Crafty Christmas countdown - 22

 These little ornaments were simple to make but I think all the better for their simplicity. I used a base layer of white paint on some precut ornaments and added decoration with paint markers.

Crafty Christmas Countdown - 23

 I got this decoration for free last year because it was flawed. While I certainly didn't want to put it up as-is, I could see potential in it.

The first step was to pry off that bottom bar. I set that aside for use in a future project. While I was at it I pulled off the tree too. That left me with a nice surface to repaint. I find the red glitter too much, so I made it a more natural camper color. When I was satisfied with the overall look, I decorated it for Christmas with a little wreath and some red and green pennants.

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 24

 It's December and that means it's time for my annual countdown to Christmas. We're starting small today with a simple trio of paper ornaments. I cut these shapes from scrapbook paper, added contrasting paper for the tops, and some interest with a bell in the center of each one. These ornaments could hang on the tree or would make nice wall decorations. 

Listen with me

 

The Wonderful World of James Herriot

When I started listening to this book I expected to get the most entertainment from the stories collected from the Herriot novels. The humor and straightforward tone of the writing is soothing and engaging. I figured the connections to Alf Wight's life experience might add some interesting context but it would take a back seat to his tales. In reality, the book nicely blends the two. We get snippets of the books of course but always as a method of discussing Alf's real life and more importantly, the greater context of life in the Yorkshire Dales. Most interesting of all is the historical picture we gain from the assorted stories. Alf's career was poised at a turning point in science and medicine and we can see the changes as we read the stories. The narration of the audio is personable and reflects the accents we expect from Herriot stories. Even if you've read All Creatures Great and Small or the other books a dozen times before, this audio is a worth addition to your collection.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Punch needle

 Have you ever tried punch needle? Its fairly easy to learn and you don't need much in the way of supplies. And there are some nice beginner kits on the market (I learned from this one). When I found myself in need of something do do with my hands last week I threw together this little balloon dog.

Listen with me

 

The Wonderful World of James Herriot

I wouldn't say that I'm a devoted fan of the James Herriot books, but I did enjoy All Creatures Great and Small, so this collection seems like a nice, calm listen. Let's give it a try together.

Book review - The Amazing Beef Squad

 

Title: The Amazing Beef Squad Never Say Die

Author: Jason Ross

Genre: humor

Similar books: The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett

                      The Capybara Conspiracy by Erica S Perl

Rating:

 

clever chaos

Summary (provided by publisher): Meet the Beef Squad: a group of unforgettable kids who are serious about pranks but also about doing whatever it takes to help the people and places they care about.
Nick Rhodes and his friends Pratchett, Hogue, and Jared--together known as Beef Squad--have got seventh grade totally hacked. They make perfect grades by day, pull spectacular pranks by night, play video games in between, and do it all with a zany sense of humor only they find funny. (Because someone has to celebrate National Asparagus Appreciation Day.) But seventh grade is about to strike back! Trouble at school and a secret from their town's Gold Rush past put Beef Squad on a collision course with Leonardville's most powerful forces. Now, with the help of robotics teammate Karla Woo, they decide to reveal what's going on, no matter the consequences.

My opinion: Stories about pranksters can be a tricky thing. As adults, we don't exactly want to endorse "bad" behavior. Yet these things are incredibly appealing to young readers. We love to read about characters getting away with something. The Beef Squad finds a decent balance. While a lot of their activities are about having fun without consequences, they also have a strong sense of justice. They go from simply trying to cause chaos to righting a wrong and keeping the true "villains" from destroying the town the love out of simple greed. With a cast of solid characters and a relatable small town setting, this is a book worthy of a middle grade audience.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley