**thanks to the pr representative who sent complimentary items for review. I was not compensated for this post beyond those items. This is my experience and opinion. Others may have a different experience or view. 

Most kiddos have their favorite subject(s) in school. For my boy, it's history. He loves jumping into history books, visiting historical sites, and watching historical documentaries to learn more and more and more about what came before him. 

He's also going to start Middle School. (Someone hold me.) And would you know, the thing that made him excited about his class schedule was that his first hour is spent in history. My friends over at Workman Publishing heard about his love of history and sent us some books for him to enjoy.

Maybe you've seen the Big Fat Notebook series of books for Middle School students? They have books that cover history, science, math, and English. These books are crammed with facts and are also very captivating for the reader.

The style of the book is like one, big notebook. The font is large and the pages are colorful while also descriptive. It makes it a bit of an "easy read" but is also teaching a lot of information at the same time. These are wonderful references for Middle School students!

And if you're a parent who worries about bias, be it from a religious, political, or other world view, you can set those worries aside. The stories told in this book are strictly the facts of what happened. It's actually really refreshing. My son has enjoyed looking over World History and American History topics and sharing with us the things he's learning.

Now, let's chat a bit about Spy On History. My boy was also sent this book to enjoy. This got him excited in a different kind of way. This story invites him to participate and help crack the code to solve the mystery.

But he doesn't do this just by reading. No. He's armed with maps, tools, and hints along the way to help him out. And because he loves history, he takes this very seriously.

I love his love for history but I love finding helpful tools for him even more. Being able to get him books that will stimulate that love for all things history and add to his learning is a wonderful gift. And I'm picky, y'all. I want him to have books that are really geared toward his age and reading level without dumbing down the information or sharing it in a boring way. 

I guess my point is, there are A LOT of choices out there but I choose to stick with something I know will meet my kiddos where they are and encourage further learning. You'll find, like I did, Workman Publishing offers loads of books like this for all ages. 

Now to find a few things for my girls from Workman Publishing. What do you think you're kiddo(s) will enjoy? 

~Amy

A Few Book Picks For Middleschoolers From Workman Publishing (review)

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A popular seller for American Girl, and most helpful for moms and girls everywhere, was the book The Care & Keeping of YOU. This book gave girls tips on basic care and hygiene while helping to build their self esteem and create conversations between them and their mom/caregiver/guardian on topics like pimples, hair care, and eating healthy. This book is extremely helpful and one I look forward to sharing with my own daughters, but what about when girls get older and they have even more questions?

Girls have all kinds of questions about what's happening, why they feel and look different, and how to handle things when their period starts. This is quite an uncomfortable conversation for some parents to have with their daughters but it's necessary. American Girl has heard requests for this type of book and recently released The Care & Keeping of YOU 2: The Body Book for Older Girls.

I recently read through this book and I was SO very impressed. The book is written very thoroughly, yet easy enough for a young girl to understand. Topics like using deodorant, mood swings, periods, tampons {yes, even tampons}, and more are covered as well as encouraging words about loving the body you're in. 

I was talking with my own mom about this book just the other day and telling her that I'm SO GLAD there is a book like this available to help get me through those awkward conversations in the future with my girls. Laughing, I said, "I'll bet you wish this book was out when I was young!". My moms eyes went wide as she answered, "Yes. I do.". {lol}

Here's my idea for using this book. It would be too easy to buy this book and hand it to the young lady in your life. I would rather read through the book with my daughter, answering questions or sharing experiences as they come up. After having shared about each topic together, THEN I would hand her the book for safe keeping...and privacy. I remember wanting my privacy and wanting to handle things on my own, but I also wanted to make sure I knew exactly what was going on first. 

Thanks to this book, I don't dread having this sort of conversation with my daughters. In fact, I'm reminded about how I felt with everything that was going on...and giggle about it now. These memories are key, though. They will help me be sensitive to my daughter, showing her sympathy and empathy {and remembering to share my chocolate stash with her when needed}.

