Wisconsin Dells Adventures, More than Water Parks! #wizard_quest #wisdells

Have you ever wanted to do something a little different as your kiddos are getting older?  Love the water park attractions but maybe just a little side adventure might be what you are looking for?  Have anyone in the family that prefers something other than "water, water, everywhere?"  I have just the experience for you!



My family and I love going to Wisconsin Dells to spend days playing in the water parks and enjoying time together (actually more time apart now that the kids all go in different directions once we find our spot at the water park.)  The thrill of the waterslides, the laziness of the lazy river, the fun of the bucket dump. . . but what about those like myself that enjoy a little water but prefer something less . . . well. . .wet?

 

My two older kiddos and I had an exciting time trying out a new adventure we had

not yet experienced.  We had not noticed that fun-looking building downtown that hid exciting adventure inside!



With free tickets waiting for us courtesy of US Family Guide Bloggers, we entered to find an amazing site!

It was like entering an indoor fantasy land, complete with Hedwig, lol.  Our friendly greeter explained how Wizard Quest works and how to use the provided kindle to proceed through a set course (from a variety of choices) to either "free a wizard" or "capture a wizard" depending on your mood (Good or Villan), or a Dragon Quest!  We chose one of the easier quests to free a wizard since it was our first time trying.

There are several quests at different difficulty levels to satisfy all types of experienced or not-so-experienced adventurers.  I highly recommend the easiest level for the first time, and make use of the "helpers" that are always present inside the course as they will give you "hints" to help you through difficult challenges or just plain "I can't figure this out" moments!

 

My son (age 15 at the time) and older daughter (age 12) both went with me while Dad and youngest (age 9) went back to the indoor water park.  The kids and I had a lot of fun together and separating to find clues to our next part of the adventure.

 There were quite a few times when we got stuck and needed that additional hint or outright help from the guides inside.  And let me tell you, there were a couple of times I just plain chickened out of following the kids through parts of the course.  Ball pits and I are not friends! (rofl)

Overall we enjoyed ourselves for over an hour and immediately wanted to do it again.  Unfortunately, we were short on time and still needed to visit the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum next door!

Although we did have fun inside Ripley's and it was interesting to find the "hidden passages" we honestly wanted to return to Wizard Quest.  Ripley's is fun for a short time, but not for younger kiddos as there are some scary portions that could frighten younger children.



Overall we had an amazing time and really can't wait to go back next summer.  The cost of admission was only $14.99 for adults and $9.99 for ages 5-11.  Working in teams is great but I wouldn't recommend more than 4-5 people max for a single team.  Younger kiddos might not have as much fun since it is interactive but sort of dark, a maze, and not really for infants or preschoolers as the time allotment is usually over an hour.  There are slides, climbing, bridges, tunnels, ball pit and other obstacles throughout the course.  My family gives this experience 5 stars and A+++ from all three of us adventurers!

My youngest heard us talking and sharing about our adventure when we returned and was sad that she chose not to go, so she also will be joining us next summer at Wizard Quest!



For more information or to check out other people's reviews, experiences and photos check Wizard Quest Wisconsin Dells out on:


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Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

JOIN KATE AND MIM-MIM NEW DVD “SUPER KATE” ~ Preschoolers everywhere are so excited!

JOIN KATE AND MIM-MIM AS THEY GO ON SUPER ADVENTURES IN THE NEW DVD

“SUPER KATE”

DVD Available from Public Media Distribution, LLC August 8

Public Media Distribution, LLC announced today it is releasing four stories from the popular kids series “Kate & Mim-Mim” on the new DVD“SUPER KATE.” Grab your cape and join Kate, Mim-Mim, and their friends on four fun-filled adventures in Mimiloo. In the story Super Kate, Tack zaps everyone with his supercharger invention giving them super powers – Kate gets super jumping powers and Mim-Mim gets super hearing powers. When Boomer gets into a bouncy predicament because of his super speed, can he be saved?

Additional stories feature Tack creating a superhero suit so he can be the “Mimiloo Superhero,” Boomer enjoying super strength with the help of Tack’s load lightener invention, and Kate and her friends helping a friendly dragon find

its way home.

