Book Review: Origami Yoda Series - Act now for a Great Deal

As I have shared many times before, my daughter loves both Star Wars and reading. She is always reading Star Wars encyclopedias, visual dictionaries, and more. In addition, we have 20 minutes a day of reading where she has to read a chapter book. After seeing far too many Star Wars easy reader level 2 books come home from the school library, I knew I needed to find Star Wars books that were closer to my daughter's reading level (she was reading Level 2 readers 3 years ago).

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I have seen The Origami Yoda series at the store and in August decided to purchase the first book in the series, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, for her to try. It took a few weeks for her to finish the American Girl series that she was reading at the time and to convince her to give the book a try.


Once she started the book, she was hooked. While she was reading the book, we had a busy day and she missed a day of reading. The next day she asked if she could read for 40 minutes to make up for the missed day. I told her she is always welcome to read for longer. She read for 35 minutes that day, stopping only when she finished the book. She loved the book and was asking for Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book, the second book in the series. I requested the book from the library. Unfortunately when we went to pick up the book, I discovered that I had accidentally requested the audio book instead of the book. The book already had three requests on it and the library had ordered more - it is obviously a very popular series. Instead, we found Star Wars: Secrets of the Jedi to checkout until we could get the rest of the Origami Yoda series.

That night, we got home and my daughter was re-reading parts of Origami Yoda. She rarely does this with chapter books, so I knew the series was a winner. I decided that if she was going to re-read the books that it would be worth having our own copies and ordered a set from Amazon.

Once she finished that she was able to read Darth Paper Strikes Back in only a few days. She has since finished The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee (Origami Yoda) and Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett: An Origami Yoda Book t. She is eagerly awaiting the March release of the fifth book in the series, Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue!: An Origami Yoda Book.

In addition to reading the books, she has made her own Origami Ewok from the directions in Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppet. She has also requested the companion art and craft book, Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling: An Origami Yoda Activity Book for Christmas.

While I have not read the books, she loves the style of the book with doodles and drawings adding to the text. She says that while it has a story to be read front to back, there are little episodes that she can go back and re-read out of order.

If you want your own copies of the Origami Yoda series, Amazon currently has The Origami Yoda Files: Boxed Set for $36.65. Plus through December 1 they are offering an additional 30% off any book (the box set counts) with the code BOOKDEAL at checkout. Sicne we already have all 4 books, I was able to use the code to pre-order Princess Labelmaker.

Eggo Mini Pancake Review

An empty package

I am a cereal for breakfast person...typically Special K Red Berries with a banana. My daughter, on the other hand, is very much a "traditional carb breakfast" person - waffle, french toast, pancakes, etc. Mostly of the Eggo variety.

For a long time her favorite was Eggo Cinnamon French Toast sticks, but at one point they were recalled and were off store shelves for many months. She also enjoys Eggo's French Toast Waffles, Cinnamon Roll wafflers, and chocolate chip waffles. Since I am always going through a standard size box of these, I looked at Costco to see what they had.

The only large box of Eggos they had was Eggo Mini Pancakes - Maple Flavor. I wanted to wait and try a small box at the store, but my daughter convinced me to buy the big box. Fortunately, she likes them so they won't be going to waste.

The Eggo Mini Pancakes are packed in individual servings of 8 pancakes and are microwaved right in their package. I read 8 pancakes per package and was worried that the serving size would be too large, but they are definitely mini. My daughter easily finished off 7 of the pancakes (I tried one of them before giving them to her) the first time and has eaten all 8 the other times. Eggo Minis are made with whole grains and contain no trans fats.

Her breakfast

The pancakes microwaved in their package in 45 seconds. There are also options to heat them in the package in a convection or a conventional oven. The pancakes had a mild maple flavor. My daughter asked to eat them cut up with syrup the first day. While they cannot compare to fresh made pancakes, they were among the better microwave pancakes that I have had. The pancakes stayed soft and moist. Some microwave pancakes can be come cardboard like and dry. We had no such concerns with these. Since they are individually packaged we don't have to worry about them staying fresh as we work our way through the box.

