Review: Tuttle Twins Book Collections

We've enjoyed so many Tuttle Twins books over the years, that it's high time I collected mine & other's reviews all in one place, so you can get a feel for the series. 

The Tuttle Twins books cover economics and government with an emphasis on "the time-tested principles of a free society," which includes free-market principles and principles of individual freedom. My kids pull these books off our shelves and re-read them frequently, and I'm amazed at how much they've absorbed. My kids are learning and thinking deeply about subjects that public school never taught me: the Tuttle Twins fills a much-needed niche!

If you sign up for their newsletter or follow their Facebook page, they tend to have sales when new books come out. Books can be purchased with an audio version and workbooks.

I started reviewing these books for a magazine, and I love them so much that I became an affiliate salesperson, because I think every family should have them. If you visit my associate sales link, anything you purchase there in the next 21 days gets counted for me: https://tuttletwins.com/1776?ap_id=michelleristuccia

First up, we have the Tuttle Twins' collection of picture books for ages 5-11. Caffy Duffy's Review calls it "an outstanding series of 11 books that teaches important concepts about economics, government, and personal responsibility through child-friendly stories."

Cathy Duffy Review of the series.

My review of Show Business.

My review of Road to Surfdom.

My review of Food Truck Fiasco.

The Law, Review by Gail at Learning Tangent, where I reviewed other Tuttle Twins books.

Each book is inspired by classic books that delve into the same topics. "Education Vacation" inspired my kids to read the original "The Underground History of American Education" by John Taylor Gatto!

Next up, for teens! All the teen books are newer, so I'm having trouble finding reviews for you. Maybe I should get cracking with writing my own reviews. Whoops! In the meantime, this review of their podcast for kids should give you an idea of what types of themes their books cover.

Who doesn't love a good choose your own adventure book?

We just ordered the newest books for preteens and up:

There is also a card game, and several non-fiction e-books for parents. Keep your eye out for the bundles, which often include audio, workbooks, and related nonfiction e-books. Enjoy!

Charlie Cat Takes a Break on Thanksgiving

Find Charlie Cat Takes a Break on Thanksgiving on Amazon, and add it on Goodreads!

Charlie cat loves Thanksgiving, but when noisy guests arrive, Charlie needs a quiet room. Find out how Momma Cat helps Charlie enjoy Thanksgiving.

Peek inside!

Charlie Cat picture book series explores challenging social situations through rhyme and fun illustrations. For ages 0-8 and special needs.

Join our author mailing list for free printables you can use at home or in the classroom.

Charlie Cat Draws His Personal Bubble on Easter

Susie Dog is so excited to hunt Easter Eggs, she forgets to look where she is going! When Susie Dog spills Charlie Cat's Easter basket, Charlie Cat teaches Susie Dog about personal space.

Charlie Cat Tries Earmuffs on Independence Day

When Momma Cat offers Charlie and Susie earmuffs for the loud fireworks, Susie Dog doesn’t need hers, but a new friend does! Learn about hearing protection and individual preferences in this rhyming picture book for ages 0-8 & special needs.

Charlie Cat Does NOT Like Halloween

Charlie Cat does not like scary monsters and ghosts. Charlie's friend Susie Dog loves to dress up for Halloween. When Susie Dog scares Charlie Cat, Charlie uses his strong voice to tell her STOP. Find out how these two friends get along on Halloween.

Charlie Cat Takes a Break on Thanksgiving

Charlie cat loves Thanksgiving, but when noisy guests arrive, Charlie needs a quiet room. Find out how Momma Cat helps Charlie enjoy Thanksgiving.

Charlie Cat Keeps His Paws Off at Christmas

Waiting to decorate the family Christmas tree is hard! Momma Cat helps Charlie Cat learn how to tell when he should keep his paws to himself, and Charlie is happy to find something he can play with safely.

Review: The Tuttle Twins and their Spectacular Show Business by Connor Boyack

 The Tuttle Twin’s newest adventure gives young readers a wonderful model of entrepreneurship in The Tuttle Twins and their Spectacular Show Business by Connor Boyack.

The 9-year-old twins begin by learning about investment capital and equity share, because as the saying goes, sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Readers then learn guiding principles for evaluating and executing their business ideas—for example, understanding competition and what attracts customers to your product or service, the importance of networking, and the need for a business plan. The way Connor Boyack breaks economics down into digestible chunks is both inspiring and informative for any student looking to understand small business from the business persons’ perspective.

