May Reading 2023

My Anastasia by Sharon Stewart

Biscuit Wants to Play by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

What’s for Breakfast by Ray Leonie

Getting the Message by Jim Howes

Tall Tales by Chris Bell

No! by Daniel McPhail

Barbie Let’s Build a Snowman by Kristen L. Depken

What Makes a Planet Planet? by Dan Bortolotti

Small Animals That Hide by Elsie Nelley

I Want to Go Home! by Tony Ross

The Fire on Toytown Hill by Jenny Giles

Glaciers Rivers of Ice by Peter Oberholzer

Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl by Tedd Arnold

Jack and the Baked Beanstalk by Colin Stimpson

The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald

The Berenstain Bears Get the Job Done by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

The Night and it’s Moon by Piper CJ

Mouseford Academy Fashionable Mystery by Thea Stilton

Wonder Woman Monster Magic by Simonson Schoening

Billy at School by Jenny Giles

When the Giants Came to Town by Marcia Leonard

My Pet Hamster by Brienna Rossiter

Seasons by Susan Jaramillo

Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Tall Tales by Chris Bell

Comet the Origin of Supergirls’s Horse by Steve Korté

Peter Rabbit Be My Friend published by Penguin Group

Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know It All by Peter Catalanotto

Dragon Masters Eye of the Earth Quake Dragon by Tracey West

The Little Red Hen retold by Violet Findlay

That’s Gross by Jeff Szpirglas

Biscuit Finds a Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Come and Play, Peaches! by Loarraine Adams

Little Critters The Best Show and Share by Mercer Mayer

Mrs. Marlowe’s Mice by Frank Asch & Decent Asch

Something Good by Robert Munsch

Smile Sophia by Skylar Amann

Abuelita and I Make Flann by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

Max’s Bunny Business by Rosemary Wells

Tales of a Reluctant Camper by Tara Harte

There’s a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

The End of Something Wonderful a Practical Guide to a Backyard Funeral by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic

Sally’s Friend by Beverley Randell

The Perfect Christmas Pageant Joyce Meyer

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgans

Zach/s Present by Sara Wernham

Monkey Not Ready For the Baby by Marc Brown

Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day by Carmen Agra Deedy and Pete Oswald

When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Red Berry Wool by Robyn Eversole

Olive and the Embarrassing Gift by Tor Freeman

What Can Insects Do? by Cynthia Rothman

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz

Our House a Safe House by Bill Thomas

Princesses Are Not Perfect by Kat Lum

A Pod for a Baby Orca

Photographic Memory by Ron Bunney

Ballet Cat What’s Your Favourite Favourite? by Bob Shea

Teaching Gender Fluidity VS Hatred

I don’t stand for hatred, in fact, it really irks me when I see people use hate against others and pretend that they are making their claims to protect innocents or they hide their hate behind their religious beliefs. There is a time and place to take a stand, most definitely, but shouldn’t love be the ultimate aim? To love our family, our friends, our neighbors, and even strangers.

I grew up in a conservative Christian household and the beliefs I hold differ drastically from those of many people that I grew up around. I disagree with these sentiments but to these people abortion is a sin, being a drag queen or anything else within the queer community is contagious and disgusting, the homeless deserve it as they are all addicts, and forcing your religion upon others is cheered upon because you have planted a seed of faith in someone, who may or may not have needed it. The number of times I’ve had to bite my tongue to ensure civility has been insane.

I on the other hand (no longer a Christian but occasionally an attendee of service) believe that Jesus was a radical liberal and that if he saw what people were doing to others in his name that he would reign down his almighty father’s wrath upon the people who claim to follow them. Jesus, the messiah of Christian lore, lived his life with the people that society at this time deemed sinners and intolerable. He preached about loving one another and not casting judgment. He was the poster child of accepting everyone as they are, loving them unconditionally – as the greek say “agape”.

