The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark A. Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell

(Thank you to publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Wow! What a beautiful and fascinating read! I'm a huge fan of the National Geographic books, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of their awesome book, The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark. A Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell. This dynamic group of scientists and artists created a history timeline of our cosmos and it is a fantastic read. I absolutely LOVED it! Flipping through the pages and looking at all the art and illustrations made for such a delightful treat. Plus, learning about the history of our universe was magical.  I truly enjoyed spending time with this book and looked forward to reading it bit by bit every day. Oh, what fun!

It's a large book, so it makes for the perfect coffee table book. Anyone interested in astronomy and cosmology will enjoy turning the pages in this hefty tome. However, you don't have to be interested in astrophysics to like this book - I'm serious. This book is for everyone. It's written in such an accessible manner, provides loads of historical information, and is chock full of creative artwork. Whether you just want to look at lovely illustrations, or learn about the Big Bang, this book is for you. 

I would happily recommend The Grand Cosmic Story to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. Make sure to grab a copy and check it out - you are going to LOVE it to bits!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Path Of The Panther: New Hope For Wild Florida by Carlton Ward Jr.

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Path of the Panther is a story of new hope for the recovery of an iconic endangered species and its Everglades home – and a global example of how protecting wildlife corridors can sustain balance for nature and people.

The panther is the state animal of Florida, the last big cat surviving east of the Mississippi River, and an emblem of the Endangered Species Act. It was driven to extinction in the eastern United States, except for a small remnant population that persisted in Florida’s Everglades. Panther numbers had dwindled to fewer than 20 individuals by the 1980s, but heroic conservation efforts have helped panthers come back to nearly 200 today. The biggest obstacle for the panther’s continued recovery is access to enough of its historic territory throughout Florida and beyond. 

The tale of the Florida panther has grown from the unlikely survival of a rare cat to a story of hope for all of wild Florida. Path of the Panther in now a call to action to recognize and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a network of public and private land that connects the panther’s current range in south Florida to suitable habitat throughout the state of Florida and adjoining states. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is the panther’s path to recovery and a western-scale conservation opportunity that remains largely hidden in the east. It is now as a Last Wild Places partnership with the National Geographic Society. With 27 percent of Florida already protected as public land, this project aims to inspire the additional one million acres of conservation needed over the next decade so that Florida can be a leader in the goal of protecting 30 percent of the plane by 2030. 

Photographer Carlton Ward helped put the Florida Wildlife Corridor on the map by trekking from the Everglades to Georgia in 2012 and from the Everglades Headwaters around the Gulf of Mexico to Alabama in 2015. Through these National Geographic–supported expeditions, he and his team have witnessed that a path for the panther’s recovery still exists. But with 1,000 new residents moving to Florida every day, and more than 100,000 acres of habitat lost to development each year, to window to save it is closing quickly. Through Ward's intimate photographs, expert essays and compelling maps, the Path of the Panther book, combined with a National Geographic magazine article, National Geographic Society Last Wild Places campaign, and feature documentary film, is poised to awaken people to wild Florida and inspire them to save it.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful and fascinating book. As a Floridian, I absolutely LOVED reading Path Of The Panther: New Hope For Wild Florida by Carlton Ward Jr. - it was such a special book to get lost in. I really enjoyed learning so much about my state - history, nature, the panther, the Everglades, and the hopes/plans for the future of wild Florida. Oh, and did I mention that this is a National Geographic book? Well it is, and that means top notch quality. The kind of book that will inspire and that you will eagerly set out on your coffee table or bookshelf. Yep, a definite must-read!

Ward has created a wonderful book chock full of informative essays, gorgeous photographs, amazing maps, and so much more. This book has it all! I mean it, this book makes for a compelling and motivating read - the information regarding conservation and recovery is just awe-inspiring. And learning about the history of the panther and its home in Florida is fascinating. I really enjoyed my reading experience with this book. I just loved getting to know so much about the state I call home. 