The Eggo Mini Pancakes also work well as a clean on the go breakfast. Since the first day, she has been eating them straight out of the package without syrup including once in the car. They are great on the go, since they can be taken in their package which can then be thrown away without needing to keep track of a container.

The Eggo Mini Pancakes are packaged in a serving of 8 pancakes. The box I bought at Costco has 15 servings (120 pancakes). The box was quite large, but I can fit it in the freezer of my basement refrigerator and bring a few servings into my main freezer as needed.

I would definitely recommend these as an option for a quick breakfast.

EReaders Have Taken Over!

I just heard that Amazon is currently selling more eBooks than print books (105 eBooks to 100 print editions). As someone who uses eReaders, I am not surprised at the market penetration. I was surprised that the eBooks number does not include Free eBooks, so with that inclusion they are "selling" even more eBooks. With Father's Day and Graduations around the corner, an eReader would make a great gift. But which one to choose. (The information below is based on my own experiences and the thought process that I went through prior to asking for a Nook Color.)

Why Do I love eBooks?
I love eBooks for the convenience. No heavy books to tote around especially while traveling. Plus, I don't have to find storage for all of these books. An eBook reader also saves my place so no need to use a bookmark. I can change the type size or background color allowing me to read while doing other tasks - folding laundry, washing dishes, since I can make the font larger. I began using my iPod Touch as an eReader over a year ago. I started with the Kindle App and added the Nook app when it was released. When I upgraded from a regular cell phone to an Android phone, I also used the apps on my phone. For Christmas I received a Nook Color. We have also recently purchased an iPad which can be used as an eReader. So I have some familiarity with different eReaders.

Which eReader is Best?
This decision will be highly personal. It will depend on what features are important to you. The features I considered were: free reading resources, device flexibility, screen type, and size.

Reading Material Sources
I want flexibility is where I obtain my reading material. Amazon Kindle only supports a proprietary book format which needs to be obtained from them. The Nook, Sony eReader, and some others will read ePubs including those with Adobe Digital Editions DRM. My local library lends eBooks for free as part of my library card. The eBooks are lent through Overdrive Media. In the fall, these books were only available for Sony Reader and Barnes and Noble Nook/Nook Color. They have since launched apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android smart phones. Overdrive and Amazon are implementing a system to be launched later this year.

Device Flexibility
Some eReaders are just that, eReaders and nothing else. Others, like the iPad are full feature tablet devices. The Nook Color is in between an iPad and an eReader. The iPad has a full range of applications available to it including a web browser, email, calendar, contacts, games, social networking, office systems, and more. The Nook and Nook Color both have a web browser. The Nook Color is built on the Android operating system and has started rolling out applications.

Screen Type
One of the important choices for an eReader is the screen type. Traditional eReaders all sport an eInk screen which is supposed to be the easiest on the eyes. It is much like a book in that you can read it in bright sunlight, but will need a light at night. eInk screens use little power so the devices tend to have a long battery life. eInk screens are monochrome black and white and cannot support color books or magazines. The Nook Color and iPad have a full color backlit LCD screen. The color screen allows for full color web browsing, children's picture books, and magazines. Some people have reported eye strain or headaches with these screens. They have also been linked to difficulty falling asleep after reading on one at night. I do not get eye strain with the backlit LCD. I frequently read at night after my husband is asleep and have not experienced trouble sleeping, often falling asleep while reading. For me, the backlit was an advantage.

Another consideration is a touchscreen or a key pad. I am used to touch screens since I have had an iPod Touch for 3 years and use an Android phone. The keypad also adds non reading size to the device. One disadvantage to the touchscreen is when I am reading with my daughter. I have to be very careful when pointing to words to not turn the page.

