Disclosure: I received these items to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

All year, I long for the sunny days of summer! When school is finally out and I can take some days to just relax, a good book is always on the agenda. To me, summer lovin’ means reading something that makes me smile, laugh, or even cry. For my kids, summer is all about great adventures. What does summer mean to you? One lucky reader will win a prize pack for mom & kids!

When I was asked to review this book of poetry, what swayed my heart was the fact that author Neville Johnson’s work was inspired by his love for his wife. Cue the “awwwww!!!” What Took You So Long has a casual tone, combined with heartwarming appeal. The lines aren’t profound literary masterpieces, but most have a simple rhyme scheme with a positive mood. The poems are simple enough to include in a blank card, or even take a few lines to stencil on your wall. Even if writing poetry isn’t your thing, the book is sure to inspire you to express yourself. What a romantic idea!

The poems are not organized in any particular way. The table of contents lists them in page order, not alphabetical or topical order. I was tempted to go through the poems and color-code them. My favorites were the poems that professed endurance through the storms of life. Share What Took You So Long with someone you love this summer.

For the kids, summer is all about adventure. Dino Dan Trek’s Adventures from NCircle Entertainment is a favorite at my house. We enjoy watching this DVD together because the episodes are an ideal length for watching just after lunch, or in between outings. Many of Trek’s adventures take place outdoors, so the video inspires my kids to pay attention to their surroundings. The script comes across as a little bit cheesy, but I like the innocence portrayed in the video. It’s a nice change from the sarcastic kids that shows sometimes feature. Trek includes dino facts as a natural part of his discussions, which makes each episode a learning experience. Finding a dino nest can become a scavenger hunt, and beef jerky will never be boring again. Many of Trek’s adventures take place outdoors, so the video inspires my kids to pay attention to their surroundings. Finding a dino nest can become a scavenger hunt, and beef jerky will never be boring again. When asked, this is what my kids said they loved about the DVD.

“The dino babies are really cute!”
“It teaches kids about dinosaurs in a fun, educational way.”

From the mouths of the babes, it’s clear that Dino Babies will be sticking around our video library.

One lucky US reader will win these prizes (age 18+, void where prohibited by law.) Enter on the giveaway form below. Good luck!