I would happily recommend Path Of The Panther to anyone and everyone looking for their next nonfiction read - you are going to fall in LOVE with this book! Make sure to get your hands on a copy and check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

National Geographic Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Targeted to beginners and beyond, National Geographic’s fun, inspiring guide to the art, craft, and science of bird-watching combines practical know-how and expert knowledge. Browsable and bursting with helpful illustrations and photographs, Birding Basics offers new ideas for when, where, and how to get to know the birds in your world.

Not a field guide but a primer in best practices, authored by birding expert Noah Strycker, this breezy book features easy-to-follow advice on what to look and listen for, how to use field guides and birding apps, the best equipment to start with, and ways to engage with other birders around the world. Filled with fun facts and seasoned advice, this useful book will help you attract birds to your backyard, master bird identification, name a bird by its song, and witness the magic of migration. Sidebars feature fun facts, identification tips, and easy projects for exploring the world on the wing.

For everyone who loves watching the birds, whether out the window or on the trail, this colorful, easy-to-use guide to better birding has everything you need.

my thoughts:

Birding is a fantastic hobby to take up if you are looking for something new and fresh. For starters, birds. How freaking cool are they? Not only do they fly and soar up high in the sky, but they are beautiful creatures to watch. Plus, you get to go outside in nature to check them out - how is that not a great thing, right? And, lastly, binoculars. How cool and scientific will you look sporting a pair? I mean, c'mon, birding is seriously where it's at. Or at least I think so thanks to National Geographic's latest tome, Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker. Talk about a fun and informative read - I just loved diving right in and tabbing all the sections I wanted to take notes on. There are just so many awesome tips and facts included the book, along with some AMAZING photographs and illustrations. Strycker shares about equipment to use, seasons advice, and intel on birdsong. He writes in an engaging and accessible manner, that you can't help but find yourself excited and inspired to start birding. I know I had a great time reading through this book. And, I love how it looks on my coffee table - people can pick it up and find themselves lost in all things birding (talk about a cool pastime to learn about). This is definitely one book that I will be flipping through again and again - LOVED it!!

I would happily recommend Birding Basics to anyone and everyone interested in learning about birding - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Richly illustrated with luminous photographs and informative maps and graphics, this expansive book is the perfect guide for everyone discovering the wonders of the night sky, from those just learning the constellations to dedicated telescope observers.

Combining science, exploration, and storytelling, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, and deep-sky treasures including nebulae and galaxies—many visible to the naked eye and all with binoculars or a backyard telescope.

Beginning with basic space science and including a complete set of night sky maps for all four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this fascinating book guides the reader toward the most rewarding observations. A unique chapter on astrotourism highlights ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations for the sky-seeking traveler; a final chapter details current and future space missions and what they might discover.

Richly illustrated with awe-inspiring imagery—including photos from space missions and telescopes, science-based artists’ interpretations, and explanatory graphics—the book also contains 170 maps and charts of planets, moons, and constellations, from Earth’s moon to moons of Saturn. Practical advice throughout helps readers see what they have been reading about, building key observational skills such as “star hopping” from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects and focusing on “deep sky treasures:” areas rich in observable phenomena.

Approachable and authoritative, gorgeous and fascinating, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas will intrigue all who love to gaze up in wonder at the night sky—and find themselves wanting to know more.

my thoughts:

Looking up at the stars and wondering about the cosmos - talk about a fascinating way to spend your night. I absolutely love the memories I have of looking up at the night sky and imagining what the stars looked like up close and the planets filled with the unknown. It was exciting, scary, and so much fun.  The vastness that is the sky mixed with the darkness that creates night - the planet rotating and moving at its own speed as we sleep and dream.  Talk about fascinating food for thought.  And so, when I was given the opportunity to read National Geographic's latest book, Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky, I immediately said "yes."   I was so excited when I got my copy and grabbed a cuppa so I could settle in and learn about comets, constellations, planets, and all the things that have kept my imagination running wild for years.

Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!