Anyway, I don’t want this post to become a religious stand-off. Instead, I wanted to talk about something that occurred last week and my opinion surrounding it.

On Wednesday I drove up to my children’s school to pick them up at the end of the day. I arrived early as it is always a nightmare to get parking if I don’t. When I turned off the vehicle an older woman walked up to my door, so I hand cranked down down the window and listened to her for a bit. She told me that she is part of a group of grandparents who are concerned about what is being taught in our schools, then went on to tell me that she has nothing against the gays but feels that our children are being indoctrinated/groomed into believing that there are more than two genders and that children shouldn’t be forced into those beliefs. I stopped her at this point, and politely let her know that she could move on to the next vehicle because I do believe that there are more than two genders.

Scientifically, yes, there are female and male designations for birth. Either you are born with a penis or a vulva. If that is the standard you wish to live your life by, you do you, but it does not change the fact that 1.7% of people are born intersex, and of these, many don’t learn that they are intersex until puberty hits and they grow breasts or they end up with testicular cancer as their testicles never dropped and they suddenly have severe pain in their abdomen.

As for those who aren’t intersex and instead are transgender – the suicide rates are incredibly high due to the fact that society doesn’t accept them, instead telling them that they are mentally unwell. Statistics show that 82% of transgender people have contemplated suicide and of those 40% have actually attempted to off themselves. These numbers are astronomical! And completely unnecessary.

There are many cultural centers throughout the world that believe in more than two genders. The fact that Western culture acts as if gender fluidity is a scandal is the problem. Some examples of these other genders include the Two Spirits of the North American Indigenous peoples who are both male and female. The Burrnesha of Albania who are biological women that dress as men and make vows of lifelong virginity. The Waria of Indonesia that are born biologically male but are considered a third gender. Or perhaps the Maori people have a great example with five genders that include the Bissu who transcend gender altogether.

Teaching our children to accept the differences of others is important. And the best way to have them learn is to introduce them to these people and discuss how they differ. This is not forcing the child to become like those who are different but is making it so that everyone has a safe space to be themselves. and it cuts down on toxic behaviors that can cause bullying and harassment. By having these conversations when children are young it can help them have a better sense of self as they get older as well.

As for bringing Drag into it all. There is nothing wrong with dressing up in wigs, makeup, and gowns to have fun. As long as there is a division between the lude acts that are appropriate for adults this shouldn’t be an issue. Women are allowed to dress in “men’s clothing” and historically men would dress as women for stage plays, and in Western culture up until the late 19th century boys would wear gowns until they were roughly eight years old.

I guess the point I’m attempting to make is that people are too worked up about the narrative that there can only be two acceptable genders and they are hiding their hate behind excuses. Everyone should learn about the differences of others, for a multitude of reasons.

If the parents or grandparents of these children feel that school isn’t the right place to learn inclusivity then where else should it be taught? As shown by their behaviors it won’t happen at home partially because most people’s households do not hold enough diversity within their walls to make that possible. but also because their own prejudices will make it impossible.

Okay I think this miniture rant can be over. Feel free to let me know what you think.

April Reading 2023

Dragon Masters Shine of the Silver Dragon by Rracey West

I Don’t Care Julie Fogliano

Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd

Zack (a Jolly Phonics book)

A Day in Canada by Per-Henrik Gurth

Amelia Bedelia Rocket Scientist by Herman Parish

Shimmer and Shine Magic Carpet Race by Delphine Finnegan

Here Come the Shapes by Jenny Giles

Hop the Movie Chicks Versus Bunnies by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio

Pinkalicious Soccer Star by Victoria Kann

Cardcaptors Sakura and the New Boy

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party

Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

The Back Pack by Reis-Frankfurt and Wendy Tweedle

Jimmy’s Parents are Aliens by Kathrine Bagarozza

Kindergarten Hat by Janet Lawler

Pearl Goes to Preschool by Julie Fortenberry

Amelia Bedelia Digs In by Herman Parish

The Lady of Ten Thousand Names Goddess Stories from Many Cultures by Burleigh Mten