Device Size
The dimensions and weight of the device are also factors in the selection of an eReader. The iPad is the largest and heaviest device. It is not as portable as an eReader and I find it a bit heavy for laying in bed. The Nook Color is about the same size as other dedicated eReaders, but is heavier. An Android phone or iPhone is the lightest option, but it is also the smallest.

My Thoughts:
iPad: This is a great device and I love our iPad (we have a first generation bought at a discount after the release of iPad2). It has great flexibility in that it has apps for the most major book sources available (iBooks, Kindle, Nook, Overdrive). There are also many children's picture books available in iBooks, the NookKids app, and as standalone apps.  However, I find it to large to carry with me everywhere and too heavy to read on in bed. The iPad 2 starts at $499 for a 16 GB WiFi only version.

Nook Color: This is my favorite of the eReaders. It has a large variety of children's books available including some Read to Me books that will narrate the book for your child. Nook also has a large assortment of children's chapter books available as the child grows. I am currently reading Magic Treehouse Books with my daughter on the Nook Color. The apps are not as sophisticated as an iPad, but it does have a decent mail program now. It is a reasonable size to carry in my purse (after I upgraded from barely a clutch). When we were in DC, I would bring it on the Metro and read to my daughter while on the trains or waiting for them. I found that a book jacket made the device a little easier to hold because of adding a bit of thickness. I do wish there were a few more apps - Facebook, a Calendar that syncs to Google (that does not require an additional $39.99 application). The Nook Color sells for $249.99.

Nook: My sister has a Nook. She preferred the eInk screen, longer battery life, and lighter weight to the Nook Color. It will not support the Children's Picture Books but does support children's chapter books. If I wanted eInk, I probably would have selected the Nook. The Nook sells for $149.

Kindle: The Kindle was not an option for me because it did not support the library books. However, with that feature coming, I would again consider it as an option. There are a number of free eBooks available on Amazon, but they tend to be the classics, Christian fiction, and erotica. Kindle is available in a WiFi version for $139 ($114 for an ad-supported version). Kindle 3G which supports 3G+WiFi for obtaining books is available for $189. The Kindle DX is also available for $379. It features a 9.7" display and 3G+WiFi.

Sony Reader: I did not seriously consider the Sony Reader since I really liked the backlit LCD screen. However, there are several downsides to the Sony Reader. From what I can see only the Daily Edition includes WiFi connectivity. Otherwise you have to download books on your computer and transfer to the reader. There are not Sony Reader apps for the iPhone or Android Market, so you can only read your books on the Sony Reader. I prefer the flexibility to use my phone if my eReader is not available. Another complaint I have about the Sony Reader is the availability of gift cards. I had to install the Sony Reader app on my laptop in order to purchase my aunt a gift card for her Sony Reader. This is a major inconvenience for friends and family to buy you a gift card. The Sony Reader is available in a Pocket version for $179.99 (5" screen), a Touch Edition for $229.99 (6" screen), and a Daily Edition for $299.99 (7" screen + WiFi+3G).

Smart Phone: As I mentioned, I was reading on my Smart Phone. I always said it was sufficient and I did not want another device. Fast forward 6 months, and I have not only a Nook Color but also an iPad. With my daughter, it is great for us to have multiple devices to share as a family. I do not regret either my Nook Color or my iPad. A Smart Phone is just too small for easy reading. Plus I was using my battery life by reading on the go. However, I like having an eReader app for my phone to use as a backup if I don't have my Nook Color with me.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of both Barnes and Noble and Apple iTunes. I receive compensation for sales through links to these sites. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Game Review: Disney Apples to Apples

My daughter loves games. However we are finding that we are at a cross-roads where games are concerned. She has a lot of games and the preschool games are getting too easy for her. However, she is not ready for the more strategic games. She is able to read, so that opens a few more options too.