I would happily recommend Stargazer's Atlas to fans of National Geographic and to budding astronomers/fans of stargazing - you will LOVE this book to bits!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Man Of The World: My Life At National Geographic by Gilbert M. Grosvenor

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a  copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

The captivating inside story of the man who helmed National Geographic for six decades is a front-row seat to audacious feats of exploration, from the successful hunt for the Titanic to Jane Goodall's field studies. Offering a rare portrait of one of the world's most iconic media empires, this revealing autobiography makes an impassioned argument to know—and care for—our planet.

Though his career path had been paved by four generations of his family before him, Gilbert M. Grosvenor left his own mark on the National Geographic Society, founded in 1888 and recognized the world over by its ubiquitous yellow border. In an unflinchingly honest memoir as big as the world and all that is in it, Grosvenor shows us what it was like to "grow up Geographic" in a family home where explorers like Robert Peary, Louis Leakey, and Jane Goodall regularly crossed the threshold. As staff photographer, editor in chief and then president of the organization, Grosvenor oversaw the diversification into television, film, books, as well as its flagship magazine, which under his tenure reached a peak circulation of nearly 11 million. He also narrates the shift from a nonprofit, family-focused enterprise to the more corporate, bottom-line focused world of publishing today. 

For Grosvenor, running National Geographic wasn’t just a job. It was a legacy, motivated by a passion not just to leave the world a better place, but to motivate others to do so, too. Filled with world travel, charismatic explorers, and the complexities of running a publishing empire, A MAN OF THE WORLD is the story of one man, a singular family business, and the changing face of American media.

my thoughts:

Wow! Love, love, love! I really enjoyed reading all about Gilbert M. Grosvenor and his legacy...National Geographic. What a cool, adventurous environmentalist to read about! Talk about world traveler!

Growing up within the National Geographic family formed Grosvenor's destiny of traveling the world and running National Geographic - which he did! And, so well, too. Yep, Grosvenor met iconic explorers at his family's home and soon found himself diving in Antarctica. Exploring the world was in his bones and he most definitely threw himself into that role, along with growing his family's business. He shares about it all and along the way also discusses the importance of conserving culture and the environment. It's thought-provoking, eye-opening, and fascinating to read about this popular organization that showcases our world and the man behind the scenes of it all. What a fantastic memoir! What a life!

I would happily recommend A Man Of The World to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to enjoy this one so much! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Into The Forest: The Secret Language Of Trees by Susan Tyler Hitchcock

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. 

In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth—from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone. 

For nature and science enthusiasts, as well as photography lovers, Into the Forest is a beautiful and edifying gift to give or cherish.

my thoughts:

Into The Forest: The Secret Language of Trees by Susan Tyler Hitchcock is a beautiful book all about trees. The photographs are gorgeous and awesome - they capture the unique beauty of nature in all of its glory. It is truly amazing to look at. And the information provided is just fascinating. We find out about the connection of trees with humans and animals, to the ways in which trees communicate with one another. And there is just so much rich and detailed history and science about trees that is shared in this book - it makes for such a fun and informative read. I loved the book! Definitely one of my favorite reads.

I would happily recommend Into The Forest to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read, or looking for a cool coffee table book to gift to a friend - this book is it! Check it out!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish by David Liittschwager

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this mesmerizing book of photography, acclaimed photographer David Liittschwager reveals the unnerving beauty of three notoriously mysterious sea creatures--the jellyfish, octopus, and seahorse--and how they perceive the world. 

The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. Enter celebrated photographer David Liittschwager, who has spent decades developing specialized portraiture techniques to capture these creatures’ pulsating bioluminescence, translucent bodies, and ethereal movements. 

This luminous collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth. 

Both enlightening and profound, this enchanting book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.

my thoughts:

Wow! Just, wow! David Liittschwager has created a beautiful book titled: Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish for National Geographic.  His photography is stunning. Flipping through the pages of this gorgeous tome, you won't be able to stop staring at the wonderfully unique shots he was able to capture of the ocean's most mysterious sea creatures. It is truly captivating! I loved looking through this book on a lazy Sunday afternoon and reading essays about the octopus, seahorse, and jellyfish. Talk about an illuminating read.