Little Miss Whoops by Roger Hargreaves

Barbie A Mermaid Tale 2 Surf Princess adapted by Chelsea Eberly

Happy Birthday Big Bad Wolf by Frank Asch

One Happy Classroom by Charnan Simon

Sam Goes to School by Jenny Giles

Dragon Masters Griffith’s Guide for Dragon Masters

I Think I Like It Talking About Art by Allison Gertridge

The Haircut by Susan Hartley and Shane Armstrong

Mr. Maxwell’s Mouse by Frank Asch

School for Good and Evil A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani

Dragon Masters Treasure of the Gold Dragon by Tracey West

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook

Dr MacTavish’s Creature by Chris Bell

Stuck in the Tree by Lorraine Adams

Seagull is Clever by Beverley Randell

Serf’s Up by Jeff Szpirglas

Skipping Rocks by Lorraine Adams

Froggy’s Day With Dad by Jonathan London

Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts

The Magic Bunny by Paddy Comyn

Hugs by Robert Munsch

April Product Update

I’m not really sure how long it has been since I’ve done a product update other than about the artisan items recently, A local store is going out of business in my area and I purchased all of their costume accessories and a few odds and ends to craft with for my costume shop.

As customers have been asking me at events if I’ll ever bring in costume makeup, I decided I would grab some coloured creams as part of the haul. There are eight different shades to choose from: red, orange, yellow, purple, silver, brown, and a glow-in-the-dark white.

I’ve also brought in some silly party shades, pirate eye patches and hats, and more wigs., amongst other small nick-nacks.

I haven’t really topped up on my usual orders as I am attempting to bring in more artisan LARP items as I have been getting many requests for. Unfortunately, these will not be ready for Vernon Comic Con this year. But there are still plenty of fun items to find at the shop!

I have been updating my square register and the website store over the last few days and should have most of the new haul, and some more of our stored stock up within the next few.

Educational Minecraft

Kevin and I have been playing Minecraft for over a decade now. I believe it was Beta 1.8 when I purchased my copy of the game for around $5 CAD. (When I purchased my daughter’s account last year it cost me $30 CAD) In the time since, this game has exploded with different things to break down, craft together and build. There have been additional biomes (jungle, grassland, desert, tunra, etc), worlds (such as the Nether and End), and platform editions (java, bedrock, dungeons, etc) made to the game. And every time I come back from a break from playing I find new and interesting things to do and see.

I absolutely love the family-friendly nature of Minecraft – it’s essentially a sandbox of square building blocks, and it allows for your imagination to be the only thing holding you back. Both of my children have begun to play as well, which got me thinking about how educational this game has been for the two of them.

First off I think my kids are learning problem-solving skills as the game requires that a player make their own shelter, manage resources, and develop plans to stay safe from the changing landscapes, mobs, and other players. But it goes beyond this. My eight-year-old has begun to work with redstone dust, attempting to make elevators, automatic doors, traps, and items farms. Currently, her projects are small but as she develops these skills she will be able to make much more complex projects such as planes that can actually fly around the map, miners that can break many blocks at once, or when playing PVP a system that would allow her to be removed from danger and teleported to a safe location until she is ready to rejoin the fight.

The redstone workings are just one part of the problem solving as eventually, my kids may get into coding from playing Minecraft as well. The game allows for modifications to be added using JavaScript, which can be manipulated inside the running game (such as setting the time of day or creating an area that needs permissions) but also through the AppData folder which allows players to add their own additions to the game such as a mini-map, additional food or creatures, or even the ability to build and import new biomes.

