which he fought head on, however it has affected every day of his life since. A keen lover of older vehicles and all things transportation. The author has a practical, hands on approach, and fascination of how they work along with a love of the tools required in general. The author is an active supporting member of a prestigious living historic steam railway run as a charity for the benefit of others. He is also a volunteer trustee of a disability information service empowering the less able to live better and fulfilling lives and trying to change the perception of disability. He currently resides in King's Lynn.

Tour Schedule

Monday 29^th April

Black Books Blog

Tuesday 30^th April

Rosie Writes…

Wednesday 1^st May

Fantastic Feathers

Thursday 2^nd May

Life of a Nerdish Mum

Friday 3^rd May

Girl Who Sciences

Saturday 4^th May

Splashes into Books

Sunday 5^th May

Big Book Little Book

Monday 6^th May

Dash Fan Book Reviews

Tuesday 7^th May

Jazzy Book Reviews

Wednesday 8^th May

Short Book and Scribes

Thursday 9^th May

A Bibliophile’s Book Blog

Friday 10^th May

Donna’s Book Blog

Until next time,

Utah Vacation plan with Kids #TravelTips

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Most of you might have heard about the 'Grand Circle' trip covering 6 national parks in Utah. We have customized that trip to 3 days and planned it in such a way that my 4-year-old as well can enjoy without being tired. This post is all about planning a Utah vacation with kids and about our mini grand circle tour.

Choosing the places and Travel Dates :

The best time to plan a vacation to Utah is the spring/ Fall. Summer is very harsh in Utah with temperatures reaching till 100 Fahrenheit. So, choose the time which is good for family travel without facing harsh weather. 

Next step is to choose the places. We started our journey from colorado springs and stopped at Grand Junction, CO, Bluff, UT and Pagosa Springs, Co for the night halts.

Arches National park is a must visit and so, this is the first one in our list. Independence monument is located on the way from Grand Junction to Arches, which you can cover before Arches. 

Canyonlands national park is 1 hr away from Arches so it can be covered on the same day. We stayed at Bluff, UT on that day night. 

We chose to visit Monument Valley National park after Canyonlands, but if you have time, you should consider visiting Bryce Canyon national park and Zion national park. 'Four corners monument' is on the way to 'Mesa Verde national park'. So, it is easy to cover this place and stand at a place where four states meet.  

The next day we planned to cover Treasure falls in Creede as it is on the way to Colorado Springs. Crestone Mahalakshmi temple at the foothills of beautiful mountains is a temple, Universal ashram and a spiritual community. 

After you are done with deciding the places to visit, decide on the number of days you need to cover those places. I have read multiple blogs with itineraries and watched many videos to see which places and hikes are kid friendly. We decided to cover these places in 3 nights and 4 days.

Accommodations :

We usually book the accommodations through Expedia.com. A few things that I take care of when I book accommodation are : 

• Complimentary breakfast
• Clean rooms
• less distance from tourist places
• Ratings and reviews
• Cost

Accommodations near Moab:

Travel Tips :

Traveling with kids on long road trips is not very easy. We have to keep so many things in our mind while planning a trip. 

• There is a lot of driving on this trip, so kids might easily get bored. So, we carried some UNO cards, a lot of snacks to munch on, drawing sheets with crayons, a journal book for kids to write about travel etc., 

• I have also downloaded the Junior ranger guides of the national parks that we are visiting and took printouts so that kids can read them during travel. 

• We visited all the visitor centers before entering the national park. A few parks have explorer packs for children with binoculars, useful information and, activity sheets. There is a junior ranger checklist that the visitor centers provide to kids. By completing all those tasks, they can receive a Junior Ranger badge, How fun it is to them?
• We took a lot of breaks while traveling and stopped by all scenic spots. Sitting for a long time in a car is too tough for kids. 
• We carried a lot of snacks and fruits, especially oranges and bananas to keep us hydrated in the dry, hot weather. we bought fruit and snack trays.

