The Book Of Everyone – Review

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Tina Mansfield

The Book Of Everyone is a fantastic personalised gift that is suitable for just about anyone and everyone. Available to order online from the book of everyone website. Prices from £7.95 for a digital copy up to £49.95 for the deluxe ribboned edition.

I was offered a hardback book to customize as a gift and decided Dragon Dad would be the perfect recipient. Dragon Dad can be tricky to buy for as he doesn’t really have any hobby’s. The Book Of Everyone has turned out to be the best gift for him. I started with the online book builder and decided to customize the book of Dad. There are plenty of other options including the Book of Everyone Christmas edition which looks fun.

The website was easy to use, once I had changed my region to the UK. You add in the recipient’s name and date of birth, choosing the ages to be displayed on the pages of the book. You can add in your details so the recipient knows who the book is from and the colours of the cover. Then comes the part that I enjoyed the most, customizing the pages.

The pages of the book of everyone include set pages with fun facts of the day the recipient was born. Other pages can be changed either with different pictures of colours. Some pages you can change the wording, add in your own jokes and quotes and things personal to the recipient. I took a while to complete the book of everyone as I wanted to add in a few personal quotes for Dad Dragon.

There are a great mix of pages with retro pictures and a quirky feel. The book of everyone is packed with facts and it was hard not to want to read every page as I was putting the book together. Adding in a few personal family jokes in reference to his love of Jaffa cakes adds a personal touch to the book of everyone. Finally you place the order and sit back to wait for your book of everyone to be delivered.

I was very impressed with delivery too. The book of everyone arrived quickly and beautifully packaged. The quality of the book is great and the book has a lovely hardback cover with a matt and expensive feel to it. I love the lion on the cover and the contrast print. The pages are good quality and the print quality is great. I loved having a look through the finished book of everyone and cant wait to see what Dad Dragon thinks of this unique gift.

Each book of everyone comes with a link for family and friends to have a look at your personalised book online so sharing the fun facts of the recipient. If you would like to win a personalised book of everyone then enter my giveaway below, or visit the website for a truly unique gift.

The Book Of Everyone

Terms & Conditions:

The giveaway is open to the UK only

It is mandatory to leave a comment in the post comment section answering the question specified. Other tasks completed will gain additional entries. The winner will be checked to make sure they have both left a comment and completed the task for the winning entry.
Winner will be drawn randomly after the competition closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 7th December 2016
The winner will be sent an e-mail to the e-mail address left at time of entry. The winner will need to reply to the e-mail within 7 days of the notification. Every effort will be made to contact the winner, but if no response is made within the 7 days a new winner will be chosen.
The prize details are stated at the top of the giveaway, and may be subject to change if they become unavailable.
The prize will be posted by the promoter, unfortunately I cannot be held responsible or replace missing parcels. Please contact me if there is a problem.
Please allow 28 days from notification for your prize to be sent out.
This competition is listed at: Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com and SuperLucky

Letts Wild about Maths/English – Review

Status

We have been asked to review Letts Wild about Maths and English books. These KS2 workbooks have been put together to follow the new curriculum which was introduced in September. Wild about Maths and English books are available now for RRP £4.99 each, here is a short video of what sort of things they contain.

There are nine books in the Letts Wild about series, and with a mixture of topics they are the perfect source of information to help support your child’s school learning. there are 5 books on Maths and English subjects for ages 9 to 11, with a further 4 books split into Maths and English in ages 9 – 10 and 10 – 11.

The Letts wild about series are bright colourful workbooks filled with fun animal facts and for the boy made a perfect way to learn, topping up his maths and English skills. Asking the boy to review the Maths books was easy as he loves the subject. Asking him to look at the Wild about English books needed a little Soup Dragon cunning! These workbooks are packed with little bits of information, and once the boy had started to read the facts he was hooked.

We decided to have a detailed look at the Wild about English Spelling workbook, and in particular Homophones and Homonyms! (I confess I had no idea what these were.) Apparently words that sound the same but are spelt differently (Homophones) and spelt the same (Homonyms) With a mixture of questions and information we soon worked out what we were doing. The boy particularly liked the task of spotting the incorrectly spelt words, and replacing them with the correct spellings. We even made up a little rhyme to remember which was which, and the next day the boy was happy to go to school, telling me he thought he had learnt something useful! He even went as far as saying

“I quite like this English. Can we do some more when I get home tonight?”

