Tag: Parenthood

Games, Reviews

Build or Boom | Game Review

The big boss is looking for the best builders in town!

Build or Boom by Goliath Games is a game that inspires so much and it encompasses lots of fun! The objective of the game is to be the first one to bring the blueprint cards to life. Build your structure quickly yet carefully on your platform. Then SMASH your boomer to send your opponent’s structure tumbling. There’s only room for one building in this town…do you have what it takes? Or will you get boomed on your way to the top? This game is perfect for two players and ages four and up.

Game Contents

  • 4 Boards
  • 4 Blocks
  • 4 Triangles
  • 4 Arches
  • 4 Cones
  • 4 I-Beams
  • 4 Barrels
  • 2 Builders
  • 30 Blueprint Cards
  • 2 Platforms
  • 2 Boomers
  • 2 Air Hoses
  • 1 Card Holder
  • Complete Instructions

How to Play

  • Draw a blueprint card and place it in the card holder. Make sure both players can see the blueprint card equally.
  • Count to three and say go! The object of the game is to follow the plans on the blueprint card using blocks from the pile, and reproduce that structure on your building platform.
  • Once you have completed the plans, smash the Boomer to send your opponent’s structure tumbling!
  • If your tower matches the card exactly, keep that card and score one point.
  • Replace the blocks in the middle of the table and get ready to play again!
  • First person to earn 10 points wins the game!

#MelAndNikkiReview

Since I work in the Construction industry, I thought it would be best to use my expertise in this game review. 😉

Momma Braga proudly sporting her Sherhill Construction shirt along with the amazing Build or Boom Game by Goliath Games.

We literally had a blast playing this game! We love the idea of promoting construction in this fun and interactive game. There are so many skills that can be learned with this game such as building STEM skills which include analytical thinking and shape recognition. Great skills for your child and as a family to grasp together.

We have been playing this game almost every night as Nikki loves it and keeps reminding me that it should be easy for me since I work in Construction. I still haven’t told her that I don’t actually do the heavy labor work but I will let her believe that I do. On a side note, there is no heavy lifting or hard labor involved in this game. 😉

Build or Boom is great for two players, ages four and up. On this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give it 10 booms out of 5! This is such a unique game and it is a much needed game for Family Game Night.

If you would like to add this fun game to your family game night, click here. You will have a booming blast!

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This game was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. Please note that Sherhill Construction did not sponsor this article or endorsement.

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Books, Children's books

It’s Not A Bed, It’s A Time Machine

“Close your eyes. Imagine your next adventure. Then it’s blastoff in 5-4-3-2-FUN!”

Synopsis

Bedtime means lights out, with dark corners and spooky sounds. But it also means…ADVENTURE!

Because it’s not a bed, it’s a time machine! And you’re about to ride it to the coolest time of all – the age of the dinosaurs. Get ready to make a tyrannosaurus-sized friend who’ll help you become the Boss of Bedtime.

So pay attention! While tonight’s sleep will span millions of years, it’ll feel like it’s over in the blink of an eye.

#MelAndNikkiReview

A bedtime journey that takes you back in time to the dinosaurs is exactly the story we love to read! Who doesn’t love adventure?! It’s Not A Bed, It’s A Time Machine is a great children’s book that will have you imagining where your “time machine” can take you next. We loved the use of imagination, adventure and illustrations which tied in perfectly to this story.

We have read this book often since it has arrived and once we finish reading the story we talk about where we would love to travel to. So far, we always end up at Disney World (hehe). Either way it is so great to talk about adventures right before bedtime as it sure helps in having some wonderful dreams (I love dreaming of Disney!).

Superb children’s book from beginning to end; therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 10 tyrannosaurus out of 5! We recommend this book for children ages three to seven. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book that was just released this week, click here.

About the Author

Mickey Rapkin is a journalist and screenwriter whose first book, Pitch Perfect, inspired the hit film series about a cappella singing. Previously a senior editor at GQ, he is also the author of Theatre Geek and has written for The New York Times, ELLE, Bon Appetit, and National Geographic Traveler. He lives in Los Angeles when he isn’t time traveling.

About the Illustrator

Teresa Martinez was born in Mexico. She was a very shy girl at school, and drawing helped her connect with other children. When she grew up she studied graphic design and started illustrating picture books. Now she lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, drawing for kids as she did during her school days, and that makes her happy.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Now? Not Yet! | Book Review

“Peanut wants to swim NOW, Moe says NOT YET! A sweet and cheerful book about overcoming differences.”

Synopsis

Peanut and Moe are back, this time on a camping trip.

Peanut says, “Let’s swim.”
Moe says, “Not yet. Time for a snack!”
Peanut says, “Now!”
Moe says, “Not yet! Time to set up the tent!”
Peanut says, “NOW NOW NOW!”
Moe says, “NOT YET!”