“SUPER KATE” will be available on DVD August 8, 2017. The DVD run time is approximately 45 minutes and its SRP is $6.99. The stories included on this DVD are below. Episodes of “Kate & Mim-Mim” are also available for digital download.

“Super Kate”

When Kate can’t jump high enough to retrieve a ball stuck in a tree, she wonders what it would be like to have superpowers. In Mimiloo, Tack’s new Supercharger invention gives everyone superpowers! But their new abilities aren’t enough to get Boomer out of a bouncy predicament.

“Boomer’s Blanky”

Kate can’t find her cape to become Super Kate and rescue a stranded balloon! Boomer is enjoying superpowers of his own in Mimiloo – Tack’s new Load Lightener invention has made Boomer’s blanky superpowered, so while Boomer wears it as a cape, he can lift anything and anyone as if they were light as a feather! But when Boomer’s blanky flies away, Boomer thinks he’ll never be super again. It’s up to his friends to find his blanky and bring a smile back to Boomer’s face.

“Secret Superhero”

Dad saves Kate’s ice cream from falling just like a superhero! In Mimiloo, Tack is feeling down about his little muscles while trying to fix the clubhouse…until Boomer mistakes him for a superhero behind all his gadgets and welding mask! Tack tries to secretly live up to the reputation of “Mimiloo Man,” but being a superhero is a lonely job, and Kate and her friends miss having Tack around.

“Kate’s Dragon Quest”

Moths are spoiling an outdoor dinner for Kate and her parents. In Mimiloo, all of Kate’s friends are hiding from a dragon that’s after Gobble’s moon flowers! But when the dragon turns out to be more friendly than fearsome, Kate leads her friends on a quest to help the dragon find its way home.

Inspired by a real life little girl, “Kate & Mim-Mim” follows the fantastical adventures of 5-year-old Kate, who, together with her toy rabbit Mim-Mim, travels to the fantasy world of Mimiloo where Mim-Mim comes alive as a larger-than-life playmate. In each story, Kate and Mim-Mim and their group of friends discover exciting new places and set off on adventures, all in the hope of solving a puzzling problem Kate has encountered in the real world.

Exploring themes of friendship, adventure, and problem solving, “Kate & Mim-Mim” encourages children to use their imaginations and work together, believing no problem is ever too big to solve!

About FremantleMedia Kids & Family

FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment (FMK), a division of FremantleMedia, is one of the most dynamic independent producers, licensors and distributors of engaging and ground-breaking content in the sector. A worldwide leader in family entertainment, with offices in the UK, US, Australia and Asia, the division works with leading international partners to build global franchises that connect with children and families across multiple platforms and touch points. 

FMKs varied and distinctive portfolio includes the smash-hit comedy action animation Danger Mouse, pre-school girls’ sensation Kate & Mim-Mim and heroic boys’ pre-school property Tree Fu Tom. Its rich archive of family classics contains over 5,000 hours of programming including cult magazine show Rainbow, the original Danger Mouse and Count Duckula. FMK is part of FremantleMedia, one of the leading creators, producers and distributors of TV entertainment brands in the world.

About Public Media Distribution, LLC

Public Media Distribution, LLC, is a leading media distributor both domestically and internationally. We offer high-quality, distinctive programs to our customers, including documentaries (The Sixties), dramas (Fortitude), and popular children’s programming under the SkipRope brand (Kate & Mim-Mim) in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming. 

KATE & MIM-MIM: SUPER KATE

Street Date: August 8, 2017

Run Time: Approx. 45 Minutes

SRP: $6.99

Format: DVD

The SkipRope logo is a trademark of Public Media Distribution, LLC.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

American Heritage Girls ~ Another year another great adventure!

American Heritage Girls

I LOVE American Heritage Girls. If you are interested in learning more about American Heritage Girls, visit their website at www.American Heritage Girls.org

My two girls and I started with our local AHG troop in August of 2015. Since then we have enjoyed many fun adventures!  My youngest started out as a 2nd year Tenderheart, and my older daughter started as a 2nd year Explorer.

I began as not only an AHG Mom but also an Assistant Unit Leader.  I have also taken on the Assistant Treasurer position as well as help coordinate different outings and events and occasionally teach as the need arises.