Next, I would say that Minecraft encourages reading, writing, and research abilities. Besides the in-game chat feature that allows players to communicate with each other, there is no tutorial on how to play the game when you start it up. You are literally a man in a world that has to figure out everything on your own. Both of my children started playing the game in a creative setting, which allowed them to see what blocks were available and what they were called. From there we moved them over to survival and all those interesting blocks that they really liked they now had to find and craft. And searching online was a major way for them to do this as they needed to find the recipes and research where to find the items needed. They also search for tutorials on how to make certain builds as well.

Thirdly, I would say that Minecraft strengthens their math skills. They count how many blocks need to be placed for their buildings, split items up to share with others equally, pay for things with in-game currencies, create complex geometric shapes, use the time to help them know how much longer unitl night will fall, estimate the amount of space they will need to build their structure, etc.

And although I have never attempted to do so I could see Minecraft being a great learning platform to teach the history of architecture and server hosting.

All in all, Minecraft supports a curious mind and I will suggest it to anyone who is on the fence about allowing their children to play, or even play it themselves, It allows my children to be creative, be self-directed (as there is no end to the game), utilize teamwork and have fun.

Minecraft is all the best parts of Lego, made digital.

My Juice Plus + Experience

Do you remember that post I wrote back in February of 2022 about how nutrition is really important and how I was working on changing my life for the better? Yeah, I didn’t think so but that is alright.

I was thinking recently about how a year ago I was so very enthused about these NFS Certified products that had more than 40 peer-reviewed studies done on them. And how my family has been taking them ‘regularly’ now for a year. Then I realized that I never really gave an update on how these products have been affecting our family.

First off I feel like it won’t help unless I explain what we have been taking. All the products from Juice Plus + are certified gluten-free, certified GMO-free, and certified Kosher. These products are designed to fill the gap between what people actually eat and what they should eat by providing the nutrients of 30 different fruits and vegetables that are picked at prime ripeness, and then the whole fruit/veg is put through a freezing process called IQF to keep the nutrients before being juiced and dried into a powder. The products are also vegan-friendly – including the omegas – which are derived from plants, seeds, and algae. The capsules are made from tapioca starch, which comes from cassava root.

In the first few weeks of taking the gummies and capsules, we could already see a difference. I’m gonna go a bit TMI here but our guts really appreciated the increase in natural fibers. I have always had inconsistent bowel movements, being constipated for days and then having diarrhea, then the stomach cramps would begin I’d be regular for a while before constipation would start again. But I found that within a couple of weeks of taking half the dosage I no longer had as much irregularity. It wasn’t just me though my kids were pooping on the regular, and there was no fight in getting them to take the gummies as they taste so good.

After my second month of taking the Juice Plus + dried produce capsule supplements, I had people complimenting my skin, saying I had a glow about me. I felt more energized and less inflamed, which is huge as with fibromyalgia I am always feeling run down and in pain.

While the girls and I were taking the capsules and gummies, Kevin was having a daily complete shake mixed into his morning coffee. These shakes actually taste pretty good considering they have no dairy in them, like most shake supplements. For months my husband, who never gives himself enough time to eat in the morning, was actually feeling energy when he came home from work and didn’t feel the need to immediately rush to the fridge while I was making dinner.

We took a couple of months off from continuing the products for a couple of reasons.:

The first was that we weren’t sure if these changes we were having were because of the healthier lifestyle we were living in general (as we were going for more walks, being more active in general, and eating healthier) or if the products were causing the changes. Sure enough, when we stopped taking the Essential Capsules and Complete Shake we could easily tell the difference.

The second reason was because of the cost – the products are purchased in 4-month bundles and it’s about $2 a day for Kevin to have his Complete Shake daily and roughly $4.50 a day for the Essential Capsules and Omegas. Fortunately, the cost of the gummies was free with the purchase of my capsules. There is the option to pay monthly but we’d rather buy them in full than have yet another re-occurring bill to have to remember. For us to have the fruit, veggies, berries, omegas, and shakes it was roughly $800 plus taxes

When I brought the gummies back into the house my children were thrilled. Since September my younger daughter has continued to take her morning gummies without fail, whereas my oldest hasn’t really wanted hers anymore due to the sticky texture. (She could take capsules in replacement but I didn’t purchase any this time around, instead, I got the adult servings to be gummies as well). Zenobia has missed 6 days of school since beginning kindergarten due to illness, whereas Sanura has missed 18 days of school, spent most of the winter break in bed ill, and has complained about feeling unwell more often in general. Sanura’s health is very different than when she was taking them regularly in grade one -she missed less than a week of school due to illness.