I can confirm that if these books can inspire the boy, then they can inspire any child. The boy has been struggling with school recently, and to see him so excited about learning again was a lovely sight.

Letts Wild about range of workbooks are lovely, well-printed fun and most striking of all full colour books. They seem to have the perfect balance, and even when the boy found a page to hard, or something he hadn’t done before there were both answers if we got stuck and a log book page to keep a record of progress. Finally towards the end of the book is a page to test what you have learnt.

For parents the Letts Wild about books are based on the new primary curriculum, so you can be happy that there will be no conflict in learning the right topics and to the right level for KS2 children. I know this has been one of my concerns in the past with workbooks that the boy tried. Overall I have been very surprised how easily the boy has taken to the Letts Wild about series of books, and would recommend these not just to help kids catch up on subjects that they may be weaker at, but also as a fun way to pass the time, as well as animal fans.

For more information on the Letts range of Wild about workbooks visit their website where you can download fact files, puzzles and activities. You will also find the range of Wild about books for KS1 and even enter the competition to win a trip to Marwell Zoo!

Disclaimer, we were asked to review these books, the words remain our own and have not been altered.

Time Traveling Toby – and the battle of Trafalgar

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

There is a new Time Traveling Toby book, and this time the story follows Toby and his brothers back to the battle of Trafalgar. This is the second book of Time Traveling Toby and his secret time traveling sports car. You can read our review of the first book here, and the Battle of Britain.

This rhyming story is a great way to introduce children to historical events. With plenty of bright and engaging pictures this is a great read aloud story. I enjoyed this easy to understand story and love the addition of the facts at the back, inspiring you to find out more. If you and your children would like to read more about Toby and his time traveling adventures then why not enter my Facebook giveaway.

Here is the link but you will have to be quick as it ends 23:59 Monday 1st December, simply like the photo of Time Traveling Toby and the Battle of Trafalgar pop in a comment to say you wish to enter and the winner will be picked at random from all entrants.

Click on this link to like the post on The Soup Dragon Says Facebook Page

So where will the next Time Traveling toby book take us? you will have to keep your eyes peeled to find out…

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. By entering, Entrants agree to a complete release of Facebook. Giveaway ends at midnight Monday 01/12/14 UK time, and the winners will be notified by message, to be replied to within 7 days or another winner will be chosen. Postage to a UK address only.

Disclaimer we were given a copy of this book to review and a copy to giveaway, the opinions remain my own and have not been altered.

Journey Around and Inside your Amazing Body

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

Journey Around and Inside your Amazing Body is a great addition to the Parragon books gold star range, and a great way to encourage children to understand a little bit about how their body works. This book has a RRP £7.99 and is filled with facts and fun puzzles.

The boy wanted to know how eyes worked and after a long discussion I remembered I had this book in my to do pile. The Amazing Body book has the right mix of information without being to graphic and with great illustrations I was able to show the boy the workings of an eye. The boy was keen to find out more and spend quite some time looking at the facts and using the fun quizzes to test my knowledge.

The boy chose to take the book on a car journey at the weekend just to finish off the puzzles. He loved the mazes and questions and simply skipped the bits he wasn’t interested in. I like this book as unlike a work book you don’t have to start at the beginning and work through. Each section stands alone so you can read pages and come back to others when it suits. I liked the experiments that you can try out from testing your reflexes to skipping and testing your pulse. The boy has enjoyed this book a great deal and I am sure the knowledge he has gained from the pages will help him with his understanding of how his body works.

Disclaimer we were sent a copy of this book for review, the opinions remain our own and have not been altered.

Parragon Paper Planes

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

Parragon Paper Planes has gone down very well in the Soup Dragon house. Considering the boy is usually disappointed when a book arrived this one has proved very popular.

Paper Planes from Parragon is available now for RRP £8.00, the folder contains a book of instructions, pad of printed papers and a sheet of stickers to personalise your creations. I knew the boy would enjoy making the planes as much as he enjoyed making up the dinosaur models from Dinogami which we reviewed earlier in the year.

The Paper Planes pack comes in a great folder which you can store your creations once constructed and with 25 to make there is plenty to keep you busy. The boy found the book a little tricky to follow, but after some encouragement was able to complete a few models on his own. The paper pad is not thin and flimsy so the planes that you make are pretty robust and there are some interesting shapes including flying saucers as well as dinosaurs. With 50 stickers you can really make the planes personal to you.