• We carried a lot of mini water bottles so that it's easy for children to drink and also juices to avoid dehydration.
• My kids carried their favorite soft toys and blankets to make them comfortable in the car :-)
• I have prepared a checklist so that it's easy to follow every time we travel. The list includes moisturizer, toothbrushes, important medicines, first aid kit, sunscreen, hats, light jackets, comb etc.,
• We chose the hotels which have an indoor pool and hot tub. After a lot of hiking, it will be great to rest in the hot tub in the evenings.
• Make sure to take proper hiking shoes which don't strain the feet.

A detailed travelogue of each day is shared in my next posts.

So, please stay tuned.

Day 1 - Arches and Canyonlands National Park
Day 2 - Monument Valley Park and Four Corners Monument

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Until next time,

Linking this post to #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne at EverydayGyaan.

Pretty Reckless by L J Shen - Release Blitz

All Saints High, Book One

New Adult Romance

Date
Published: April 29, 2019

We
were supposed to be best friends But turned out to be worst enemies…

Penn

They
say revenge is a dish best served cold.

I’d
had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to me, and

now
my heart was completely iced.

I
took her first kiss.

She
took the only thing I loved.

I
was poor.

She
was rich.

The
good thing about circumstances? They can change. Fast.

Now,
I’m her parents’ latest shiny project.

Her
housemate. Her tormentor. The captain of the rival football team she hates so
much.

Yeah,
baby girl, say it—I’m your foster brother.

There’s
a price to pay for ruining the only good thing in my life, and she’s about to
shell out some serious tears.

Daria
Followhill thinks she is THE queen. I’m about to prove to her that she’s
nothing but a spoiled princess.

Daria

Everyone
loves a good old unapologetic punk.

But
being a bitch? Oh, you get slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll,
and foot you put in your adversaries’ way.

The
thing about stiletto heels is that they make a hell of a dent when you walk all
over the people who try to hurt you.

In
Penn Scully’s case, I pierced his heart until he bled out, then left it in a
trash can on a bright summer day.

Four
years ago, he asked me to save all my firsts for him.

Now
he lives across the hall, and I want nothing more than to be his last
everything.

His
parting words when he gave me his heart were that nothing in this world is
free.

Now?
Now he is making me pay.

About
the Author

LJ
Shen is a USA Today and Washington Post bestseller of over a dozen books. Her
books are translated into more than 10 languages.

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Links

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Links

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Until next time,

Beyond Scars by Alka Dimri Saklani - Book Spot light

check out the schedule here


Beyond Scars 

by 

Alka Dimri Saklani

BLURB

Hi, I am Avinash, but this is not my story. This is the story of Avni, my sister. I know the smell of cement and bricks still pulls her to the incident seven years ago where she made a daring yet ruthless decision. I know she is drifting away. I know she has begun to find comfort in Vivaan. But I don’t know if I like it. 

Hi, I am Avni, but this is not my story. This is the story of Vivaan, the stunning, vivacious painter. There is something sad about the paintings he has locked away from the world in his storeroom. But he never talks about it. But then there are a lot of things he doesn’t talks about, like how deeply he loves me. 

And what about Dev and Kangana? Isn’t this their story too? It wouldn’t have been if only we did one single thing differently on that ill-fated night, the night that changed the course of our destiny. And hey, I am Vivaan. 

And what about me? Why does nobody talk about me? Or talk to me? Because I am a little girl or because…Well, this is my story too. You will ask who I am? The answer lies somewhere in the pages of BEYOND SCARS.

Grab your copy @

Amazon.com |  Amazon.in

About the author

"Alka Dimri Saklani writes contemporary fiction. Her books are labeled as ‘intense’ by most of her readers. Her debut novel ""45 Days in a Cancer Hospital"" was longlisted for Crossword Books Award 2013. Writing is her first love, the love that seized her when she was just 8.

She holds MBA degree in HR and worked with a leading MNC before turning to a full-time writer.

Born and brought up in Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, her roots hail from “Dev Bhumi” Uttarakhand. Apart from writing, she loves music, reading, traveling, and spending time with her two naughty kids.

