One Question a Day Journal for Kids

“This guided journal for kids offers a year’s worth of quick and easy questions that inspire them to write a little bit about themselves every day.”

paperback, 144 pages

Great workbook for creativity and imagination in the classroom. The writing prompts are positive and varied. A very simple format that can be used a variety of ways. Empty date boxes let you move along at your own pace and at your question of choice. There are three questions per page and three lines for writing. A little color keeps the page clean and not distracting. The student can read the grade appropriate questions themselves. A good resource for creative writing. (and handwriting practice)

MaryAnne Kochenderfer, author of One Question a Day Journal for Kids, provided a copy of this book to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

 

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Art with Smile

Art with Smile is a drawing stencil kit available on Amazon. It has great reviews and I agree. Included in the case are 14 large plastic drawing stencils, 22 blank paper sheets, 14 colored pencils, 1 pencil sharpener and 2 clips. 

The organizing case is great and keeps everything securely inside when closed. It is available in either red or blue. Plenty of fun designs to use and they hold up just fine to normal pencil use. The pencils and paper are just okay; you might want to refill with better quality pencils and paper that you might already have. This art kit is terrific for ages 3 and up. Creative and fun.

Visit the Art with Smile website for a 10% off discount code.

Art with Smile provided the red stencil art kit to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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New York Street Style

Wherever you’re off to, take New York Street Style with you. Transport yourself to bustling New York, and give life to the city. Beautifully detailed outfits, accessories, and hairstyles complement iconic skylines and intricate street scenes. Embellish whimsical, full-page patterns with your own touch and window shop the elegant stores of New York while you make your way through an iconic city. 

This sleek, high-end package has an elastic closure and a satin ribbon marker so you can dip in and dip out of your own New York fashion week. With nothing more than some colored pencils, you’ll be on your way to a perfect New York day.

Paperback, 80 pages

This coloring book has a variety of clearly drawn images in black on thick white paper suitable for crayon, colored pencil, or even marker.  The elastic closure and attractive cover make it more of an art journal than a coloring book.The scenes of people (all girls) and fashion are a perfect coloring escape. There are no faces drawn on any of the drawings and this could be a likable or unlikable quality of the book. (liked by me) Scenes focus on the outfits, accessories, hairstyles, and the activity. Very nice; highly recommend.

 The Blogging For Books book review program provided this complimentary copy for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

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Home Art Studio

What is Home Art Studio?

This program is designed to increase students’ love and appreciation of the visual arts. The Home Art Studio program will enhance a child’s ability to problem-solve, think creatively, and truly see the world around them. The art projects students will complete are designed to illustrate the elements and principles of art in an age-appropriate way.

We recommend viewing and beginning one project a week. The lessons build on prior knowledge. Throughout the school year, the student will gain greater understanding and hands-on skills.

The lessons include a variety of media. Students are introduced to drawing, painting, sculpture, and more! Students will also listen to professional artists, take a trip to an art museum, and learn about how art is everywhere in the world around them. Parents don’t need to be intimidated by their own lack of knowledge or skill as an artist. The projects are easy to follow, and a lot of fun for students!

Students will work at different paces. It’s just fine if a student wants to take a long time on their masterpiece. Please let them go at their own speed to express themselves, while also taking the time to make sure they absorb the concepts being taught in the lesson. Most importantly, keep “art time” pressure-free and encourage your student to think outside the canvas; students are most creative when they’re having fun!

Art Education worth buying! We received the Home Art Studio Kindergarten program w/supplies for review and had lots of good fun learning about lines, patterns, and shapes with different art materials. We watched the video lesson on the tv and then did the art project. I have a chrome book and was not able to use the PDF files. The DVD is reasonably priced at 29.99. The supply list for the projects taught can also be purchased and comes from Jerry’s Artarama (63.57 for a good size box of art supplies. see list below)

• Pacon Tru-Ray Sulphite Construction Paper Pack of 50 12×18″ – Assorted Colors
• Sculpey White Polymer Modeling Clay – 1.75 lbs.
• RAS 2 oz Tempera 12 Color Set
• First Impressions Complete Art Studio Set for Kids
• Round Chubby Paint Brush for Kids – 10pk
• Strathmore 300 Spiral Watercolor Pad 11×15″
• Bristol Pad 11×14″
• Mijello Fredi Weber Peel-able Tray Palette

Kindergarten through fifth grade DVD’s available as well as a holiday arts & crafts program. We reviewed this Kindergarten DVD and recommend it for home school/ home use. It was professionally done with a good variety of projects appropriate for the grade level. The presentation was calm which is a big aspect of why I enjoyed this curriculum. (not loud or hyper) Pics of some of our completed projects coming soon.

Home Art Studio provided the Kindergarten Art Education DVD to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

 

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I Draw on Cats

A Connect-the-Dots Activity Book

paperback, 48 pages.

Review: This is an activity book/ coffee table book. Creative on the part of the author but it doesn’t leave much for the participant since it’s just simply connecting a few dots. Cat photos are full color and the pages are perforated. It is a unique paperback for artsy type people and/or cat lovers. Would be a good gift giving idea. Overall: like not love.

The Blogging for Books program provided this complimentary copy for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

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I Am Yoga

Abrams Books for Young Readers

Sep. 8, 2015

Hardcover, 32 pages

Book Jacket

An eagle soaring among the clouds or a star twinkling in the night sky . . . a camel in the desert or a boat sailing across the sea—yoga has the power of transformation. Not only does it strengthen bodies and calm minds, but with a little imagination, it can show us that anything is possible.