I would happily recommend Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish to fans of National Geographic and to anyone looking for a book to get lost in - you will love reading about marine life under the sea. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
 

Ocean: A Global Odyssey by Sylvia A. Earle

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Discover the world's ocean--from tides and currents to the creatures living in it to the impact it has on our lives, whether we know it or not--in this richly illustrated overview of the life force that defines and sustains our planet, written by world-renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle.

Everything you want to know about the ocean can be found inside these beautiful and dynamic pages. National Geographic Ocean unveils the power and significance of our planet's watery essence: the fundamental importance of the ocean in shaping Earth's climate and chemistry as well as its vital role in supporting a multitude of life-forms, including our own human race. 

World-renowned oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Sylvia Earle--affectionately called "Her Deepness"--guides readers with her lyrical style and inspiring wisdom, describing the evolution, beauty, and impact of our ocean; the challenges it faces, such as climate change, plastic, and overfishing; and the myriad ways we can help protect it. 

This comprehensive reference explains the fundamental science of the ocean--from plate tectonics to seawater makeup, including a fascinating illustrated guide to marine life, from sponges, kelp, and zooplankton to whales, sharks, and sea turtles. More than 100 maps and diagrams, including seafloor and political maps of all Earth's seas and oceans, elucidate Dr. Earle's authoritative text. 

For seaside dwellers and landlubbers alike, this is a book you will turn to again and again to understand why, as Sylvia Earle says, "Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea." 

Dive deeper into ocean discovery with more National Geographic favorites:
Into the Deep
The Nature of Nature
100 Dives of a Lifetime
Secrets of the Whales
Pristine Seas
Shark

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful book! Chock full of spectacular photography and informative tidbits, Ocean: A Global Odyssey by Sylvia A. Earle is a must-read! 

Earle provides us with the history of the oceans, which is fascinating to learn about. She also lets us know just how much damage we humans have caused to our oceans. And, she lets us know how all of the damage has impacted our environment and the ways in which it will affect the future of our planet. Talk about depressing and eye-opening. Overall, she has created a terrific book that explains all things ocean. You can't help but get caught up in the beautiful photographs showcasing the depths of our oceans and the unique creatures inhabiting it. This truly makes for such a fun and engaging read. I loved spending the day with this book and mulling over the state of our oceans and our future.  

I would happily recommend Ocean to fans of National Geographic and to anyone interested in learning more about science and the environment - they will fall in deep with this book. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Pleased To Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are by Bill Sullivan

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Why are you attracted to a certain “type?” Why are you a morning person? Why do you vote the way you do? From a witty new voice in popular science comes a clever, life-changing look at what makes you you.

“I can’t believe I just said that.” “What possessed me to do that?” “What’s wrong with me?” We’re constantly seeking answers to these fundamental human questions, and now, science has the answers. The foods we enjoy, the people we love, the emotions we feel, and the beliefs we hold can all be traced back to our DNA, germs, and environment. This witty, colloquial book is popular science at its best, describing in everyday language how genetics, epigenetics, microbiology, and psychology work together to influence our personality and actions. Mixing cutting-edge research and relatable humor, Pleased to Meet Me is filled with fascinating insights that shine a light on who we really are–and how we might become our best selves.

my thoughts:

I tell you, each time I read a new nonfiction book I find myself falling deeper in love with the genre. How can I not? Books that teach me about all the things, like, history, space, art, literature, and science - how can I resist that, right? So, I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of Bill Sullivan's book, Pleased To Meet Me. First off, I loved the title - it sums up what the book is about, which is learning about ourselves ( the human race ).  Plus, that book cover also shows us that we will be taking a peek inside what makes us tick, which I thought was great. I found myself excited to dive right into Sullivan's book and learn what he has to teach us about human behavior.  I just knew that I'd be in for quite a treat.

Lo and behold, I was right. Sullivan has written an engaging and entertaining read chock full of personal anecdotes and scientific facts.  Fascinating and thought-provoking, this book will have you wondering about GMOs, DNA, genes, and our ancestors. You won't be able to help but fall in deep with this book.  I absolutely enjoyed spending time with it - dipping in and out as I learned about why we choose the choices we make. I  know I haven't really described the book that well, but its just one of those that you have to experience for yourself.  Just know that the writing is top notch and the content will keep you interested long after you put the book down. Its funny, interesting, and unforgettable - what more could you want, right? I know I loved it.