My family believes in the core values of the AHG program – growing women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

While merit badges are not the focus of AHG, my daughters enjoy this aspect and the sense of accomplishment that brings.  With each year in AHG, my girls earn approx 5-8 badges during our troop meetings and at home.  Then with Summer Camp they each earned additional badges. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AHG helps girls acquire skills that will assist them in all areas of life.  These skills may include how to use a computer, sew on a button, protect themselves, learn about their ancestors or what it takes to be an astronaut.



Girls will learn many skills as they earn AHG Achievement Badges.  The badge program allows them to learn from older girls, and also gives them the chance to teach younger girls!





The American Heritage Girls Achievement Badge Program is divided into six "Frontiers."



These frontiers, when offered together during the year, offer a well-rounded program.  Each badge can be earned at three different levels (Tenderheart, Explorer, and Pioneer/Patriot).



The six Frontiers of the American Heritage Girl program include:



Our Heritage                Personal Well-Being                Family Living

The Arts                     Science and Technology           Outdoor Skills

As we start our second year with AHG, I just wanted to spread the word on how much we love this adventure and the morals and lessons that the girls learn.  They make new life long friends and grow in their faith and integrity.  To find out more about American Heritage Girls or to find a troop near you, check out their website at: https://www.americanheritagegirls.org/

Nancy Drew®: Sea of Darkness ~ Come on a new Adventure, Solve puzzles and Interview Suspects #NancyDrew

Nancy Drew®: Sea of Darkness

Set a Course for Danger and Discovery!

The celebrated ship “Heerlijkheid,” is usually the centerpiece of an Icelandic town’s local festival. Now that its captain has disappeared, the renovated vessel has become an eerie distraction. Did Captain Magnus sail away with a legendary treasure, or was he carried off into the night? Take the helm as detective Nancy Drew and set a course for the Sea of Darkness!

Game Features

• Solve puzzles and interrogate suspects as you retrace the steps of the missing captain


• Learn the truth about the Heerlijkheid’s secret past and Iceland’s darkest days


• Earn money by mastering your knowledge of the Land of Fire and Ice


• Master maritime knots, terms and seaworthy tasks dating back to the 1700s


• Sleuth at Amateur or Master level and erase any mistakes without starting over

Review:

Ok, I admit.  I am a Nancy Drew FANatic.  I read nearly all of her adventures in my youth, some as an adult and I have played (repeatedly) almost ALL of the PC games!  I watch for the new ones and try to get them whenever I can.  Although I don't have the time to play as often as I would like, I do play frequently and get a bit aggravated if interrupted during a game.



When offered the chance to review (play for hours) the newest game out - I was hesitant. . . no, to be honest I believe I nearly begged for the chance but that is beside the point.  I love the games and often play them over and over.  I am not great at the Senior mode even with repeated play so I still play in Junior with the extra hints and helps.  



In Nancy Drew: Sea of Darkness I once again began my adventure in Junior mode and fought valiantly through each puzzle along the way.  With frequent distractions I have not yet made it to the end but have made it to what I would consider about half way through the game play so far.  I love the mini puzzles and will sometimes go back and play them over and over when stuck during the game or even when finished with the full game play.  



I love that with every Nancy Drew pc title that Her Interactive puts out I never get bored.  As I previously said, I have played nearly all of the games and every one brings new puzzles, new challenges, new exciting characters and more great adventure.  This newest installment does not disappoint.  With intriguing characters and edge of my computer seat action, I am kept interested and still guessing "who done it" through most of the game.



I highly recommend Nancy Drew: Sea of Darkness to all PC gamers, mystery lovers and those who enjoy a challenge that keeps you on your toes and coming back for more!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Emergency Survival Kit 2 Pack by True Valor ~ Don't go hiking, camping or Scouting without this cool Kit! #TBLSurvivalKit

Emergency survival kit two pack by True Valor.

These grenade style survival kits are a must have for any outdoor enthusiast. These kits fit in your pocket or clip them to your bag or belt loop.



The carabiner is easily removed and the whistle is ready to use at any time. 10 feet of paracord wrapped tightly around all of your essential tools.



A fantastic gift for any hiker, camper, survivalist, boy scout, or american hertitage girl go bag bugout bag. Makes a great stocking stuffer too.

* These kits are wrapped very tightly and

should not be unraveled until necessary as re-braiding the paracord is a practiced skill .

