Archives for May 29, 2024

Books of the Week- May 28th, 2024

on-sale: 5/28/24

 CLOUD PUPPY by Kelly Leigh Miller

Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball in this first book in a delightful graphic novel chapter book series about Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable—and her forays into friendship, adventure, and all things geeky!

Meet Cloud Puppy! Her hobbies include making rainbows, super sniffing, and, of course, reading the Pretty Princess Warrior Dragonetta series with her best friend, Berry Rose. After Cloud Puppy finds out that her favorite author will be a guest at the local comic book convention, she and Berry Rose decide to attend in homemade costumes.

But when they both insist on dressing up as the same character, Cloud Puppy and Berry Rose have their first fight ever! Now, they’re going to the convention separately. Will these feuding friends be able to make amends?

This book is perfect for early and reluctant readers, as graphic chapter books really hit that perfect sweet spot making it fun to read. The approachable text, and bright illustrations in Cloud Puppy help readers build on their skills and confidence while having a good laugh. It will be a great summer read for early readers! It is so much fun to read!

TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS
By Lisa Varchol PerronIllustrated by Jennifer FalknerPublisher: Little Simon.
Length: 22 pages
ISBN13: 9781665935593
Grades: P and up
A child gets answers to their many questions about the ocean in this rhyming, fact-filled nonfiction board book perfect for curious minds. I’m a big ocean lover and I really enjoyed reading this book with a 4-year-old girl that I babysit.

HUSH, LITTLE DOZER
By Rebecca ColbyIllustrated by Katya Longhi Publisher: Little Simon.
Length: 26 pages
ISBN13: 9781665934022
Grades: P and up
Say goodnight to each construction vehicle as it completes its last task of the day—especially to little dozer—in this sweet board book that puts a new spin on “Hush, Little Baby.” This is such a sweet bedtime story for little ones!

 THE CITY BEYOND THE STARS by  Zohra Nabi.

Yara may have stopped the magical plague spreading its way through her new home, but to do so, she had to leave her mother in the hands of the sinister alchemists.

Now Yara longs to return to Zehaira and free her mother from her prison. Yet when her mother’s familiar arrives, close to death and bearing a message, Yara must put aside her plans to rescue her and instead set off with her friends to the official residence of the Grand High Sorceress, convinced it holds magic powerful enough to defeat the alchemists.

After a treacherous journey, Yara finds her mother’s house, and in it, a girl claiming to be the daughter of the Grand High Sorceress—a sister Yara didn’t know she had. Meanwhile, the alchemists are circling ever closer, and the magic that Yara’s mother was working threatens the foundations of their world.

Yara is unsure if her newfound sister can be trusted, but she is going to need all the help she can get if she wants to save their mother and take back Zehaira from the alchemists’ rule.

A entertaining summer read for the little older kids!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Zohra Nabi grew up inventing stories for her two younger sisters. She studied law at Cambridge and Oxford universities, but secretly dreamed of being an author. Now she lives in London, browsing bookshops and writing magical adventures. She’s the author of The Kingdom Over the Sea series. 

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images were also provided.

The Best Flowers for a Winter Wedding

When planning a winter wedding, choosing the right flowers is key to setting the perfect seasonal ambience. Winter weddings call for flowers that can withstand the cooler temperatures while still looking fresh and beautiful. Here are some of the best flowers to consider for a winter wedding.

White Roses

No flower says classic wedding quite like white roses. Their elegant ruffled blooms work beautifully for winter weddings. Go for varieties like Avalanche or Polar Star that feature large, full flower heads which will hold up well in winter. Use white roses for bridal bouquets, centrepieces and altar arrangements. Mix with greenery like eucalyptus or silver dollar eucalyptus which complement the white flowers.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis features large, stunning blooms that really pop against winter backdrops. These trumpet-shaped flowers come in white, pastels and rich jewel tones like deep red or purple which add gorgeous colour to weddings. Use amaryllis for dramatic bridal bouquets, centrepieces and decor. Varieties like Picotee offer white petals with bold red stripes for stylish flair. The tall blooms of amaryllis make perfect altar arrangements.

Hydrangeas

Big, voluminous hydrangea blooms give arrangements a lovely romantic look perfect for weddings. Opt for hardy varieties that bloom in winter like Endless Summer or Everlasting Hydrangeas. Creamy white hydrangeas suit winter weddings. For added colour, find hydrangeas in shades of blush pink, burgundy and deep green. Use mophead hydrangeas for altar arrangements in urns or weave into ceremony chair decor.

Ranunculus

With layers of delicate, ruffled petals, ranunculus add gorgeous texture and movement to arrangements. These beauties come in white, cream, pink, burgundy and many other winter-suited shades. Ranunculus look lovely in bridal bouquets, especially when mixed with roses. The blooms also make pretty posy table centerpieces. Choose ranunculus varieties like Amanda, Espresso or Royal Wedding which thrive in cooler weather.

Seeded Eucalyptus

Seeded eucalyptus is a must for adding greenery to winter wedding flowers. Its round, silvery green foliage provides the perfect complement to soft white blooms. Seeded eucalyptus is hardy and holds up well out of water. Use it to create fragrant, lush bouquets, centerpieces and garlands. Try combining it with white roses, dusty miller, olive branches or flocked pine sprigs.

Dahlia

Though summer blooming, dahlias can also thrive in winter with the right varieties. Choose options like Cafe Au Lait, Velvet Rose and Rhubarb and Custard that bloom into fall and early winter. Dahlias come in stunning colours from pure white to blush, lavender, red and plum. Use these pom-pom shaped beauties to add texture and flair to altar arrangements and centerpieces. Mix with roses, ranunculus and succulents.

Freckle Face

An exotic option, Freckle Face features dramatic, speckled blooms in shades of purple, pink and cream. They resemble orchids with their spotted centres and ruffled petals. Make a statement by carrying Freckle Face in your bridal bouquet from a luxury wedding florist like Corky and Prince or use their striking blooms to decorate the aisle ends. Freckle Face looks exquisite when paired with roses.

Anemones

Resembling wildflowers, anemones are a delicate winter flower with paper-thin petals. White and cream anemones with dark centres suit winter weddings. Use them sparingly in bridal bouquets and centrepieces to create a whimsical feel. Try pairing anemones with ranunculus and foliage like ivy vines.

When it comes to choosing flowers, focus on finding options that bloom in the winter months and suit the colour scheme of your wedding. Talk to your florist to determine which varieties will be in season. With an abundance of hearty, beautiful flowers available, you can create gorgeous winter wedding arrangements.