I would definitely recommend Pleased To Meet Me to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this one!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Pleased To Meet Me

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Backyard Guide To The Night Sky by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher’s guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing — and understanding — the wonders of space.

Stargazing’s too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, “Night Sky Guy” Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then “star-hop” across the night sky to find others nearby. Learn about the dark side of the moon, how to pick Mars out of a planetary lineup, and which kinds of stars twinkle in your favorite constellations. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Photographs and graphics present key facts in an easy-to-understand format, explaining heavenly phenomena such as black holes, solar flares, and supernovas. Revised to make skywatching even easier for the whole family, this indispensable guide shines light on the night sky–truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

my thoughts:

Looking up at the stars and wondering about the cosmos - talk about a fascinating way to spend your night. I absolutely love the memories I have of looking up at the night sky and imagining what the stars looked like up close and the planets filled with the unknown. It was exciting, scary, and so much fun.  The vastness that is the sky mixed with the darkness that creates night - the planet rotating and moving at its own speed as we sleep and dream.  Talk about fascinating food for thought.  And so, when I was given the opportunity to read National Geographic's latest edition of Backyard Guide To The Night Sky, I immediately said "yes."   I was so excited when I got my copy and grabbed a cuppa so I could settle in and learn about the night sky that has kept my imagination running wild for years.

Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!

I would happily recommend Backyard Guide To The Night Sky to fans of National Geographic and to budding astronomers/fans of stargazing - you will LOVE this book to bits!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Backyard Guide To The Night Sky

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Visual Atlas Of The World by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

about book:

Uniting National Geographic’s incomparable photography with state-of-the-art cartographic technology, this is the most compelling, authoritative, and up-to-the-moment visual atlas on the market.

Reimagined and completely updated for the first time since 2008, National Geographic’s visual atlas of the world will delight and inspire. From spectacular space imagery to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this stunning book showcases the diverse natural and cultural treasures of the world in glorious color. Featuring more than 200 fascinating maps, more than 350 new photos, and state-of-the-art cartography and satellite imagery, this is a must-have reference for families, travelers, students, librarians, and scholars. Each page was created in collaboration with the world’s premier scientists, geographers, and cartographers and is populated with the most up-to-date information available, making this book the most beautiful and authoritative visual atlas available today.

my thoughts:

A beautiful atlas of the world - OMG! Yes, please! Thanks to National Geographic I was able to flip through their gorgeous Visual Atlas Of The World and not only learn about the world around me, but see it via their excellent photographs that pulse with life.  Not only do we get images of earth, but also of the Cosmos - space, the great beyond.  This book is truly a treasure trove of information and visuals that you will want to place on your coffee table with pride.  A book that comes in a slipcase so that you can protect it.  A book that beckons to be read and looked through time and time again.  I absolutely LOVED it!!

This book also contains intricate maps that make you see how large the world truly is.  Not only are you inspired to travel, but you can't help but find yourself drawn to learning more about space exploration.  Visual Atlas is seriously a must-read/must-see book.  This is a book for everyone - kids and adults alike - anyone and everyone who wants to armchair travel the world.  I find myself flipping through its pages daily and getting lost in the images.  I can't help but think of all the places I now want to see thanks to this book - there are too many to count.

I would happily recommend Visual Atlas Of The World to fans of National Geographic and anyone looking for their next great reading adventure -  you will fall in LOVE with this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Visual Atlas Of The World

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Nick and Tesla’s Solar-Powered Showdown: A Mystery with Sun-Powered Gadgets You Can Build Yourself (Quirk Books; May 10, 2016; Ages 8–12; $12.95) tackles the all-too-timely topic of clean energy, as the twin sleuths set out to rescue their scientist parents, who were kidnapped while working on a top-secret solar power research project.