* The contents of these kits are all wrapped in an additional piece of aluminum foil to keep them together. A small resealable bag is also inside the kit, in which all contents of kit can be kept if unraveling and use of the kit becomes necessary

* Several tools in the kit are very sharp and the weights are made of lead. Not recommended for children to use contents of the survival kit. Wash hands after use of these tools.

* Paracord is very strong but the paracord and carabiner are not intended for climbing

Review:

Ok I have to be completely honest - I did not take one apart because I plan to keep using it as an emergency kit for our Boy Scout and AHG outings.  We have another campout and hike coming up and I didn't want to try to figure out how to get it put back together! LOL



These tightly woven kits are amazing.  Them come ready to use . . . a carabiner on top to clip it to a backpack, belt loop or string, an emergency whistle hanging on the bottom in a bright orange easy to see color . . . and in between! you guessed it - lots of great emergency gear all tightly wrapped up inside a 10 ft long paracord.



The kit is strong and tightly wound so nothing will come out until intended.  Inside the paracord grenade is a large amount of emergency items.

Included is:

10 feet of paracord

Emergency whistle

carabiner

fire starter and tinder

knife (safely wrapped)

alcohol pad

aluminum foil

needle

2 safety pins

fishing line

fishing hooks, floats, weights and swivels

iron wire

This is a wonderful kit to have on hand in any outdoor emergency.  From day hikes to backpacking cross country.  From overnight campouts to high adventure.  A must have item for any outdoorsman (or woman).  Check out more info here.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Escape Through the Wilderness by Gary Rodrgiuez ~ YA Adventure #review #giveaway

Title:  Escape Through the Wilderness

Author: Gary Rodrgiuez

Genre: Tween/Young Adult
Christian Adventure

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Tate Publishing (June
2014)

ISBN-13: 978-1-63268-201-7

Purchase at: https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781632682017 

and at http://www.amazon.com/Escape-Through-Wilderness-Gary-Rodriguez/dp/163268201X/

About the book:

Sixteen-year-old
Savannah Evans walks with a slight limp thanks to a

gymnastics’ accident that
dashed her Olympic dreams, but didn’t stop her from attending an adventure camp
in Idaho. At Camp Arrowhead, she quickly befriends Jade Chang and Rico Cruz,
but Conner Swift taunts Savi because of her injury.

When the four are
teamed together for an overnight white-water river rafting adventure, Savi
refuses to get in the same raft with Conner. Unfortunately, the director will
not reassign her.

A fun expedition down
the river turns into a nightmare when their raft slams into a huge rock and
their adult guide disappears down the river.

Without their guide
and desperately trying to steer an out-of-control raft, they pass the “Last
Chance” marker and enter the larger rapids. With Jade pinned between the raft
and a rock, and Rico clinging to a lifeline, Savi must cut the raft free.

When the four drag
themselves out of the river, they’re bruised, beaten, lost, and twenty-five
miles from camp. Because of late-night campfire tales of Vexel, a vicious
animal that roams the nearby woods, Savi and the others are terrified.

Savi becomes the
unlikely leader who tries to guide the group back to Camp Arrowhead. Limited
supplies, injuries, and the constant threat of Vexel—who Savi fears is stalking
them, complicate the harrowing return trip.

Readers will enjoy
dramatic survival scenes and the group working together, solving problems, and
learning to overcome adversity.

Book excerpt:

The river turned
slightly to the right and then they saw the nightmare ahead. The turbulence was
like nothing they had seen before. The water appeared completely white and
rushed forward at a furious pace, breaking over and against rocks on both
sides. The only way through was a narrow slot between the rocks, which they
needed to hit just right, to make it through safely.

“Watch
for rocks,” Doug warned with a shout. “And hold on!”

As they shot through
the tight gap between the rocks, water rose above the raft on both sides. They
flew through the first surge and then saw the river bend slightly left between
a new set of obstacles.

“Paddle
left!” Doug yelled over the thunderous roar.

“Hard
left!” he shouted again.

“Rock!”
Savi screamed.

Water drenched them
from every direction. Conner removed his right hand from the paddle for a
second to wipe off his glasses.

“Rocks
left!” Savi shouted.