BUY IT: You can purchase this book on the American Girl website for $12.99 on or after February 14th! {coming to bookstores in March}

**Thanks to American Girl, for supplying the complimentary book to facilitate this review. I wasn't compensated in any other way. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the item being reviewed. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**

New From American Girl: The Care & Keeping Of YOU 2 {review}

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Summer is always a time of fun for the kiddos. They don't have to go to bed early for school the following day. There are vacations, pool parties, and fun activities galore. {I remember my childhood summers with fondness.}

While all the fun times are great, there is a lot of down time too. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with plans. Sometimes those nasty summer colds hit. Sometimes the days are just lazy. These are the perfect moments to bring in some fun with reading and keep those little minds sharp.

American Girl has some new books that would work perfectly for your little lady. Among these are titles like
A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself-Even on the Bad Days, The Cameo Necklace: A Cecile Mystery, and The New Girl. Also, you should consider a subscription to American Girl Magazine as a great source of stories, ideas, and inspiration for girls all year long.

Here's a brief synopsis on each title. {Taken from the press release}

"As Cecile exits a crowded showboat after enjoying a lavish Floating Circus, she stumbles-and when she gets up, she realizes that the cameo necklace she borrowed from her aunt is no longer on her neck. Knowing that the necklace was the last gift Tante Tay's husband gave her before he died, Cecile is desperate to find it. As she tracks down the people in the crowd who were near her when she fell, her search takes her into many corners of New Orleans, from a society tea party to the crowded French Market, even the dangerous cypress swamps...and deep in to secrets she never imagined! An illustrated "Looking Back" nonfiction essay provides facts about the 1850's."

"Each Reader can imagine herself as the main character of this interactive story set in the world of Innerstar University. She thinks Zoe', the new girl, is brave for coming all the way from her home in France. She wants to get to know Zoe', but she also feels a bit jealous about all the attention the new arrival is getting. When a couple of girls start to tease Zoe', she feels torn-can she find the courage to speak up for what she knows is right? With more than 20 different endings, girls will enjoy reading this story again and again to see how their decisions change the story. Plus, this book comes with a secret access code to unlock additional endings online."

"Written by licensed child psychologist Dr. Laurie Zelinger, the interactive guide offers girls ages 10 and up smart advice about self-esteem-what it is, where it comes from, and how it can change with each new experience. Girls will learn the difference between high and low self-esteem, how their moods can affect how they feel about themselves, the role family and friends play in shaping self-esteem, and tips for boosting their confidence and being their best every day."

"Created as an age-appropriate alternative to teen magazines, American Girl is the largest bi-monthly publication dedicated exclusively to girls ages 8 and up. The magazine has won numerous awards for its content and design, including 15 from Parents' Choice Foundation."

I remember reading my books about Kirsten when I was a little girl and looking forward to reading other books as they came out. I also remember when the American Girl magazine was first introduced. What sets this brand apart is their ability to communicate to girls right at their level and encourage strong self-esteem, individuality, creativity, friendship, and other values like these.

The mentioned titles are just a few of the new books available. Be sure to visit American Girl online and check your local book store for even more reading choices!

I look forward to sharing books just like these with my daughter as she grows with American Girl.

**I received the mentioned books for this review from American Girl. Beyond the review items, I received no compensation for this post. This is my opinion and other opinions/experiences may vary.

Summer Reading Ideas from American Girl

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We spend a lot of time reading books in this house. Some of our favorite stories are read over and over again throughout the day or even the week. We find that reading is a great way to explore our imaginations and build important skills for the little ones at the same time.

We were recently sent an adorable board book for review. The title of this book is God Gave Us You {by Lisa Tawn Bergren} and it really could not have come at a better time for Alex and Eliana. Since we've received it, Alex has asked to hear the story again and again.

You see, I'm currently pregnant with our third child and Alex has a lot of questions about the pregnancy itself and wants to be reassured of his importance in this family. Reading God Gave Us You to him answers a lot of those questions and concerns and gives us a great opportunity to talk about some of the topics covered in this book.

Here's the book's synopsis:

"When a young polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her mama a very important question: 'Where did I come from?' As Mama Bear tucks her little one under the quilts, she lovingly explains, 'We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because...God Gave Us You.'"