Overall I REALLY like these products. And absolutely believe that they are worth every cent we spend on them.

On our next purchase, we plan to bring home the shakes again as everyone in our household loves to drink blended fruit drinks and the Complete shake complements them really well. We have also used the powder in pancakes and brownies in place of some of the sugar/ flour and are excited to see what other ways we can incorporate it into our meals.

March Reading 2023

Little Miss Splendid and the Princess by Rodger Hargreaves

The Go Cart Team by Amy Keystone

Rex Yells by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

Tiger Tiger by John Boucher

Button Your Lip and other Idioms by Polly Downes

Sakura’s Never Ending Day by Kimberly Weinberger

How Do I Love You Marion Dane Bauer

The Merry Go Round by Beverley Randell

Is It a Baby Animal by Bridget Taylor

Disney’s Goody’s Big Race (author unknown, published by Bantam Books 1986)

Bear For Breakfast by Robert Munsch

Disney’s Mickey Meets the Giant (author unknown, published by Bantam Books 1986)

Happy Happy Big Head by Dustin Cromarty

The Strange Shoe by Beverley Randell

Red Puppy by Annette Smith

Dragon Master Waking of the Rainbow Dragon by Tracey West

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Peggy Parish

Teamwork by Rober Munsch

Tails, Tails, Tails! by Violet Findley

Masks by Susan Hughes

Amelia Bedelia First Valentine by Peggy Parish

Looking at Art by Jan Anderson

Learn About Playtime by Lesley Scott

Making Money Minting and Printing by Elizabeth MacLeod

Frank Swims by unknown author

Shimmer and Shine Magic Carpet Race! by Delphine Finnegan

Pete the Cat Pete’s Big Lunch by James Dean

Phonics REaders Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep by Phil Roxbee Cox

Dragon Girls Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara

What a Great Idea! by Liane Onish

Time for Play by John Pettitt

Doodleday by Ross Collins

Little Miss Bad by Roger Hargreaves

Tom is Brave by Beverly Randell

Mixed-Up Moods adapted by Suzanne Francis

The Little Engine That Could by Wally Piper

Oh No! A Fox! by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

Mr. Grumble by Roger Hargreaves

The Kingdom of Nothing by Ronald Wohlman

My Dog Thinks I’m a Genius by Harriet Zieferr

A Medal For Molly by Jan Weeks

Ballet Cat Dance! Dance! Underpants! By Bob Shea

Chicken on Vacation by Adam Lehrhaupt

Artisan Stock Update

One of our artisan suppliers, Kittens Play Pen, has unfortunately gone out of business recently. We had a large selection of tails, ears, and collars that we were supposed to have in stock from them in time for Vernon Con but unfortunately, that will no longer be the case. As we work on getting a return on our funds we would like to know if there are any suggestions, from you that our lovely customers, of where we can find quality Canadian-made tails and ears.

On a happier note, we are thrilled to share that Kittie’s Kostumes is the exclusive location to purchase BC Yeti Anxiety Backpacks made by LoAnn of P.S. Designs. Each backpack is one of a kind. The fabric is hand dyed and sewn at her home studio. These bags are able to be resized for anyone from a child to an adult and are great for a squeeze!