The book not only has instructions, it has jokes and even suggestions of games to play. The only one the boy wanted to do though was test the planes from his bedroom window. It was a bit breezy but was fun to see how each different shaped plane behaved when launched from height. Bingo Granny became official collector of the planes and had to return them to the boy for the next launch.

Our favourite game from the book was the target game with Dad M becoming the target on his return home from work. Since Monday, the boy has continued to go back to the book for more planes and spent most of the week having his own races around the living room. This book would be the perfect rainy day book for the summer holidays, and would also make a fab birthday gift as I think it is great value for money.

The Parragon Paper Plane book gets a huge thumbs up from us, and is our favourite book so far this year. The Parragon Paper Planes book is available now from bookshops and online.

Disclaimer we were sent the book to review the opinions remain our own and have not been altered.

Let’s Bake by Cathryn Dresser

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

If you and your kids love baking then have a look at this book from former Great British Bake off contestant Cathryn Dresser. Let’s Bake is a new book from Orion Books, packed with 52 fun bright recipes to get your kids into baking.

I loved watching the TV series and remember watching Cathryn, she may not have won, but I think all the contestants were amazing in their own way. Cathryn clearly has a love of baking and inspiring the next generation. With two children of her own Cathryn who appeared in the 2012 series has some great ideas on how to get your kids into the kitchen.

Let’s Bake is conveniently split into seasons starting with Spring, there are a lovely mix of not just cake recipes but also savoury, breads, and even meal ideas. The boy and I decided that we would like to have a go at making the cheese and Marmite helter skelters. The boy and I are big Marmite fans so these pastry twists would be a fab lunch box treat.

Let’s Bake has a nice balance of full colour pictures so you can see how your finished bake should look. Alongside step by step detailed pictures, top tips and a list of what you will need to complete your baking creation. I think this book has a nice mix of more complicated bakes, alongside the usual easy to create recipes, with plenty of lovely looking cakes. With a hard cover it will not get dog-eared in the kitchen and hopefully survive our messy cooking style. I know the boy will enjoy trying out a few more of the recipes from this book, the terrific tiffin looks particularly appetizing.

You can buy Let’s Bake now from bookshops and online for RRP £12.99.

Disclaimer we were sent a copy of this book to review, the opinions remain our own and have not been altered.

The Billionaire Boy – Vlog

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

The boy has another Vlog book review for you, this time for his current favourite, and I will confess one of my favourite books. The Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, and the second of David’s books that the boy has read.

I think you can see how much the boy has enjoyed this book, and if you fancy reading this funny and engaging story, then you really should get hold of this book. The Billionaire Boy is available from Harper Collins, bookstores and online for RRP £6.99 and although it has a 9+ rating I think competent readers and parents wil love this warm story.

Befana Drama by Gianna Hartwright

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

Befana Drama by Gianna Hartwright tells the tale of a witch and first look of the cover I thought this story would be more aimed at girls than boys. The story of Befana is not one I was familiar with, and tells the tale of a witch famed in Italy for giving coal or candy to girls and boys. January 6th is the date when this witch rewards the good and punishes the bad children of Italy. This series includes characters of all the familiar folklore favourites, Santa, elves, Old father time, as well as the more unusual.

When Befana is told that her role is being downsized, what does a witch do? I don’t think that going quietly is an option and the following moments where Befana fights back make this a very unusual story. I found the story easy to follow and was intrigued by this old twisted character, and the history of this traditional Italian festival.

have a look at this video to find out more about the story behind the book, or indeed what its like to be a VIPB, Very important present giver!

With a second book already in the series, Befana goes on to open her own theme park, with the help of the Dubai boy band, The Three Kings, how will the plans unfold? Enemies Old and new will do anything to stop Befana’s plans. You will have to read on to find out what happens.

These books make perfect reading for fans of fairy-tale with a twist, and I know are something I would have loved to read as a child as I loved the Grimm fairy-tale style of these books. It is nice to read a book that isn’t full of cute and pretty pink fairy tales, and I think this will be a great series f books for boys and girls 8+ for years to come.

The Befana Drama, is available now from bookshops and online, with a RRP £8.99 for the first book and RRP £7.99 for the second in the series. If you would like the chance to win this pair of books for yourself and find out more about this mystical magical world of Befana the witch then enter your details below.