View the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIafxxeApHo

My Review:

A well written story of character and determination in the face of danger and aggravating peers.  Savi doesn't appreciate being made fun of for her handicap and when forced to team up with the one boy she'd rather not ever have on a team it could mean her life.

The story shows the true struggles of teens and children in our world today who suffer from not only bullying but dealing with difficult situations that many times they may not be prepared for.  I loved each of the characters and how Savi and her friends handled many of the situations they were thrust in and how Savi stuck to her faith in God in spite of disbelief, ridicule and near death experiences.  She showed by example that we should not just believe and trust during good times but through all difficulties life throws at us.  The story kept my interest from beginning to end.  This is a great book for Middle Grade up to Adult readers.

 

About the author:

Gary Rodriguez is president of
LeaderMetrix Inc., a consulting company that specializes in senior-level
executive coaching, organizational development and conflict resolution. He is
the author of the new adventure novel Escape through the Wilderness scheduled
for release in June 2014.

His first book Purpose-Centered
Public Speaking was an instant hit and recently republished by Tate Publishing.

His extensive resume includes
eighteen years as an executive in the radio business where he spent several
years as one of the original managers of Infinity Broadcasting. He was twice
nominated as medium market manager of the year by the Bobby Poe report, a
national media publication.

For over thirty-five years, Gary
has spoken in public both nationally and internationally.  Gary’s resume includes a season in the U.S.
Army where he was highly decorated as the youngest Drill Instructor in the
Army's history at age 18 years. He was also awarded the Silver Star (the
nation's third highest award for valor) while serving in Viet Nam.

Visit the book’s website at http://ettw.tateauthor.com/ 

You can also find Gary at http://leadermetrix.com/ and http://www.leadermetrix.com/authorspeaker.  

The author will be giving one
reader a print copy of Escape Through the Wilderness. Open in the
Continental U.S. only.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

High Seas Adventure for young readers ~ The Imagination Station: Captured on the High Seas #review

British
warships battle with American privateers in this high sea adventure.

Cousins Patrick and Beth have landed on the Royal Louis in the middle of
the Revolutionary War. Cannonballs fly and swords slash. They’re
captured! Now they face even more dangers. Will their new friend James
Forten be sold by the British into the West Indies slave trade? Or will
they all be

sentenced to the overcrowded prison ship floating near shore
where scores of prisoners die from filth and disease? Patrick and Beth
help plan a daring escape as they witness firsthand the deeds of brave
heroes who fought to make America the land of the free.




Review:

My kids love Adventures in Odyssey so I knew they would enjoy reading some of the Imagination Station books as well.  My 9 year old daughter said this was just as good as AIO and she loved reading it.  She has since asked me to get her more Imagination Station books to read and I will be happy to get them for her.

Clean adventure for children ages 6 and up.  A great book for reading alone or to siblings as well.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review Tyndale Blog Network. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

{Book Review} Missing Lily by Annette K Larsen

 





Missing Lily
 



“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.


He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night. 



 Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost.

So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. 



When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

  

Purchase on

AMAZON

 

My Review:

Missing Lily is the second book by author Annette K. Larsen that I have had the pleasure of posting on Mom Loves 2 Read.  In this story we meet Lylin, the youngest of the princesses who has stumbled into an adventure not of her choosing.  As she gets to know her rescuers, she comes to discover new things about herself and those she is with that will change her future.

  

Missing Lily is a story of danger, mystery and self discovery.  Yes, there is some romance as well, but it is not the main focus for most of the story.  I am completely captivated by 'Lily' and 'Lord Fallon.'  The characters in this story come to life on the pages and have so immersed me in the story that I once again found myself unwilling to step away from my ereader until the story was finished.

Missing Lily is a well written story with characters that jump off the pages and capture the reader's imagination.  The story starts off fast and immerses the reader in the story from page one.  I can't wait to see what Annette Larsen comes up with next!

Tour Schedule

Not yet read Just Ella?

It is on sale for $3.99 for the duration of the blog tour.

Grab your copy on Amazon.

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/10/14



Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



 a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Affiliate Post} Save 40% off Little Passports USA or World edition - great for travel with kids or summer adventures right at home!

**The links in this post are affiliate
links and Mom Loves 2 Read will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after
clicking on my link.