@ladybowering

One of a kind BC Yeti Anxiety Backpacks. Hand dyed and sewn by an Okanagan artist, and currently these bags are exclusive to Kittie’s Kostumes

♬ original sound – Kay Bowering

February Reading 2023

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr Seuss

Scooby Doo shiny Spooky Knights by Gail Herman

Pam’s Pizza by Liza Charlesworth

A Little Adventure by Jenny Giles

Fun in the Snow by Lynda Henney

Loula and Mister the Monster by Anne Villeneuve

The Little Mermaid A Special Song by unknown author

Valentine Zoo by Jo Rigg

No Clean Clothes by Robert Munsch

Batman the Story of the Dark Knight by Ralph Cosentino

The Princess and the Pea adapted by Lora Kalkman

Pete the Cat Robo Pete by James Dean

The Bear and the Trolls retold by Beverly Randell

The Dog Show by Andrew Jenkins

Peppa’s Valintines Day by Courtney Carbone

The Dolphin on the Wall by Rose Inserra

Let’s Go to a Fair by Cate Foley

National Geographic Kids Sharks by Anne Schreiber

The Take of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter

Mr Greedy Goes Shopping by ___ Hargreaves

Ted by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

Pinkalicious The Princess of Pink Slumber Party by Victoria Kerr

The Photo Book by Beverly Randell

Gus Was a Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer

Farm Rescue by Sara Wernham

Holly’s Surprise by Lorraine Addams

Christmas Child by Patty Schaal

One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

All About Dinosaurs by Liza Charlesworth

My Costume by Briar Wilton

Animals in the Sky by Joanne LeBlanc-Haley

Z Goes Home by Jon Agee

Dragon Masters Roar of the Thunder Dragon by Tracey West

Be a Star Wonder Woman by Michael Dahl

Annie the Apple Pie Fairy by Tim Bugbird

Disney Princesses Follow Your Heart by Amy Mebberson, et Al.

Andrew’s Loose Tooth by Robert Munsch

Meg and Ted by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

The Last Firehawk The Crystal Caverns by Katrina Charman

Dragon Masters Chill of the Ice Dragon by Tracey West

Curious George My First Bike by Margaret and H.A. Rey

Penguin Rescue by Rose Inserra

Ribbon Rescue by Robert Munsch

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

January Reading 2023

Rupert, Algy and the Cannibals by Albert Bestall

Rupert and the Wonderful Kite by Albert Bestall

Beauty and the Beast retold by Annette Smith

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins

Cinderella retold by Jenny Giles

See Pip Point by David Milgrim

Shimmer the Unicorn by Kathrine Sally and Daniela Dogliani

Frosty the Snowman by Jack Rollins

Raccoons by Elizabeth Russell-Arnot

Ready Freddy by Cynthia Rothman

Triangle by Barnett Klassen

Darly and the Dragon by Stephanie Gorman

Curious George My First Bike by H.A. Rey

Curious George My First Kite by H.A.Rey

The Tortoise Shell & Other African Stories retold by Geoff Smith

Kim the Bug by Tamar Reis-Frankfort

Jack Sparrow the Sword of Cortes by Rob Kidd

Scooby Doo the Surf Scare by

Eight Days A Story of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat

Scooby Doo The Big Bad Blizzard by Gail Herman

Peppa Pig Super Peppa by Lauren Holowaty

Where’s Your Tooth by Rozanne Lanczak Williams

Big Al by Andrew Clements Yoshi

At the Park by Peter Sheryl

Barbie Yummy Cupcakes by Jennifer Liberts Weinberg

Pip and the Bar by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt and Wendy Tweedle

Smelly Socks by Robert Munsch

Festival of Colours by Kabir Sehgal

Puffin Cliffs by Sara Wenham

Happy Hippo Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton

Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Beverly Randell

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Super Heros No Joke by Quinlan B Lee

Super Heros Get That Cat by Quinlan B Lee

Super Heros Mr Freeze by Quinlan B Lee

Boots by Anne Schreiber and Arbo Doughty

Trolls Poppy’s Party by Frank Berrios

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Alligator Baby by Robert Munsch