The Tuttle Twins tackling entrepreneurship is perfect for this age group! My own 8 year-old is interested in running his own businesses and we are using this book to jump-start his efforts. I greatly appreciate how the twins encounter competition and the good attitude the book teaches for how to handle competitors by improving your business. I also love how the Tuttle Twins’ business clearly involves the risk of failure. Sometimes parents in our society feel pressure to protect our children from all risk. This book will help you address the potential risks with your children while equipping them with the tools needed for success.

Get your copy of The Tuttle Twins and their Spectacular Show Business

Recommended reading age: 5-11. Retail Price: $9.99

Other books in this unique series:

All the Tuttle Twins books also have a matching workbook, plus they have books for teens! Look for the workbooks, combo packs and more at TuttleTwins.com. Read more reviews here.

You can also follow the Tuttle Twins series on [ twitter ] and [ facebook ]

Book Rec: Evalina's Egg by Sarah & Rew Jones

"Evalina's Egg" by Sarah & Rew Jones is perfect for families who love adorable fiction with beautiful, classic language. Great photography gives each page a claymation feel that blends realism and fantasy. Evalina's egg serves a gentle bedtime or "any time" story to read to young children. Longer sentences help appeal to older elementary-aged children while still captivating younger siblings. My 6yo and 8yo love it.

Get your copy in English or in Spanish

Everyday, little ones depend on big people for everything they need, from love to a warm bed; and sometimes the little ones come into our lives in unexpected ways.Evalina's Egg is a beautifully written story, with charming illustrations, of a selfless, caring, young mouse who gives her all to take in an orphaned egg and lovingly care for it, in spite of risks and struggles for herself. When her community comes around her to support her, she is enveloped in the 

same care as she gives her egg, and the task becomes much more do-able. This story of love, community, and sacrifice teaches us about the value of caring for one another in our need, and is sure to appeal to anyone who has ever depended on someone bigger and stronger than them. Families of all different shapes and sizes, biological, adoptive, foster, etc, and the communities that surround them will appreciate this sweet story of what it means to risk and sacrifice yourself for someone you love, and come out the other side the one who was rewarded.

Watch the book trailer here

Help other parents find the book by leaving a review!

  

 Sarah & Rew Jones are creators of stories, films, and media for families. Find them on Facebook, and Instagram, and Goodreads for more family content! You can listen to or read Laurie Wright's interview with Sarah & Rew Jones on her podcast here. 

Review: Timelines of Everything (DK Smithsonian)

Explore an illustrated history of the world through more than 130 timelines for kids. From dinosaurs and Vikings to the history of cinema and espionage, discover incredible world history in this lavish collection of timelines.

Jam-packed with surprising facts and amazing details, such as the most bloodthirsty pirate of all time and the first crime to be solved by studying fingerprints, Timelines of Everything will take you on a whirlwind journey through an illustrated history of time, from the Big Bang to the modern world.

More than 130 timelines give you all the general knowledge you need - and even some surprising trivia you don't! Must-know topics and alternative history are showcased with beautiful, detailed illustrations and straightforward, easy-to-read text. Whether you want to know key breakthroughs that set the Industrial Revolution in motion or defining moments in the history of fashion, you'll find it all here. With timelines on a diverse range of subjects, Timelines of Everything is the ultimate guide to history for kids.

https://amzn.to/2VnpMBR

My Review: 

We recently picked up this book for our history-loving 10yo and love it for the amazing visuals that bring history to life. My 10yo already had a good overview of world history and a special interest in WW2 and WW1, which are both covered in the book along with lesser-known wars. Despite his previous knowledge, he still found this book fascinating, gaining a new perspective on how to piece all that knowledge together.

I'm always impressed with DK's layouts. I'm not much of a nonfiction person myself and still love their books.

Charlie Cat Tries Earmuffs on Independence Day!

It's here! Charlie Cat's Independence Day book!

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3eq4ElS

Ebook: https://amzn.to/2AERbrH

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54082922-charlie-cat-tries-earmuffs-on-independence-day


When Momma Cat offers Charlie and Susie earmuffs for the loud fireworks, Susie Dog doesn’t need hers, but a new friend does! Learn about hearing protection and individual preferences in this rhyming picture book for ages 0-8 & special needs.

ISBN: 9798653251535
ASIN: B08B5KDB68

See Inside:

Charlie Cat picture book series explores challenging social situations through rhyme and fun illustrations. For ages 0-8 and special needs.

Join our author mailing list for free printables you can use at home or in the classroom.