Can these two friends come together and save their camping trip?

#MelAndNikkiReview

Now? Not Yet! is the perfect book that showcases overcoming differences. This book is also a shining example of how one can be impatient and this rings true in our home currently. Therefore, we could really relate well to it. When we can relate it means that we adore it a lot more.

We love the dialogue between Peanut and Moe as it was easy to follow especially for young children. The illustrations were also well done and it helped tell the story beautifully. At the end of the day, the most important is the message. Sometimes good things come to those who wait and it makes it extra special. This is a lesson that we are currently teaching as Nikki’s favorite words are: Now, When, and Are We There Yet? Slowly she is learning to be patient and to meet us somewhere in the middle so that we can all enjoy ourselves.

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give Now? Not Yet! 5 dives out of 5! A fun, full of heart and a great lesson to be learned is what can be expected with this book. It is recommended for children ages three to seven.

“I like Peanut! He is just like ME!” – Nikki, Age 4

If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.

About the Author

Once upon a time, Gina Perry picked wild blueberries, floated on lakes in her inner tube and was always on the lookout for a real moose in the woods. Now she writes and illustrates books for young readers from her New Hampshire home, where she lives with THREE monsters: her husband and two kids. She is still on the lookout for moose.

 

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

 

Games, Reviews

Word Search Game Brings Word-Fun!

Do you know someone who loves the classic hidden word puzzles? If so, then this is the perfect game for them and for the whole family!

Goliath Games brings us a new exciting game for family game night, Word Search Game. 

The race is on this new twist on the version of the classic hidden world puzzle – it turns a solitary activity into a fun group word game as players go on a word search. Rotate the specially-designed circular board to reveal the word that the players will race to find on this turn. Everyone plays at once, and the first player to locate the word marks it with transparent colored tiles. The player with the most colored markers on the board wins!

Playing the Game

  • The youngest player starts by turning the playing board in a clockwise direction until the first word is revealed. This word must be read out loud by the player.
  • All the players now search for the word on the board.
  • The hidden word can be written forwards or backwards and be positioned in all directions, horizontally, vertically and diagonally, but is always in one straight line. The first player to find the word must yell “Wordsearch!” and immediately point to the word on the board. If that player is unable to point to the word on the board, s/he must skip the current round and other players can search for the word on the board.
  • Play continues in a clockwise direction. The next player turns the ring until the next word is revealed.
  • The game continues until all the words have been played and the black starting space reappears.

Crossing Words

If a newly found word crosses a word that has already been found, the markers covering that previous word are removed from the board, unless those markers belong to the player who found the new word. When this removal causes another word to be incomplete, this word also has to be removed.

Contents

  • 1 Wordsearch Board
  • 8 Double-Sided Game Cards (16 Games Total)
  • 280 Marking Pieces (70 Red, 70 Yellow, 70 Green, 70 Blue)
  • Complete Instructions

#MelAndNikkiReview

I LOVE this game and finally found a game that was made just for me! 😉

Always thought I was excellent at hidden world puzzles and this game confirmed it as I did extremely well. It is the first time that I won every single time (my daughter is only four but my husband sure isn’t, hehe). I never win at games so this one wins the award for the best game EVER in my book (yes I am being bias, lol).

Wordsearch Game is fun for the whole family and really gets your mind moving. We love the many game card options and there is even an option to create your very own game card (how cool is that!). It truly is a fun game for all especially if you love word searching like me!

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give WordSearch Game 10 stars out of 5! It exceeding our expectations of fun as it offered a chance to exercise our minds and our hearts as we got to spend some quality family time together. *Plus, I won all the games. 😉

This game is recommended for ages 7 years and up and two to four players can play. If you would like to purchase this game for your family game night, click here. You won’t regret it!

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This game was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our very own.

Books, Children's books

Summer | Book Review

“In Summer seven animals learn to share.”

Synopsis

In Summer, the burning hot sun hangs in the sky, and animals race to find a spot of shade in the grasslands. They finally find shelter under a tree, but neither the elephant, the rhino, the leopard, nor the fox want to share.

It’s not until the animals witness a selfless act of love that they realize there may be a way to help each other.

#MelAndNikkiReview

Summer is a heartfelt children’s book that is a testament to the power of kindness and sharing. The story starts with an argument on who got to the tree first as all the animals needed some shade from the summer heat. Soon after they realize that kindness and by sharing they can all get some much needed shade.

We just loved this book especially it’s positive messaging. The illustrations are beautiful and we really enjoyed the different size of pages within the book – really cool! Overall, this is a great story to share with your little one and with the weather heating up, it has a great message about finding some shade. 😉

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 5 shadows out of 5! It is recommended for children ages three to six. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, click here.

