I was able to lay my hands on a publisher’s preview copy of Jessica Farm by Josh Simmons.  Simmons drew 1 page every month for 8 years and will continue to do so as he creates other volumes. The problem with this is that he seems to have lost all concepts of what the story should be. This graphic novel makes absolutely NO sense! It has numerous characters who are there for one or two pages and never properly introduced. It is full of violence, sex and nudity that has NOTHING to do with the story. I have yet to figure out who the heck Jessica is and whether these things are happening in her imagination or in her real life. Maybe in 42 years when the whole series is finished it will make sense, but I seriously doubt it. All I know is that in 2016 I will NOT be reading volume 2.

All that being said, I do have a copy of this book sitting here for anyone who may want it.  I want it out of my house - definitely not a book that you should have around kids, so consider yourself warned.  If anyone feels brave enough to want it, leave a comment by July 31st and make sure you use a valid email.  I will pick a recipient on August 1st, 2008 using random.org.  Good Luck!

I found the neatest website for preschoolers and early readers.  It promises to help your children learn to read and it is FREE!  It is fabulous and my daughter loves it.

Starfall is an educational website that is used by parents and teachers as an inexpensive way to inspire a love of reading and writing.  Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade.

Here is just a couple of examples of what other parents have to say about Starfall:

I’ve told every mother I know about this site, especially ones with children who are having trouble reading. When I ask how their children are doing now, the parents tell me they are amazed by the results. Your site makes kids want to read!

— Parent, Ontario

Both my 5 year old and 3 year old basically taught themselves to read thanks to your website. My 3 year old is reading easy reader books already and my 5 year old (who has been reading for over 2 years) is already at a 3rd grade reading level! The variety of subjects on your website is amazing! There are few moments in my life that have made me smile more than hearing my daughter say, “We just finished Offenbach, but can we listen to Tchaikovsky before bed?” Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful, wonderful website!!!

— Homeschooling Parent, Texas

If you know of similar educational websites, please let us know by leaving a link in the comments section.

I got the coolest set of reusable bags for Christmas last year and I just had to tell you about them.

Envirosax environmentally friendly bags are a designer range of eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags, for spreading the message of environmental sustainability.  I love that they are larger than the other bags I have had, so they hold more.  The handles are large enough that you can slip the bag on your shoulder making it easier to carry your groceries.  To top it off they come in these great graphic styles.  They even have kid friendly designs.

I was blessed to recieve the Monochromatic Pouch set as a gift.  The pouch sets are a great way of purchasing 5 bags at once.  The pouch is small enough to fit into my glove compartment or handbag.  No more excuses for leaving your ‘green bags’ at home!

You can order online or contact Envirosax to find your nearest retailer.  Help spread the environmental message with style!