This is a beautiful book. The young girl in this story does different yoga poses to put things in perspective. A playful story to show kids how yoga can be fun and help them. It has a kid-friendly guide to 16 yoga poses at the end of the book. Beautiful watercolor illustrations. A positive feeling book that I highly recommend for children and families.

I received this book from Susan Verde in exchange for an honest blog review.

 

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The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities

I did a review awhile back for the Pick and Draw card game – an art lesson and card game in one. (You can visit that post by searching Pick and Draw in my search box)

Here is a portion of my review:

It’s a simple game that only requires paper and pencil. It is a wholesome family game that flourishes creativity. It can be played alone or with a group. It uses basic shapes so it’s easy enough for little kids but still enjoyable for older children and adults.

To play: pick a card from each category- face, eyes, nose, mouth, and hair – and draw your own cartoon. The parts can be drawn large or small and in any position on the face making each person’s character very unique. Comparing our cartoons was amusing!

Rich Davis, the creator of Pick and Draw, now offers The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities. This book is a compilation of activities for many more ways to enjoy the Pick and Draw card game.

The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities is a fun collection of activities that different professionals who work with children have found effective. These 138 pages are packed with great insight and step by step instruction that will be very helpful. And you’ll enjoy thumbing through the pages just because there are over 200 fun illustrations!
There is something for homeschool parents, special needs teachers, elementary ed teachers (helps meet common core curriculum); art educators; creative writing teachers; children’s autism spectrum helpers; children’s grief counselors; christian missionaries; sunday school teachers and youth group leaders.

Each chapter is an activity idea and contains a material list and step-by-step instructions. “Eleven Pick and Draw Heart Messages” is a chapter that can be used for Sunday school, mission trips, vacation bible school, children’s outreach and youth groups. It has eleven approaches to the game that share God with the drawer/player. Love this! 

This is suitable for all ages/grades. The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities is available at Amazon  and the Pick and Draw card game at the Pick and Draw website.

Preview The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities

I received The Big Book of Pick and Draw Activities to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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An ARcTic post featuring the art of Carrie Dietrich

This is the first art post (ARcTic post) that I will be featuring this year on Notes From Dawn. (the polar bear blog)

I want to offer ARcTic posts as a way to promote talented emerging and established artists and to share God’s word visually through art. The art that I will feature may or may not have been created from a Christian-minded artist. I want to share it here; to appreciate the work created as well as the talent that the artist demonstrates, always from a Christian perspective.

Introducing…

Carrie offers pen and ink drawings on her Etsy store. She sent me two prints that are from her wild animal series. The intricately patterned animal illustrations are bold and attractive and she displays the unique characteristics of each animal perfectly in this black and white medium.

Resting Fox:

Foxes are beautiful animals, elusive and alert. Here Carrie has drawn a fox in a sweet resting position where he has found refuge. Psalm 4:8 comes to mind.

Psalm 4:8

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

 

Polar Bear:

Of course I found the polar bear irresistible! He is drawn reflecting his strength and beauty; nicely captured with a soft gaze and relaxing position. The pattern on his forehead reminds me of the sun.  A nice reminder to “be still and know”.

Psalm 46:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”

He is shown off equally well in either a black frame or a white frame.

About Carrie

I live in Pennsylvania with Brad, my husband of 15 years and our two children Dakota 12 and Seth 2.  They fill my everyday with love and understanding.  That in itself is a endless source of inspiration and motivation.I have always drawn throughout my life but never trained.  I have kept my drawing journals to remind myself to keep creating and improving.  I often will have 10 projects going at once; wood-burning  sewing, painting, drawing, etc… I create because of an inner urge to do so but recently I have begun to sell my art on Etsy.  It has been a new source of inspiration and a new direction as well.  I was so hesitant to try and sell any of my art because of fear of my enjoyment of creating being tarnished.  It turned out to be quite the contrary.I love to draw in black and white pen and ink but dabble in different medias as well.  I get my patterns for my designs from microscopic slides, nature, textures and many more things I see everyday. I use Prismacolor Pens and watercolor paper for my originals.

etsy.com/shop/CreationsByCarrieD

If you are interested in purchasing any of the artwork featured on this ARcTic post, please contact the artist directly.

I’d like to thank artist Carrie Dietrich for her participation and for the beautiful pen and ink prints she provided.

 

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Pick and Draw – Review and Giveaway

Looking for a stocking stuffer?

I recommend…..Pick and Draw.

It’s a simple game that only requires paper and pencil. It is a wholesome family game that flourishes creativity. It can be played alone or with a group. It uses basic shapes so it’s easy enough for little kids but still enjoyable for older children and adults.

To play: pick a card from each category- face, eyes, nose, mouth, and hair – and draw your own cartoon. The parts can be drawn large or small and in any position on the face making each person’s character very unique. Comparing our cartoons was amusing!

We also played the game with colored pencils, crayons, and sometimes markers.

And after the game, some of the cartoons received some special attention and became “super heroes”.

Where to buy: Visit Pick and Draw online to do some shopping. It’s only $10. It would be a fantastic stocking stuffer or a game to take to grandma’s house and get everyone involved in creative play.

The winner is: Kelli Avery

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
4	
Timestamp: 2011-11-13 16:12:27 UTC

WIN IT!

Rich Davis, a talented children’s book illustrator, is the creator of Pick and Draw. He is giving away one Pick and Draw game to a random Notes From Dawn reader.

To enter, simply leave your comment below. One entry per person. Please be sure to leave your email address. If I have no contact information, I cannot award you as winner.

Contest ends November 12th @11:59 p.m. est. (available only to US residents)

A winner will be selected at random using the random integer generator from random.org. The winner must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize.

This has been a fun review. I want to thank Rick Davis for allowing me to review his wonderful drawing game. I received Pick and Draw in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

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