Charlie Cat Draws His Personal Bubble on Easter

Susie Dog is so excited to hunt Easter Eggs, she forgets to look where she is going! When Susie Dog spills Charlie Cat's Easter basket, Charlie Cat teaches Susie Dog about personal space.

Charlie Cat Tries Earmuffs on Independence Day

When Momma Cat offers Charlie and Susie earmuffs for the loud fireworks, Susie Dog doesn’t need hers, but a new friend does! Learn about hearing protection and individual preferences in this rhyming picture book for ages 0-8 & special needs.

Charlie Cat Does NOT Like Halloween

Charlie Cat does not like scary monsters and ghosts. Charlie's friend Susie Dog loves to dress up for Halloween. When Susie Dog scares Charlie Cat, Charlie uses his strong voice to tell her STOP. Find out how these two friends get along on Halloween.

Charlie Cat Takes a Break on Thanksgiving

Charlie cat loves Thanksgiving, but when noisy guests arrive, Charlie needs a quiet room. Find out how Momma Cat helps Charlie enjoy Thanksgiving.

Charlie Cat Keeps His Paws Off at Christmas

Waiting to decorate the family Christmas tree is hard! Momma Cat helps Charlie Cat learn how to tell when he should keep his paws to himself, and Charlie is happy to find something he can play with safely.

Review: Murderous Maths

https://amzn.to/2CKH0CM

Math with the laughs added in – and the boredom taken away. From freaky fractions to cunning codes, you’re in for more laughs than you can count. Beware, brave reader. In Murderous Maths, you won’t find any boring exercises or flummoxing sums. Instead, Professor Fiendish and his rotten sidekick, Chainsaw Charlie, unleash their murderous take on maths. Foul formulas. Agonising algebra. Terrible take-aways. We dare you to try it. Essential curriculum math as you’ve never seen it before Funny approach similar to the Horrible Histories series Now there’s no excuse to be afraid of learning numbers Bestselling series with great cartoons by Philip Reeveon Titles in This Set: The Phantom X Desperate Measures The Perfect Sausage and Other Fundamental Formulas Guaranteed to Bend your Brain Do you Feel Lucky? Awesome Arithmetricks Savage Shapes Guaranteed to Mash your Mind The Key to the Universe Easy Questions, Evil Answers

http://www.murderousmaths.co.uk/

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Review:

My boys LOVE this set. Because it's published in the UK, some of the terms are different than what we use in the US, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The books are so relatable and funny to my 8 and 10 year old that they have spent the whole summer writing and solving equations in their free time. I would not call this curriculum, and it doesn't claim to be, but that's part of its charm. My kids are reading (and re-reading) these and doing math for its own sake. Concepts are cleverly explained and cover many ideas that help prime elementary students for math learning in future grades. My boys now know and love prime numbers, factorials, and how to calculate to the power of, for example. There's still room for my 10yo to grow with these books!

Caveats: some may find the humor occasionally offensive. I find it creative and feel like that's exactly why my boys love it so much. There are a few other series also published by scholastic that I often see recommended alongside these books (Horrible Histories, Horrible Geography, Horrible Science). Because history is a more religiously polarized subject, I recommend care with reading these books with your young kids.

I gotta say, there's something special about having your kids run up to you showing off math puzzles like this:

Buy Murderous Maths here!

https://amzn.to/2CKH0CM

Art for Kids Hub

As a picture book illustrator, I love encouraging my 6yo's strong artistic bent. Parenting always has its challenges, so it's nice to get an "easy" one once in a while, like when your kids' interests match yours.

So, I got her step-by-step drawing books for her 6th birthday, similar to the ones I loved as a kid. We got her How to Draw Animals for Kids and she loved it.

She also blew through the book in a week! She likes to watch me and copy me, too, but the girl is insatiable! After asking around, we found something that finally provided the hours upon hours of on-demand drawing practice she desires, and it's free!

Art for Kids Hub:

WEBSITE: https://www.artforkidshub.com/about

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub

There are plenty of videos to follow along with. Even my older children, who have never really been into drawing, sometimes take part. Here are a few of my daughter's examples:

Now, what to do with all these drawings?!

I suggest getting a 3 hole punch and binder(s) to make yearly keepsake folders. We've been using regular, bright white computer paper you can get in bulk. We also love this sturdy Crayola art case. Lately, my daughter has been dictating her "books" to me and these we hole punch and tie through with string.

Enjoy, and make sure you give Art for Kids Hub some love:

FACEBOOK http://facebook.com/artforkidshub

TWITTER http://twitter.com/artforkidshub

INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/artforkidshub