To outwit the kidnapper who wants to turn solar power into a weapon, Nick and Tesla need more than just the help of their eccentric Uncle Newt. They have to create their own gadgets by harnessing the most potent power of all—brain power. Young makers can become part of the story by creating their very own versions of Nick and Tesla’s inventions. Full building instructions for these solar-powered projects are peppered between chapters:

·      Ping-Pong Ball Signal Cannon that Uncle Newt uses to signal to Nick and Tesla while sneaking around a suspicious office building

·      Solar Spy Birdhouse that Nick and Tesla build to gather intel on their parents from the government agents who claim to be protecting them

·      Solar-Powered Long-Range Rover, which Nick and Tesla send out with an SOS when the spies hold them hostage

·      Guaranteed-Not-to-Explode Frankfurter Heater-Upper because, in the words of Uncle Newt, “You can’t bust an international spy ring on an empty stomach!”

A spirited hands-on adventure, Nick and Tesla’s Solar-Powered Showdown will mesmerize readers by bridging science and literature.

my thoughts:

Talk about perfect timing.  Just as I was about to write this blog post, I found out that "Science Bob" was going to be on Live with Kelly - how cool is that?!  I grabbed a cuppa and sat down to watch what he had to share with the audience.  He talked about the Science Fairs that President Obama hosts at the White House.  Apparently, one hundred kids are invited to showcase their latest experiments and inventions.  Suffice it to say, these kids are SMART.  Think underwater moving rovers and keeping medicine chilled without electricity.  Pretty awesome, eh?  "Science Bob" performed experiments with Kelly and her co-host Daniel Dae Kim (Jin from Lost).  It was a pretty fun episode to watch.  And at the end, she reminded everyone to go out and pick up a copy of "Science Bob's" latest collaboration with Steve Hockensmith -  Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown.  As a huge fan of the series, I was excited when she mentioned the book.  Its the sixth in the series and my new favorite. Chock-full of danger, drama, intrigue, and inventions - how could it not be?

In Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown, Nick and Tesla have decided that its FINALLY time to find their parents. They've been kept in the dark long enough and now they want answers. Plus, they know that their parents are in danger, so time is of the essence. Their only resource happens to be the two agents sent to keep an eye on them.  Except, these two agents are dead set against telling Nick and Tesla anything.  Hmmm...what to do?  How about invent an eavesdropping machine in the form of a birdhouse? Pretty nifty, eh?  With the help of their Uncle Newt, Silas, and DeMarco the dynamic duo set out with their plan.  The only problem being that they severely underestimated just how DANGEROUS the people involved with their parents' disappearance really are. YIKES!  They all wind up kidnapped and taken to a deserted building out in the middle of nowhere.  The kids get locked in a room and have no way to communicate for help.  Ack!  Of course, this being Nick and Tesla, you just know that a plan is a brewing. Think Solar-Powered Long Range Rover - how awesome is that?! I swear, MacGyver has nothing on Nick and Tesla - the King and Queen of Inventions! And that is all I will say about the actual plot of the story.  Its just too good to give away all the details.

I will tell you that this book kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't stop reading Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown until I turned the very last page. I just had to know if these kids would escape from these crazy villains and whether or not they would finally be reunited with their mom and dad.  Let me just say, I was not disappointed.  This book was action-packed and I loved it!  The story was fantastic - it was exciting, thrilling, and unputdownable. This book was truly a perfect addition to the series. In fact, this whole series is great for kids (middle school-aged) who love science, mystery, and intrigue - they will love these books!  I can't wait to tell my friends to pick up a copy for their kids.

Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular by"Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Bright siblings—and amateur inventors—Nick and Tesla Holt are back for another thrill-a-minute adventure. This time a Hollywood movie is being filmed in town, but the real drama happens when the cameras are turned off.  