Little Passports Summer Sale: 40% Off Your First Month!



Little Passports will take your kids on an adventure around the world this summer!
Follow Sam and Sofia as they journey to new places and share their educational
activities to keep your kids inspired and entertained

all summer long. Now
through Thursday (5/22 11:59 PM EST), Little Passports is offering 40% off your first month of a new Little Passports
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Don't miss out on the amazing deal!



Keep the kids entertained in the car, in the hotel, at home or on the go with fun adventures with Sam and Sofia.  Let them learn as they travel about each state or country they travel through or to with Little Passports USA and World Editions!  Highly recommended by this Mom and Blogger!

World Edition

Every month, follow our characters Sam and Sofia as they
embark on a new country adventure. Your first month’s Explorer Kit
arrives in a suitcase and contains everything your child needs to get
started: a letter from Sam and Sofia, a map, a passport, stickers,
access to online games and more. Country specific packages filled with
fun souvenirs, letters, stickers, photos, activity sheets and more
arrive every month thereafter.

Recommended age 5 to 10 years old.

USA Edition

With your USA Edition subscription, Sam and Sofia travel
to and experience the wonders of all 50 states. Kick-off your USA
adventure with the first month’s Discovery Kit which includes a letter
from Sam and Sofia, a USA Field Guide, a USA scratch book, a map, and a
camera. Sam and Sofia then travel to two new states every month and
send an activity-packed travel journal with stickers, postcards, pop-out
models and access to online activities.

Recommended age 7 to 12 years old.

Disclosure: I am a Little Passports Affiliate and Ambassador.  Little Passports is a product that I personally have used and reviewed and know my readers will love. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

{Review & Guest Post} Secrets, Spies & Sherlock Blog Tour & Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read

Welcome to Day 4 of the SECRETS,
SPIES & SHERLOCK BLOG TOUR, featuring two exciting new middle grade
mystery series: Sherlock, Lupin & Me:
The Dark Lady by Irene Adler and Secrets
& Spies: Treason by Jo Macauley. Each stop on the 2-week tour will
feature fun posts and a chance to win a set of finished copies!  Today’s post features Treason.

Life of an Actress in 17^th Century London

Shortly
after Shakespeare’s death in 1623, King Charles I was deposed and Oliver
Cromwell and the Puritans took control of England. The Puritans believed
theater to be immoral, and it was banned in 1642 until Charles II resumed the
throne in 1660. Under Charles’ new regime, women were allowed to act on stage
for the first time, making this an exciting time to be alive for a young
actress such as Beth Johnson.

Charles
himself sponsored the King’s Company, the troupe Beth belongs to in Treason,
which became the first company to hire female actresses in 1661, including Nell
Gwyn. Gwyn’s story may sound familiar to those reading Treason since,
like Beth, she became an actress at 14, after a year of being an “orange-girl”
(selling oranges outside the theater). Nell went on to become one of the most
famous actresses of the time, perhaps boding well for our young protagonist.

The
addition of female actresses had a huge impact on Restoration comedy. The
largely male audience was fascinated by the novelty of women performing in the
risqué plays of the period, which were encouraged by Charles and his debauched
court. Before this time, boys would play the female roles — a practice that
became especially complicated in such plays as Shakespeare’s As You Like It,
which featured a male actor playing the character of Rosalind, who in turn
masquerades as a man in the play and at one point imitates a young woman — or
in other words, a boy playing a girl pretending to be a boy pretending to be a
girl. Whew!

However,
in 1662, a law was passed stating that female roles could only be played by
women, in order to eliminate the practice of male cross-dressing that
scandalized the Puritans who still held influence at the time. Ironically, this
led to the development of “breeches roles” in which actresses appeared in male
clothes, often to play a heroine who disguises herself as a boy. A quarter of
the plays produced during this time featured breeches roles — and in Treason,
Beth finds herself inhabiting a similar part in the fictional play Love’s
Desires Spurn’d, crossing swords with actors much older than her. These
cross-dressing roles allowed female actresses the same freedom as men, and some
critics regard them as subversive of gender roles and empowering for the female
audience.