This is such a beautiful book and I find that it really sends home the message to Alex that he's very wanted, loved, and special. He often asks to hear the story of his own time in mommy's tummy and how things went at the hospital. Following that, he will usually ask to hear about Eliana's story and wonder what's happening with the new baby in my tummy right now.

I love how this book shares how God answers prayer. I get to tell Alex and Eliana how much they are wanted and loved and how God chose them to be in our family. It's wonderful to have a book help me put some of those ideas into words that they can grasp and appreciate.

BUY IT: You can purchase God Gave Us You for $6.99.

THE GIVEAWAY!!{Now Closed!}

I have a board book copy of God Gave Us You for one lucky winner!!

To enter: Visit WaterBrook Multnomah and tell me one other, specific book you'd like to check out.

For additional entries:

• Blog about this giveaway with links back to this post/blog.
• *For 2 Extra Entries* *Like* Coffee with the Mrs. on Facebook. {Comment with 2 separate comments including yoru facebook name for credit}
• Grab my button for your sidebar. 
• Subscribe to my blog by e-mail through feedburner {the coffee cup at the top of the right sidebar with the orange rss symbol. comment with the e-mail address you subscribed with}
• Follow my blog *For 2 Extra Entries* {right beneath the Giveaways listing on sidebar. Comment with 2 separate comments for credit}
• Follow me on Twitter @TheMrsC (comment with your twitter name)
• Tweet about this giveaway.  If you want, you can say “CoffeeWithTheMrs.com is giving away the book God Gave Us You and I want to #win!” {Just make sure to link to my blog or the giveaway}.  {comment with a link to your tweet}
• **TWICE daily retweets are available for extra entries. Leave a comment with a link to your daily tweet{s}

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will run until August 18th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected by using random.org and will be contacted and announced on or around August 19th. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of initial contact, I will randomly select another winner. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Open to US only.

**This is a "Buddy Picks" AND a "Peanut Prefers" review. It gets two thumbs up from both kiddos.

**Thanks to the company or pr agency, who supplied the items to facilitate this review & giveaway. I wasn't compensated in any way. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the item mentioned. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**

Children's Book ~ God Gave Us You {review & giveaway}

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You may or may not have heard of Charlie and Lola. It's an adorable cartoon from the BBC and it airs on Disney Jr. weekend mornings {4/3c}. We were first introduced to this show as we were over a friend's home and Alex instantly took to it.

Since he was so fond of Charlie and Lola, Alex was really excited for the play pack we received for review. In that pack was Charlie and Lola: The Absolutely Completely Complete Seasons One and Two on DVD, Slightly Invisible by Lauren Child, and the Kids Preferred Charlie and Lola Play Set.

Alex really enjoys playing with his Charlie and Lola poseable dolls. Some times he offers one to his little sister and sometimes he wants to play on his own. All the time, though, he is a big fan of replaying the scenes of his favorite Charlie and Lola episodes. Also, when he squeezes the stomach of Charlie, he says "I have this little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny." Then, when he squeezes Lola's stomach, she says "I'm not small. I am big!"

The Charlie and Lola Absolutely Completely Complete Seasons One and Two boxed sets are great fun to enjoy.  This set includes 8 discs with 52 episodes and the double-length Christmas special. As a mom, I love the creative way this show teaches children to get along together and use their imagination. It also brings my son comfort as a big brother to know that he's not alone. He really looks up to Charlie and even repeats the phrases he hears. 

If you'd like a look at the show, I've attached a video below.

Finally, we've really enjoyed reading the book Slightly Invisible by Lauren Child together. Here's what the book is about.

Charlie and his friend Marv have invented an invisibility potion, which they would prefer to use without Charlie’s little sister, Lola, botheringand interrupting. But when Lola enlists a bit of help it turns out that the strange and tricky creatures have met their match in one very resourceful, inventive little sister.

This story cracks me up as Lola finds her way to get involved in her brother's game and it absolutely must be read with an English accent. ;)  Alex especially enjoys finding the hidden, invisible friend on each page and listens so intently when we read this together.

. 

Yes, mine is the home of Charlie and Lola's new biggest fans and I'm so pleased to see Alex enjoy their shows, stories, and dolls. If you need a gift idea for a child between the ages of about 4 years to about 7 years old, this is something fun and wholesome you can look into gifting.

