Book Review: The Dragon and the Turtle and link to contest

I had not heard of "The Dragon and the Turtle" books by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, prior to this review. I thought it looked like it might e a cute book that the boys would enjoy.

The Dragon and the Turtle is a beautifully illustrated children's book about friendship. More specifically, about being a true friend. Dragon meets turtle as a stranger but goes above and beyond to help the turtle he met. This of course starts a wonderful friendship.

This story was a very nice story to read to my children. It gave them an idea of what being a true friend should be about. There were also another moral or two tucked into the story. There are questions in the back of the book that you can ask your children once you've read the story.

My boys enjoyed the story. The story itself engaged them. The illustrations kept them interested as well.

I believe this book is the first in a series of Dragon and turtle books. There is also "The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari". To go along with these books, Waterbrook Multnomah publishers is having a contests around these books to "send your child on safari".

The Grand Prize includes:

--A child size tent

--2 sleeping bags

--Campfire treats

--Essential Safari tools (compass, flashlight, and spy glass)

--Stuffed animals

--Copies of "The Dragon and the Turtle" and "The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari"

2 runners up will receive a copy of each book and a stuffed animal.

You can go HERE to enter.


















***I received a hardback copy of the book "The Dragon and the Turtle" as part of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Groups: blogging for books program.  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.  Any opinions expressed are my own.***

 IF you have a minute, I'd love for you to stop by and be the first to rank my book review on Waterbrook Multnomah publishing group.  You can use the little widget below for convenience!





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Book Review: Mind Your Own Mortgage

In a January blog post I mentioned my new year's resolution was to pay down my debt. I'm still working on. My husband and I have both been reading financial books. As a member of Booksneeze.com I found "Mind Your Own Mortgage" by Robert J. Bernabe. 

This book guides you through a money saving process of researching, obtaining, refinancing (if ever) and paying down a mortgage.   I was relieved to find clear descriptions of financing terms.  Robert Bernabe goes on to explain further the reasoning behind his advice and what the alternatives are.  He refers frequently to a website in the book to obtain tools to better help your mortgage process.  Robert Bernabe is a christian author and occasionally refers to christian beliefs in the financial process.

This book changes many people's ideas of how to shop for a mortgage.  I, myself, learned a few things. I found myself saying "oh my gosh that's true, I never thought of that".

 If I did have disappointment in that book it's that I wish there were more information regarding paying off a mortgage.  There is of course some information regarding this late in the book.  Another, detail I would like to point out is that this is not a book to sit and read easily on your lunch break etc.  In order to understand effectively the information you will need to access the website to refer to forms and other tools Mr. Bernabe refers to. 

If you are someone who is considering starting your first mortgage, buying another house, or refinancing I would certainly recommend this book.  I wish I would have read this book when my husband and I were house shopping.  This book requires you to actively participate to get the full benefit. It is apparent that Robert Bernabe is well versed in the ways of the mortgage industry and feel this book would be of great benefit to the home buyer or someone looking to refinance.



***I received a free copy of this book from www.booksneeze.com to review on my blog.***

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