“I give it 10 million thumbs up!” – Nikki, Age 4

About the Author

Cao Wenxuan grew up in rural China and is now a professor of Chinese literature and children’s literature. He is the author of several celebrated books for young readers. His fluid, poetic prose depicts honest, sometimes raw, and often melancholy moments of life. He has also received significant recognition for his academic research and teaching in the field of children’s literature and won the Hans Christian Andersen Author Award in 2016.

About the Illustrator

Yu Rong is an award-winning Chinese illustrator of children’s picture books, especially known for her use of cut paper in her artwork.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

– Momma Braga

* This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Books, Children's books

Judy Moody and Friends: Searching for Stinkodon

“Surprises are in store as Stink excavates his backyard in search of a relic from an extinct beast – and Judy lends him a little sleight of hand.”

Synopsis

Mega-chomp! Stink wants to make the find of the century. He’s on a dig, digging quest in his backyard to find a tooth from a sabre-toothed cat, otherwise known as a Smilodon. Why not? Two kids in Michigan found a mastodon bone in a backyard stream, and a girl in Great Britain found a pterosaur bone. It could happen! But Judy thinks the chances of finding a sabre-toothed anything in the Moody backyard are one in a gazillion million. Will Stink make a discovery before their whole backyard caves in?

#MelAndNikkiReview

Judy Moody and Friends: Searching for Stinkodon is exactly what you can expect from a Judy Moody book – awesome! Absolutely adored it from beginning to end and so will your newly independent reader.

The story flowed beautifully and had a great storyline! The illustrations are captivating and makes the read even more enjoyable. I loved Stink’s determination and motivation to find a tooth from a sabre-toothed cat. Now I am not spoiling the story as you will have to read to see if anything is found. But it truly was a great adventure to read.

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 10 Smilodon smiles out of 5! 😉 If you would like to purchase a copy for your new independent reader, click here.

About the Author

Megan McDonald is the author of the popular Judy Moody and Stink series for older readers. She has also written many other books for children, including two books for beginning readers: Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends at Halloween and Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter. She lives in California.

About the Illustrator

Erwin Madrid has worked as a visual development artist for the Shrek franchise and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa well as creating conceptual art for video games. He is also the illustrator of The Scary Places Map Book by B.G. Hennessy. Erwin lives in California.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Leaf It to Dot | Book Review

“When Dot goes on a scouting trip with Dad, her tablet helps her spot incredible things – but it’s awesome to see nature with her own eyes, too.”

Synopsis

Dot and her dad are on a Rangeroo Scavenger Hunt with her best friend, Hal, and her dog, Scratch. Dad loves being outdoors with the trees, birds, and fresh air. Dot loves looking things up on her tablet. When Dad sees an owl flying by or spots moose tracks, Dot has her eyes on her screen and misses them. But she’s a wiz at using photo recognition to ID them and check them off her scavenger hunt list! Maybe old-school hunting plus tech-savvy skills make a winning team?

#MelAndNikkiReview

Leaf It to Dot is a great book for young readers learning to read. This book is classified at a level 2 and it is recommended for children ages five to eight.

Loved the storyline and how old-school was mixed in with new-school. The lesson here is that both can work together to achieve a great outcome. I loved how the book had chapters which to me is a great introduction for new readers. The story flowed nicely; it was easy to read; and the illustrations were perfect. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and perfect for that new reader in your home.

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 5 hoots out of 5! If you would like to purchase a copy for your young reader, click here.

About Dot

Dot. is the award-winning animated TV series produced by Industrial Brothers in association with the Jim Henson Company and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Dot. airs on Universal Kids.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Motherhood

Animalicious | Book Review

“A delightful children’s book on the alphabet with some very unique animals.” – Momma Braga

Synopsis

From A is for Anonymouse and I is for Incredibull, to K is for Kangarude and R is for Rocktopus, this ABC book will have readers laughing out loud as they learn the alphabet with animals they may never have seen — or even heard of — before.

#MelAndNikkiReview

“The world is full of animals of every single kind. This book contains some special ones that you won’t often find.”

Animalicious offers us a creative and unique world of some very special animals. You can’t help but giggle along as you meet some of them in the story such as the Vamoose (HeHe). Nikki helped read along by telling me what letter of the alphabet we are on next. Then I got the fun part and try to pronounce some of the unique creatures such as the Macawbre (Tip: I read the books before reading it to my daughter. This way I always sound smart!). 😉

We just adored this book as Nikki got to practice her letter recognition and we got to giggle along together. This was such a creative way to teach the alphabet and we loved it! We also loved the illustrations as it really allowed us to understand the creature so much better! 🙂

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give it 10 “Grabbits” out of 5! This book is recommended for children ages four to six. If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.

