reading Archives | Winstead Wandering

What I’m Reading Lately: Children’s Books Edition

February 23, 2017 by Abby

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We’ve done it, though! Here’s what I’m reading lately: children’s books edition.

Between Christmas gifts and school book orders, we’ve been reading a lot of books lately. Often, the kids get hooked on a couple books that J and I don’t care for. I love that my children share my passion for reading, but it’s no fun to read (and read and read and read) books you don’t like. That’s why J and I are thrilled when we come across children’s books we enjoy reading.

Since I’m sure we aren’t the only parents out there in search of entertaining kid lit, I put together this list of children’s books we’re currently loving.

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We've done it, though! Here's what I'm reading lately: children's books edition.

What I’m Reading Lately: Children’s Books Edition

“The Day the Crayons Came Home“

My four-year-old got this book for Christmas from my husband’s mom. We came home after opening presents that day and discovered my mom had gotten her the exact same book. So now we have two copies. Considering how much the kids love it, that might be a good thing. Not only is this story really cute, it’s full of puns and humor just for the grown-ups.

“Mother Bruce“

This book is hilarious. The first time J read it to the kids, I couldn’t stop laughing at the random lines I could hear from the kitchen. The kids were cracking up, too. This story is one of those rare gems that delights parents as much as it does kids. There’s a second book, “Hotel Bruce“, that the kids and I are excited to read.

The Children’s Storybook Bible

A few years ago, within the span of a couple weeks, I saw this story Bible recommended by several friends and trusted bloggers. I had to buy it, of course. Even three years later, it’s still our favorite children’s Bible. I love the doctrine and the kid-friendly writing, the kids love the bright pictures and the easy-to-understand story.

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The Best Books I’ve Read Lately

February 26, 2016 by Abby

Looking for the next must-read? Check out the best books I’ve read lately.

Looking for the next must-read? Check out the best books I've read lately.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. I’ve read a lot- okay, too many- mediocre books that I never would have read had they not been free through Amazon on my Kindle.

I’ve read some good books, though, and even some outstanding books. Like, read-them-again-and-again books. If I love a book, I hold onto it- usually virtually- and read it again. For instance, I’ve read my all-time favorite books, Redeeming Love and To Kill a Mockingbird, multiple times each. As in, well over a half dozen times each.

I’m not sure if the books in this post are that good, but they’re certainly really darn good. They’re the best books I’ve read in quite some time.

The Best Books I’ve Read Lately

The Short Drop

The only reason I took notice of this book is because I got an email from Amazon offering it to me for free on my Kindle. I don’t accept every one of those offers, but the brief summary of this one intrigued me. Here’s the gist:

A decade ago, fourteen-year-old Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of Benjamin Lombard—then a senator, now a powerful vice president running for the presidency—disappeared in the most sensational missing-person case in the nation’s history. Still unsolved, the mystery remains a national obsession.

For legendary hacker and marine Gibson Vaughn, the case is personal—Suzanne Lombard had been like a sister to him. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, the former head of Benjamin Lombard’s security asks for Gibson’s help in a covert investigation of the case, with new evidence in hand.

I could not put this book down. Seriously, I think I read it in a day and a half. The plot pulled me in and, even though it got predictable in a couple spots, there was still plenty of mystery and suspense. In my opinion, the sign of a truly great book is when, days after you’ve finished reading it, you can’t get the characters and the story out of your head. That was The Short Drop.

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summer reading swap box + a book review

June 29, 2015 by Abby

Book swap boxes are a fun way to meet new people and discover great books. Here’s what I got in my box + what I thought of my first book.

I’ve always been a reader. You know the words people use to describe those who love to read? Avid, voracious, insatiable? I am all of those things. I love words. I love discovering brilliant combinations of words. I love that paradoxical race to finish a book and the anxiety of leaving the characters behind when you do.

Because I love to read, and because I enjoy connecting with others who love it, too, I was glad to have stumbled upon the summer reading book swap hosted by Chelsie at Life with Rosie.

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what i’m loving wednesday

January 21, 2015 by Abby

It’s time for another round-up of some of the random stuff I’m loving this week.

brookside dark chocolate

I think maybe most of the country has already tried these, but just in case, I have to mention them here. Reader, meet your new addiction. These Brookside treats are “soft fruit flavored centers covered in smooth dark chocolate”. They come in several different flavors; I’ve tried each one. They’re all equally appealing, with their slightly sweet, chewy insides and thick, smooth exteriors. They aren’t too heavy or rich (which I’m now realizing is the reason I can eat way too many without realizing it).

They can be found at most big grocery stores, but I’ve priced them and found that Amazon is the best deal. I recently tried the new version that includes the soft centers clustered with puffed rice cereal, all coated in dark chocolate. Two thumbs up for those, too.

this buzzfeed post about misheard song lyrics

I admit, I’m a sucker for Buzzfeed’s posts. The one that has me cracking up this week is a compilation of the most commonly misheard song lyrics of 2014. Some of the lyrics that made the list are puzzling, as in I have no idea how you could think Ed Sheeran is asking to be taken “into your lemon arms”. But yes, “I’ve got a lot of Starbucks lovers” made the cut.

this “bind my wandering heart to thee” print

Several months back I came across a pin with one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite hymns. I pinned it, of course, and stopped to admire it every time I went to that board, but the pin linked to a tumblr page and I didn’t know how to find the original artist.

A few days ago I decided to get to the bottom of the mystery. After some Googling, I found the Etsy shop run by the creator of the print. She has a bunch of beautifully illustrated prints in addition to this one. It will hang in my home one day.

this article about life with a “threenager”

I’ve been referring to B. as a “twonager” for a while now, so I knew I would relate to this article. And I so do. Since B. is our second child, I knew what to expect from having a two-year old. G. was, at times, unpredictable, unreasonable, and unnerving. It wasn’t anything I didn’t expect, though, having taught preschool and heard endless stories about “the terrible twos”.

With B., it’s different. At two and half, she has the vocabulary of a five-year old, the attitude of a 12-year old, and the fashion opinions of a 16-year old. She wakes up every morning knowing exactly what footwear she plans to wear that day- usually boots- and she learned long ago that “Bubber pushed me” is a surefire way to get what she wants. If you have a toddler, I think you’ll find this article startlingly accurate.

this patagonia fleece pullover

I got this Patagonia-the gray with green- as a birthday present nearly two months ago. I don’t care to admit how many times I’ve worn it since then. It’s warm, but not so warm that you can’t wear it inside. It’s flattering and cozy, the pullover equivalent of a soft blanket. I want one in every color.

What’s caught your fancy this week?

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