"

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Gratitude list for March 2019 #GratitudeCircle

How was my March? Just, busy. I was practicing for 2 dance performances and also giving classes on weekends. Work and home management is as usual without much challenges.

I couldn't complete reading even a single book but spent my time participating in blog trains by writing atleast weekly once. Iam so grateful for that.

In some discussion with a friend I heard about the dreaded C word again and the struggles the family is going through along with the patient. This made me realize how lucky we are for every small thing we have. Health, wealth, shelter, family, food, love, hobbies- every small thing. Life is unpredictable and nothing is permanent.

So, this month my gratitude list is very basic and ofcourse iam more than grateful for every little thing that God gave me.

Here goes my Gratitude list for March :

1. Health :

This always tops my gratitude list as you know, everything else like money can be earned but we should be blessed with good health.

Yes, we can improve our health by excercise and good diet but our genes/DNA impact some diseases that we get and eating good food is difficult these days with the pesticides being used in farming.

Iam grateful for my health and my family's and I pray to God that everyone be blessed with better health. I request everyone to focus on their health, be mindful and take good care of themselves.

2. Happiness

Be grateful for every thing in life,  you will be happy. Iam grateful for my happiness and contentment.

I read a beautiful WhatsApp forward from my friend who scientifically explained the reasons for happiness.

• Playing and exercising releases endorphines.
• Being appreciated by someone or being valued by someone releases dopamine.
• Sharing what we have and helping others release serotonin.
• Physical affection, hugging and being loved release oxytocin.

These 4 harmones ensure our happiness.

3. Hobbies

Iam grateful to my parents for introducing some hobbies to me at an early age which give me happiness. Reading books, dancing and painting are very relaxing.

4. Money :

We should all be grateful to God for having a shelter and food every day. Moreover,  iam grateful for having money for luxuries and money enough to lead a comfortable life.

5. Love :

I cannot tell you how grateful iam for my loving parents,  spouse, inlaws, children and my sister. They are the reason for my peaceful and happy life.

Being loved by someone is the greatest asset in life. Never take this for granted. Life is short. Love them back, forgive others mistakes, don't carry revenge and free yourselves.

So, that's about my generic but important gratitude list for last month. What are you grateful for? Do let me know in comments.

Have a happy April.

Until next time,

Linking this to #GratitudeCircle hosted by Vidya Sury.

The top 5 summer activities in Colorado

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Summer is the lively and lovely season here. The long days give more energy and more light to do multiple activities. I wait for summer to start my gardening,  try new hikes, go for daily walks, and to splash in the pool with kids.

Since we experience more cold days in Colorado,  we wait for summer. As you know, the state is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking scenery,  we have endless options to explore. All neighborhood parks will buzz with kids of all ages playing, biking, running, etc.,

Here are the top 5 activities I would love to experience in Summer:

1. Hiking

In Colorado,  we don't have a limit on how many trails we can hike. 'Barr trail' to pikes peak seems to be everyone's target. I love to hike the kid friendly trails like seven falls, Helen hunt falls, garden of the Gods, Red rocks open space, and pulpit rock hike. All these are kid-friendly and easy to medium trails.

2. Traveling

Summer is the best time to visit national parks in Colorado like rocky mountains national park, Mesa Verde national park and visit some national monuments like Colorado national monument,  chimney rock national monument. It is great to cool off at some waterfalls like seven falls, bridal veil falls, Alberta falls, etc., The options are a lot. For a different experience,  we can visit sand dunes national park or cave of the winds.

We have covered most of them but we are always ready to explore more.

3. Camping

We haven't tried camping yet but I know that there are a lot of beautiful places to soak in the beauty of nature. There are around 41 Colorado state parks and many private campgrounds as well.

4. Boating, white water rafting, and fishing

We have many reservoirs and lakes in Colorado. Boating is fun for kids. For adventurous people, there are options of kayaking and white water rafting. Canon city is nearer to us which offers rafting packages near Royal gorge area. There are multiple rafting options at Salida, Fort Collins,  Glenwood Springs, etc.,

There are boating options near Denver like cherry creek state park and Chatfield lake. Some of the best lakes for boating are Grand lake in rocky mountain national park,  Grand Mesa reservoir,  Granby Lake, and Boyd lake. Fishing is another great family fun activity.