“This is my favorite ABC book! I love all the animals.” – Nikki, Age 4

About The Author

Reed Duncan is a former instructor of writing and English. He was the long time partner of author-illustrator Anna Dewdney, and is a co-creator and an executive producer/writer for the “Llama Llama” animated television series. ANIMALICIOUS is one of several books that he and Anna wrote together.

Anna Dewdney was the author-illustrator of several bestselling books, including the beloved Llama Llama Red Pajama series. A teacher, mother, and advocate of childhood literacy, Anna was also a passionate gardener and runner. She lived in a restored 18th-century farmhouse in Vermont with her dogs and her partner, Reed Duncan. Anna passed away in 2016.

About The Illustrator

Claudia Boldt grew up in Cologne, Germany, studied at the Glasgow School of Art and then Kingston University, and now lives and works in sunny Los Angeles. Claudia’s illustrations appear in many newspapers and publications, and she has written and illustrated a number of books. Her absolute favorite animals to draw are sausage dogs.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Peg + Cat: Math in the Bath

The Emmy Award-Winning animated TV series, Peg + Cat, comes to us in this new children’s book called Peg + Cat: Math in the Bath: A Level 1 Reader.

Synopsis

Peg and Cat are in the bath. One, two friends in the bath. Seems like a great time to do some math! Readers can join old friends Peg and Cat as they engage with the concepts of counting and weight and directional terms such as under, over, and across. How many rocks will sink their boat? Short, repetitive lines and gentle addition and subtraction will make a splash with new and early readers.

#MelAndNikkiReview

We love the Peg and Cat TV series; therefore, it was exciting to read this book and have Nikki try to read along. We loved the simple story lines, short sentences, repeated words and phrases which helped Nikki learn to read. Also loved the math concept in the story too as Nikki really enjoys math. You can say that it was the perfect book at the perfect time for us. 🙂

This book has made a delightful splash into our reading line-up but best of all it is a book that Nikki can read on her own. Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 5 bubbles out of 5! This book is recommended for kids ages four to six. If you would like to purchase your own copy, click here.

About Peg + Cat

Peg + Cat is the Emmy Award-winning animated TV series created by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. It has been honored with five Parents’ Gold Choice Awards from 2014 – 2018.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Maisy’s Series | Book Reviews

Maisy is a beloved mouse that has many adventures and you can follow along in many of her books. We got a chance to review three from the series and are excited to share them with all our readers in our #MelAndNikkiReview!

Synopsis

Maisy’s Farm

Maisy and her friends are headed to the farm! Join her as she drives a tractor through the fields, gathers eggs from the henhouse, and milks a cow. But the farmyard fun doesn’t stop there: a pop-up play scene at the back of the book has press-out pieces of Maisy, Cyril, and their new farm animal friends, along with a red barn awaiting hours of play as little ones imagine life on the farm.

Maisy’s at Home: A First Words Book

Wondering what toys Maisy likes to play with at home? Just look for the tab that shows a puzzle piece and turn straight to the page. Who are Maisy’s favorite pets? Find the tab with a fish on it and discover some animals both expected and surprising. From Maisy’s living room (look out for the cactus!) to her bathroom, whether she’s eating or making music or dressing up, the names and pictures of things in Maisy’s house will be delightfully familiar to little readers.

Maisy’s Day Out: A First Words Book

What kinds of things does Maisy see when she goes outside? Turn the tab with a soccer ball on it to find the park, with swings and a skateboard. The tab with a chicken on it takes you to Maisy’s favorite farm, with a horse, a sheep, and more. There’s so much to explore on the beach and in the sea, on sunny days and rainy ones, on trains and in fire engines and all sorts of things that go. Naming everyday things is always more fun with Maisy leading the way!

#MelAndNikkiReview

The Maisy series is always an adorable read and a learning opportunity for your little ones. These three mentioned above are no exception as each story offers a child the chance to learn while on the latest Maisy journey.

The hard books are amazing for little ones to hold and they do not get bent or ruined (always a bonus in my books). The illustrations are adorable and the stories are just as great. We especially love the feature of the tabs – so amazing!

Therefore, we are rating the series 5 stars out of 5!

Any of these books would make a great addition to your little one’s library and reading line-up. If you would like to purchase any of the books mentioned above, please click on the links below.

Maisy’s Farm

Maisy’s at Home: A First Words Book

Maisy’s Day Out: A First Words Book

About the Author

Lucy Cousins is the creator of the beloved Maisy series. She is also the author-illustrator of the widely acclaimed Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales, a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year, as well as I’m the Best, Hooray for Fish!, Hooray for Birds!, and a picture book series about Little Fish.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

 

*These books were provided in exchange for an honest review.