Coquette Maman

Book Review & Giveaway: I am Albert Einstein + DIY Compass Project

I am Albert Einstein (Ordinary People Change the World)
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christoper Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books
ISBN-10: 0803740840
Age Range: 5-8 years old
$9.82 on Amazon

The Ordinary People Change the World series is just an amazing way to introduce and inspire kids that each and every famous person out there, started just like them -- as a child full of wonder and curiosity. I Am Albert Einstein by Brad Meltzer brings to life the world of the famous physicist and Nobel Prize Winner, Albert Einstein. We all know that Einstein was one of the greatest minds of the scientific world and it's a daunting subject to bring to kids. Meltzer does an amazing job at bringing Einstein to a relatable and comedic level to kids, helping them understand Einstein as both a boy and man, while also introducing kids to his most famous theories. The comic book style and illustrations of Christopher Eliopoulos really make the story pop and it's easy to read for my 7 year old. My daughter is very curious as are most kids her age. This book starts the seed that being curious can help you in doing your own experiments and the process of scientific inquiry.

Here's a fun science project you can make with your kids, inspired by little Albert Einstein.

How To Make Your Own Compass

When Einstein was five, his father gave him a compass when he was sick. He was always intrigued at how the needle always pointed north. This started his first experience in scientific inquiry and his passion for physics.

This is a DIY great project to teach kids about magnetic forces and is a great introduction into physics.

Supplies:
1 Bowl
1 Metal Sewing Needle or Pin
1 Magnet
1 Water Bottle Cap or Cork
Water

Directions:

1. First, you will need to magnetize the needle so it will be able to point north. Rub the tip/top portion of the needle against the magnet for about 10-20 times. You must rub it in the same direction, not back and forth. If your magnet is stronger, you can rub it for less time.

2. If you are using cork, make sure an adult cuts it to size. It must be thick enough for the needle to run through it.

3. Put the needle in the cork or glue it onto the water bottle cap. Make sure the same amount of length of the needle is pointing out of the cork or the water bottle cap.

4. Fill the bowl with water.

5. Place your compass needle inside the bowl. The needle should start to move and point North.

6. You can double check the direction by using a real compass or use a map or free compass app on a mobile phone or tablet.

7. If the needle doesn't move, re-magnetize the needle. Then repeat steps 4-5 again.

The magnetized needle is now aligning itself with the Earth's natural magnetic field! For me, the compass was pointing towards my window. I had a compass app on my phone, which also pointed toward the window. You can mark an "N" on the cork to designate the north direction.

There's an amazing giveaway happening now with Penguin Kids. Enter the Rafflecopter below to win all 8 books from the Ordinary People Change the World series. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review book provided by Penguin Kids.

OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer: Make Veggie Noodles!

Thanks to my friend Nancy, I discovered a healthy alternative to having pasta. The OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer ($14.99 on Amazon) lets you easily make uniform spirals of zucchinis, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes and more. Right now, I am using it to make zucchini noodles. I sauté it in the pan with a little bit of olive oil and then dollop on some yummy fresh pesto sauce from a local brand, Pasta Etc.

It's so easy to use. You need to make sure you find the vegetables with a larger diameter. Just cut it in half so it's no more than 6" long and twist it into spirally goodness. I'm looking forward to making summer salads or potato pancakes with this handy device! I have also found it a great way to get your kids to try new veggies. Chloe has loved eating zucchini noodles!

I found this site, Inspiralized that explains more about spiralizing vegetables (but with a more sophisticated spiralizer). The site has some great recipes too!

Here is what they look like when you just finished spiralizing them.

This is the finished lunch I made. Zucchini noodles with avocado toast (sprinkled with lemon pepper). I wish I had a baguette in the house to toast but regardless, the lunch was delicious! The noodles pictured above were from a whole zucchini.

Purchase the OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer at Amazon.com.

New Erin Condren Contact Cards

Erin Condren's new Contact Cards have launched today! I have been loving mine as they are beautifully printed on thick 130 lb matte paper. Choose from twenty beautiful designs and straight or rounded corners. I chose Prism – a beautiful navy color with sleek outlined colored triangles. It's one of my favorite designs from her and it compliments my Erin Condren Notebook. These cards are such a beautiful and affordable way to have your own business cards if you have your own business or blog, and is great as a "mom card" if you need to pass out your info to another mom at the playground.

The more cards you order, the lower the cost per card. For example, 60 cards are $30 (0.50 cents each) or 240 cards are $60 (.25 cents each). The quality is amazing as I would expect nothing less from Erin Condren. I currently am keeping mine in my new Louis Vuitton Card Holder I received as a gift over Christmas.

Shop for the Erin Condren Contact Cards at erincondren.com. Get a coupon for $10 off your first order by signing up for an account with Erin Condren. You'll get an email with the code for your order.

Review product provided by Erin Condren

How To Not Get Sick When Your Kids Are Sick

Check out How To Not Get Sick When Your Kids Are Sick

by Coquette at Mode

App Review: Sago Mini Trucks and Diggers

Sago Sago has just launched a new app, Sago Mini Trucks and Diggers ($2.99 on iTunes). This game features the familiar lovable Sago Mini animals that kids have fallen in love with over the years. Let's be honest here, kids are always fascinated by those big construction machines from bulldozers to drillers. With all the construction we have going on in San Francisco, my daughter is always looking out the car window reporting to me what's happening with what machine. This game takes a child's love for construction and mixes it into the whimsical Sago Mini world. Kids can choose from various diggers to help build a home for an animal friend. Chloe's favorite machine is the chipper where you can not only chip trees, but silly things like jelly toast or a bone.

This game works perfectly for both boys and girls. Chloe loves decorating portion of the game the most, when fun items drop from the sky (windows, candy canes, flowers) and she can decorate the animal friend's new house. The mushroom house is her favorite!

In Sago Mini Trucks and Diggers, there is no shortage of fun and cute animated surprises that will keep kids entertained. I personally love the Sago Mini (and Toca Boca) games for their ingenuity, smart play and also for their safe content.

Here are some screenshots from the Mini Trucks and Diggers app:

Purchase Sago Mini Trucks and Diggers at the App Store on iTunes and see all the Sago Mini games at sagosago.com.

Review App provided by Sago Mini