Befana Drama

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com – See more

Terms & Conditions:

The giveaway is open to the UK only

It is mandatory to leave a comment in the post comment section answering the question specified. Other tasks completed will gain additional entries. The winner will be checked to make sure they have both left a comment and completed the task for the winning entry.
Winner will be drawn by randomly.
The winner will be sent an e-mail to the e-mail address left at time of entry. The winner will need to reply to the e-mail within 7 days of the notification. Every effort will be made to contact the winner, but if no response is made within the 7 days a new winner will be chosen.
The prize details are stated at the top of the giveaway, and no alternatives will be offered.
The prize will be posted by the promoter, unfortunately I cannot be held responsible or replace missing parcels. Please contact me if there is a problem.
Please alow 28 days from notification for your prize to be sent out.

Football Superstar Sticker Scene

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

Football Superstar Sticker Scene is a new book from Paragon books, with 8 cool footy scenes, and over 90 stickers this book is a great book for all football fans. With the world cup coming up, I am sure there will be plenty of football themed books popping up. Even if you are not a huge football fan you will enjoy this book, like the boy says, “stickers are always fun!”

This book has a super mix of fun scenes, facts and even a game for you to play with your friends. The boy thought it was good fun, and enjoyed finding the stickers for the spot the difference quiz. There are scenes for you to personalise, including a full football match. Personalise this book by adding in facts, means you can really make this book your own. The fun comic style illustrations bring each scene to life, along with plenty of bright stickers.

The boy liked this book, and at RRP £4.00 it is a great pocket-money book. I think the paper quality means you would be inclined to keep it rather than throw it away like a comic, so it is good value. If you would like your chance to win a copy of the Football superstars book, then fill out your details below.

football superstickers

Disclaimer we were sent this book to review, the opinions remain our own and have not been altered.

Terms & Conditions:

The giveaway is open to the UK only

It is mandatory to leave a comment in the post comment section answering the question specified. Other tasks completed will gain additional entries. The winner will be checked to make sure they have both left a comment and completed the task for the winning entry.
Winner will be drawn by randomly.
The winner will be sent an e-mail to the e-mail address left at time of entry. The winner will need to reply to the e-mail within 7 days of the notification. Every effort will be made to contact the winner, but if no response is made within the 7 days a new winner will be chosen.
The prize details are stated at the top of the giveaway, and no alternatives will be offered.
The prize will be posted by the promoter, unfortunately I cannot be held responsible or replace missing parcels. Please contact me if there is a problem.
Please alow 28 days from notification for your prize to be sent out.

Infinity Drake by John McNally

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Tina Mansfield

Today we are reviewing Infinity Drake by John McNally to celebrate Children’s Book Week. This is a hardback book, and tells the tale of Finn or “Infinity, to give him his full mathematical name!

Living with his Grandma is ok, but when Gran heads off on a knitting holiday, Finn’s Uncle Al comes to look after him. Having lost both parents, his dad Ethan to a lab disaster, and more recently his Mum to Cancer. Spending time with his uncle Alan, is somewhat of a time out from his situation. Life becomes a bit more of an adventure, as the pair head off on a road trip. Al, the mad scientist Uncle is summoned to a meeting. The only person who can help ave the world from a lethal bio-weapon, Al shrinks down a crack military team. But disaster as Finn is shrunk too, at just 9mm what will happen next…

You will have to read more to find out, this is a fast passed and sometimes confusing book, that I feel is suited more to older readers. With a smattering of humour, and plenty of scientific terms, there is plenty to keep you reading. I think those with a love of adventure and excitement will enjoy this book, and when the boy is a little more confident, he too will enjoy reading Infinity Drake.

Infinity Drake from Harper Collins is available now in hardback from bookstores and online RRP £12.99 recommended for ages 9+. Find out more from the Infinity Drake website.

If you would like to win a copy of this action packed book then complete your details below.

Infinity Drake

Disclaimer, we were sent a copy of this book for review, the opinions remain ours and have not been altered.

Terms & Conditions:

The giveaway is open to the UK only

It is mandatory to leave a comment in the post comment section answering the question specified. Other tasks completed will gain additional entries. The winner will be checked to make sure they have both left a comment and completed the task for the winning entry.
Winner will be drawn by randomly.
The winner will be sent an e-mail to the e-mail address left at time of entry. The winner will need to reply to the e-mail within 7 days of the notification. Every effort will be made to contact the winner, but if no response is made within the 7 days a new winner will be chosen.
The prize details are stated at the top of the giveaway, and no alternatives will be offered.
The prize will be posted by the promoter, unfortunately I cannot be held responsible or replace missing parcels. Please contact me if there is a problem.
Please alow 28 days from notification for your prize to be sent out.