For Mother's Day, she really wanted to give me a game we could play together. We had all gone to Target and she was shopping with Daddy when I walked by. He suggested Disney Apples to Apples, but wanted my input since the age says 7+. I looked at the box and thought she would be able to play with help.

I was not familiar with Apples to Apples prior to this, so I had no idea what to expect. There are green cards with a descriptive word on them and red cards with things on them. The goal is to pick the best match for the descriptive word. For example, if the descriptive word was Fast you might select "Race" or "Wolves". In each round, one player is the judge and picks which card was the best match. The goal is to win 4 rounds first. I was a little worried about the judging of who had the best card, but you mix the cards up so the judge does not know who played which card. The game recommends 4-8 players, however we played with 3 and it was fine.

I was surprised at how well my daughter was able to play this game on her own. As we were setting it up, she went through the green apple cards and was able to read most of them. The game was great for her to practice her matching of characteristics. The Disney version also has Green Poison Apple cards which turns the tables so you have to pick the opposite of the descriptive word. She did have trouble when none of her cards matched the descriptor very well. However, she loved being the judge.

When we started we were helping her read the green apple cards when she was the judge. In the second game, we were only helping her if she asked. She picked the card and told us "Smiley" so we all picked something Smiley - a parade, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Then, I looked down and noticed the green apple card actually said "Smelly". We continued playing the round as Smiley. After that we checked the cards my daughter was reading.

I recommend the Disney Apples to Apples game for children who are readers through adults. It will help to have some knowledge of Disney - movies, TV, and parks. My daughter can't wait to play again. This is a game that the adults can also have fun playing as opposed to some kids games which are monotonous for adults. Unfortunately, my husband is not a game person, so it will probably wait until we go to Grandma and Grandpa's again. There is also Apples to Apples Junior which the manufacturer recommends as 9 & Up.

Disclaimer: We purchased this game ourselves at full price. All opinions are my own. I am an Amazon Associate and receive compensation for sales through amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

$10 off of My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Littlest Pet Shop, & Baby Alive at Amazon.com

Amazon.com is offering $10 off Hasbro Girls Toys through Friday, July 16. You will need to spend a minimum of $30 from the selected list and it must be an item fulfilled through Amazon.com and not a third party.

These toys include Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, and Baby Alive Merchandise. There are a few items on the list that my daughter has that I want to recommend.


My daughter asked for the My Little Pony Gumball House for Christmas. Prior to asking, she was back and forth as to which size of ponies she wanted (the small Ponyville, or the larger ponies). She loves her gumball house. The house comes with one figure - Sweetie Belle, the unicorn. It comes with a number of accessories. My main complaint is that there are open windows that the accessories fall out of when stored inside. The music from the "elevator" can also get a little annoying.

After Christmas, she had returned some duplicate items and used her credit to buy the Ponyville Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel comes with a single figure, Pinkie Pie. She really likes putting all of her ponies in here and sending them for a ride. We did find that the ponies had to be placed in the cars facing a certain direction or the weight of their heads would tip them out of the cars. The music can be annoying, but my daughter loves the Ferris Wheel (Probably helps that she loves going on rides).

Recently, my daughter has been into water toys. Grandma just bought her the Strawberry Shortcake Splash-n-Petal Pool. The pool comes with a Strawberry Shortcake figure. The pool has a slide, a picnic bench with umbrella and a flower shower that you pump yourself. The toy takes no batteries (a very good thing for a water toy). The set even comes with a towel for Strawberry Shortcake and a place to hang it on the outside. The Strawberry Shortcake doll has a large hat which does not stay on her head that well and causes her to tip off of the slide. Other than that, we really like this toy.

As long as all of the toys you select are eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping, you will get the offer even if the final price after the credit is under $25 since the pre-discounted price is over $30. Make sure you select the Free Super Saver Shipping option since standard shipping is the default.

Note: I am an Amazon Associate and receive compensation for purchases made through Amazon links on this page. I have not been paid to promote the sale or the products.