Mystery awaits behind the scenes, and the whole production may shut down unless the DIY detectives can crack the case, with the help of their friends Silas and DeMarco and a fresh assortment of homemade gadgets. Featuring instructions for all-new movie magic projects that kids can build themselves, this whiz-bang adventure is sure to delight fans of the series. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!

my thoughts:

What an absolute treat! I loved the fifth book in the Nick and Tesla series - it was such a fun and enjoyable read. This time round, the dynamic duo are helping their friends, Silas and DeMarco, make a movie about their favorite superhero.  Its their way of distracting themselves from the horrible truth that their parents are involved with something DANGEROUS.  So, they invent movie-type gadgets to help with filming - think robo-arm and Steadicam rig.  Of course, the fun really starts when DeMarco's Aunt Zoe comes to pick them all up and take them to a real movie set that she's a producer on.  They are going to be watching a superhero movie being filmed - how fun is that?  The gang gets a behind-the-scenes tour of the film set and are really enjoying themselves when all of a sudden...they find themselves caught up in solving a new mystery.  Apparently, there's been quite a bit of drama on set lately - scenes are getting ruined, footage is being leaked online, and pranks are being pulled left and right.  And now it looks like Aunt Zoe may lose her job. Ack!  Luckily for her, DeMarco and his gang are ready to sleuth it up and find out who's responsible for sabotaging the film.  With help from Nick and Tesla's creative inventions, this smart and determined foursome are ready to save the day - or at least, Aunt Zoe's job. 

Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular is a terrific addition to this awesome series.  The story is terrific and I loved catching up with Nick and Tesla. I thought the mystery was fun to solve, especially as it was on a film set. And the cool inventions the kids made were just perfect for their latest adventure.  I swear this series just keeps getting better and better with each new book. I can't wait for the next one!

Nick and Tesla's Super Cyborg Gadget Glove by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Bright siblings—and amateur inventors—Nick and Tesla Holt are back in this fourth installment of their whiz-bang middle-grade series. This time, the twins are out to save science itself, as they race against the clock to figure out why a robotic assortment of history’s greatest scientists and inventors keeps going haywire. Is this sabotage, robo-geddon…or something more sinister? To unravel the mystery, they’ll have to keep adding all-new gadgets to their cyborg glove as they stay one step ahead of a hidden adversary.

Together with zany scientist Uncle Newt and their friends Silas and DeMarco, Nick and Tesla won’t give up until an answer is found…but can they do it before time runs out? In this book, readers will learn how to construct a super-cyborg gadget glove that has four incredible functions: LED signal light, ultra-loud emergency alarm, handy sound recorder, and UV secret message revealer. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!

my thoughts:

Color me happy.  I've just finished reading another installment in the fantastic Nick and Tesla series by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith.  This time round, the brother/sister duo have to battle an unknown saboteur at the local science museum, where their Uncle Newt is currently working a gig.  He's helping fix an exhibit of robots - the only problem is that they keep going haywire on him.  And the museum is having a HUGE gala in mere hours, so time is of the essence.  Of course, its not going to be easy for Nick and Tesla to figure out this mystery, what with security and the museum director keeping an eye on them.  Then again, these two like a good challenge and they are up for the task with the help of their friends.

Except, Nick isn't really into solving another mystery.  He's more concerned with the whereabouts of their parents who seem to be MIA.  Plus, all the crazy things that have happened since their folks left them in their uncle's care have made him feel a bit anxious.  And, then there's the fact that his sister always seems determined to meet danger head on.  So, Nick is rather annoyed when Tesla pushes him to work on this new mystery alongside her and their two friends, Silas and DeMarco.  Of course, once the adventure begins, he's right there by her side.  And what an adventure it is - men dressed as dancing owls, gadget gloves, possible kidnapping, and so much more!

Nick and Tesla's Super Cyborg Gadget Glove is a fantastic read!  Its chock full of science, fun, mystery, and a bit of danger.  I swear these books get better and better with each new addition to the series.  I'm eager to find out where the next book will take Nick and Tesla, and whether or not we will ever find out what his parents are hiding.  And, I'm excited to find out what new gadgets there are to build alongside the book. 

If you are looking for a fun book that will keep your kid entertained and teach them a bit about science, then check out Nick and Tesla's Super Cyborg Gadget Glove.


Thanks to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!