BUY IT:  Charlie and Lola The Absolutely Completely Complete Seasons One and Two can be purchased for $54.98

Slightly Invisible by Lauren Child is $16.99               and

The Charlie and Lola Play Set from Kids Preferred is $25.00.

**This is a "Buddy Picks" review. It gets two thumbs up from Alex. 

**The opinions expressed are mine and mine alone. Others may have a different experience and may not agree with my opinion. Thanks to company or pr agent who supplied the product to review. I was able to keep the item{s} at no cost to me in exchange for my honest review.**

We're The New "Biggest Fans" of Charlie and Lola {review}

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I'm a stay at home mom of 2 children. As my typical day gets rolling, I don't have a set "time" for anything unless there's an appointment. I just can't operate that way when considering the needs of my two kiddos. They come first, always. You may see that I'm also a blogger {tee hee} and I have been for almost 3 years now. So, how exactly do I raise two children, keep up the home, and run a blog that features product/travel reviews? Well, it's a delicate balance.

I find that if something has to lack in my home, it's organization or keeping up with organization. I feel like I get "swamped" sometimes with responsibilities and would rather have a happy home than a tense home...and tense is how I feel when trying to keep everything "just so" with 2 children under the age of 4 in my home. 

I was recently sent the book, Pretty Neat: The Buttoned-Up Way To Get Organized & Let Go Of Perfection by Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch to review. I'll be honest with you and tell you that I'm not all the way through the book yet. However, what I have read has been so very, very helpful. See, sometimes it can just be difficult to start moving in the right direction. I find that this book has many helpful ways for me to get started.

Want to know the best part of this book on organization? It doesn't expect or ask me to be anything other than who I am. The help offered, from what I've read thus far, is to help me be effective in my own way.  Also, the book breaks everything down so I don't feel like I'm jumping in over my head right away. The learning and the "steps" are gradual with each chapter, helping me tackle just one thing at a time. When I'm completed with the book, I'll have a good knowledge of where to start, how to start, and how to be in control when it comes to what I take on, to how my home is run, to the never ending mess of toys, and even into my email inbox. {Trust me on this. You don't want to see what my inbox looks like.}

I'm hopeful that as I continue to change just one thing at a time, I'll find peace with the new organization that can come into my life. {Now, if only I had money to do an overhaul of my living space to help me along. Ha!}

THE GIVEAWAY!! Now Closed

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Pretty Neat.... AND, at the close of this campaign, one of the winners selected and reported from the blogs hosting the giveaways will win a $200 Gift card {same as cash like Visa or AMEX} and a selection of Buttoned Up products {ARV of $50} to use toward his/her own organization project. {If you win here, you could win the big prize too!}

To enter: Share the area of your home or life that has become the biggest source of organizational stress. {please include your email address for your entry to count.} 


For additional entries:

• Blog about this giveaway with links back to this post/blog.
• *For 2 Extra Entries* Become a fan of Coffee with the Mrs. on Facebook. {Comment with 2 separate comments for credit}
• Grab my button for your sidebar. 
• Subscribe to my blog by e-mail through feedburner {the coffee cup at the top of the right sidebar with the orange rss symbol. comment with the e-mail address you subscribed with}
• Follow my blog *For 2 Extra Entries* {right beneath the Giveaways listing on sidebar. Comment with 2 separate comments for credit}
• Follow me on Twitter @TheMrsC (comment with your twitter name)
• Tweet about this giveaway.  If you want, you can say “CoffeeWithTheMrs.com is giving an amazing book and a shot at $200!!” {Just make sure to link to my blog or the giveaway}.  {comment with a link to your tweet}
•                       **TWICE daily retweets are available for extra entries. Leave a comment with a link to your daily tweet{s}

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will run until March 21st at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected by using random.org and will be contacted and announced on or around March 22nd. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of initial contact, I will randomly select another winner. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Open to US only.

**Thanks to the Global Influence, who supplied the book to facilitate this review and giveaway. I wasn't compensated in any way, though I am in the running to win a gift card for myself. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the item mentioned. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**

I'm Working On Getting "Pretty Neat" {review & giveaway}

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