Male and
female actors alike became celebrities for the first time during this period,
and drew more people to the theater than the plays themselves or even the
playwrights — a change from the days of Shakespeare and Marlowe. With two
theaters competing for popular actors, the actors were able to negotiate
unprecedented deals, including company shares and higher salaries. Yet, despite
their popularity, women did not have the same status as male actors. They did
not receive equal pay, and while many men went on to become playwrights, very
few women did. However, several women did become theater managers, as Beth
desires to do in Treason. Lady Henrietta Maria Davenant, who succeeded
her husband as manager of the Duke’s Company, went on to make it the most
successful theater in London, producing the plays of the first female
playwright, Aphra Behn, whose comedies featured strong female characters that
made their own choices — much like the fiercely independent heroine at the
heart of Treason.

Enter below to win a copy of Treason to learn more about Beth’s life as an actress, as well as a
copy of The Dark Lady by Irene Adler!

***Stop by AkossiwaKetoglo tomorrow for the
next stop on the SECRETS, SPIES & SHERLOCK BLOG TOUR and another chance to
win!***

Secrets, Spies & Sherlock Blog Tour Schedule:

February 24th: The Dark Lady at The
Write Path

February 25th: Treason at I Read Banned Books

February 26th: The Dark Lady at Buried
in Books

February 27th: Treason at Miom Loves 2 Read

February 28th: The Dark Lady at Akossiwa Ketoglo

March 3rd: Treason at GeoLibrarian

March 4th: The Dark Lady at Bookshelf Banter

March 5th: Treason at Candace’s Book Blog

March 6th: 
The Dark Lady at Through
the Looking Glass

March 7th: Treason at Unconventional Librarian

About Sherlock, Lupin & Me: The Dark Lady by Irene
Adler:

While
on summer vacation, little Irene Adler meets a young William Sherlock Holmes.
The two share stories of pirates and have battles of wit while running wild on
the sunny streets and rooftops. When Sherlock's friend, Lupin, joins in on the
fun, they all become fast friends. But the good times end abruptly when a dead
body floats ashore on the nearby beach. The young detective trio will have to
put all three of their heads together to solve this mystery.

My Review:

Wow, this is an amazing story!  I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and have a large hardcover book that has many of the Sherlock Holmes classic stories within that is a personal favorite in my home library.  Finding that an author has taken on the task of creating a young Sherlock Holmes story and adding in Irene Adler and Lupin as well, got my heart racing at the thought of getting to read and review this book.

And, it does not disappoint.  Sherlock, Lupin & Me is written from Irene's point of view (and authored by Irene Adler) and tells the reader about her first meeting with Sherlock as a young girl.  It takes the reader on an adventure as they struggle to solve their very first mystery together.  It is very well written, a fast paced, keeps you on your toes read that engages the readers' imagination and love of adventure.  I could not put it down!  I definitely recommend this for middle grade readers up to adults who love mysteries and adventure - it is a great read for most any Sherlock fan!

Barnes
and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/treason-jo-macauley/1116353065

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treason-Secrets-Spies-Jo-Macauley/dp/1434279448

 

About Secrets
& Spies: Treason by Jo Macauley:

Fourteen-year-old Beth Johnson is a talented and
beautiful young actress. She is also a spy. The year is 1664, and Charles II is
on the throne, but all is not well in the bustling city of London, and there are
those who would gladly kill the king and destroy the Monarchy. One morning, a
mysterious ghost ship drifts up the Thames. Sent to investigate by the King's
Master of Secrets, Alan Strange, Beth quickly finds herself embroiled in a
dangerous adventure. Will Beth be able to unravel the plot to kill the King
before it's too late?

My Review:

Another big hit with this reader/reviewer from author Jo Macauley.  Once again a well written book that is an "edge of your seat" page turner.  Don't start reading this one unless you have time to continue to the end.  It was hard to put down and walk away from.  More great adventure, mystery and ghosts to tease a mystery lovers' mind.

Beth is a great spy and up and coming actress who must face danger to find the answer to a uniquely intriguing mystery.  Great read for middle grade and up.

Purchase links:

Barnes
& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dark-lady-irene-adler/1116353037

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lady-Sherlock-Lupin-Me/dp/162370040X

Now, what could be better to go with a great review

than with a fun GIVEAWAY?

Enter below for a chance to WIN BOTH of these BOOKS!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.