Kayaking is another fun thing to do and kayakers love Colorado for the gorgeous white waters. Colorado is the best place for both kayaking and white water rafting as we have many rivers here. Check the best sit-on-top kayaks.

5. Mountain biking/ cycling

The long days allow us to spend more time outdoors. Mountain biking is adventurous and fun. Younger kids can enjoy cycling. Colorado has many biking trails. Crested Butte is famous for its beautiful scenery and biking trails.

How are you planning to spend the summer vacation? What activities are you planning to explore this year? Let me know in the comments.

Have fun but stay hydrated.

Planning a trip to Colorado Springs this summer?

Check this map to book accomodation.

Until next time,

Pc: All pics from pixabay.com

Our Summer Travel wish list #funwithfamily

Summer break is coming soon. As a family who love traveling, Iam excited to plan some good vacations. There are many places on top of my mind around Colorado. Let me share those.

Fortunately , we covered 80% of Colorado in the last 2 years and now,  we want to venture out to the neighborhood states.

Here are a few places that iam planning this summer for our family vacation.

1. Utah
This is the first place in our list. Since Utah has many family friendly national parks, it's a must visit. I would like to visit Arches national park, hike the beautiful trails and experience the sunrise and sunset with the amazing geological formations in the backdrop.

I am also planning to visit Zion national park which is famous for its red cliffs and gorgeous canyons.

If time permits,  I would love to visit Bryce canyon to enjoy scenic views and watch the hoodoo rocks.

2. Yellowstone national park, Wyoming
Ofcourse,  this is a must visit place. Else, how can we get to see the most dangerous volcano in North America with all its hydrothermal wonders?

I would love to visit the old faithful hotspring splashing hot water like a fountain. Also, the colorful grand prismatic Springs. My kids would love this unique experience.

3. Telluride and Ouray
This trip from Colorado is pending from last summer. We were ready to visit the beautiful Telluride in harsh winter but somehow we had to change the plans to visit Santa fe, New Mexico instead.

This trip is long. We want to visit the Switzerland of America- Ouray, Visit the tallest waterfalls in Telluride, take Gondola ride, drive to Mesa vere national park, enjoy the scenic views of Durango and Silverton and experience the hot springs in Pagosa springs. A big road trip, right? So, even if it's late to plan, we want to ensure we cover all these places.

4. Mt Rushmore, South Dakota
We have seen this place with the USA president's faces beautifully etched on rocks in multiple movies, right? It might take 2 days to drive to Mt.Rushmore, but I think, this trip is worth it.

I want to include crazy horse and wind cave national park in this trip.

5. Glacier national park, Montana

Rocky mountains,  glacier lakes and Alpine scenery- I can only imagine this place to be like heaven.

I heard, "Going to Sun Road" is a must drive with water splashing on the road.

I will include Baring falls, Haystack creek and bird woman falls in our trip.

So, that's a lot of planning for Summer. Let's see if I can achieve my travel goals this year. Ofcourse,  I will update you all through my travelogues in my blog. Wait for it 🙂

Until next time,

Pc: All pics from pixabay.com

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Sneha for introducing me. Read her post about fatherhood. I introduce you to Kavita Singh, who wrote about some funny things about her little one. Read her post here.




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Prisha Lalwani
Mummasaurus.com
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Read my other #Colorado #TravelTales below:

1. A day with flowers and gardens, Denver, CO, USA

2. Hanging lake and hot springs, Glenwood springs, CO, USA 

3. Golden leaves and Gondola rides, Aspen, CO, USA

4. Rocky mountain national park #day 1


5. Rocky mountain national park #day 2 

6. Limestone caves and cliff dwellings, Colorado springs, CO, USA

7. Unique Statues and Ice Sculptures - Loveland, CO, USA

8. A beautiful Chapel and aircraft exhibits -  Colorado Springs, CO, USA

9.  Dangerous curves and Beautiful Scenery - Pikes peak highway, CO, USA