Homeschool Friday - Tails Are Not for Pulling

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review/review for each.

Tails Are Not for Pulling

By: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrated By: Marieka Heinlen

Publication: September 15, 2005 by Free Spirit Publishing

24 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Description--If pets could talk, what would they say? Maybe “Fur is for petting, backs are for scratching, noses are for nuzzling . . . and tails are not for pulling!” Toddlers and pets belong together—as long as toddlers don’t chase, grab, squeeze, yank, and tease. In simple words and delightful illustrations, this book teaches the basics of kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

We have been studying manners in our homeschool, and we got our first dog and family pet this past October. So when I saw Tails Are Not for Pulling for review, I grabbed it. My older children are very calm with our dog, although they had to learn to the proper way to handle him. My youngest son, who is only 4 years old now, is still a little rough with him from time to time. He knows better, but sometimes he gets a little wild. The content in this book is best suited for smaller children and probably even younger than 4.

I liked how the book starts off with wondering how if animals could talk, what would they say. It goes through some common pet animal sounds. Then the book enters into a series of statements that are about how to properly handle a pet. For example: "fur is for petting, not grabbing" and "ears are for listening, not yanking." This establishes that there are good and proper ways to handle our pets. That section ends with "Tails are not for pulling. Ouch, that hurts." Even young children understand pain and "ouch". The book then goes into some other things a pet might want to say. For example: "Hey, my bowl is empty!" or "Gee, I could use a walk." This shows the different ways that animals need to be cared for. The book then emphasizes that pets are for loving, not teasing. And then some examples for teasing are given. Like "holding toys out of reach" or "pretending to steal food". The book shows how teasing might feel for both the pet and the child, which, again, I think all children can relate to. And then some warning signs are given that an animal might give you to show that they're unhappy with your treatment. A few tips are given about approaching someone else's pet.

All in all, I think Tails Are Not for Pulling gets 5 Stars. If you are considering getting a pet, this would be a great resource to share with your children first--especially if you have younger aged children. It's simple and straightforward. Have you or your child read Tails Are Not for Pulling? What did you think? Let me know!

Look Before You Leap - Review

Look Before You Leap (Miss Prentice's Protegees, # 2)

By: Virginia Heath

Publication: June 24, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The second hilarious and heartwarming novel in the Miss Pretence’s Protégées Regency romp of a series

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount of Wennington, was publicly humiliated when a reckless romantic gesture went very wrong. Despite that, his mother held tight to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching that milestone birthday, there’s not a grandchild in sight. His heart now lies with his land and work is his life. In desperation, his mother decides that if he refuses to venture back into society to find her future daughter-in-law, the only solution is to bring society to him via a weeklong houseparty so that she can find one for him. The first Guy knows about her plan is when her hand-picked gaggle of debutantes arrive at his estate, all competing to be his wife.

After failing miserably as a governess, Lottie Travers isn’t proving to be any better at being a lady’s companion. As the only girl in an all-male household growing up, she’s developed several bad habits she can’t shake and keep getting her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings, Lottie still climbs a tree better than she embroiders, and still cannot seem to curb the desire to gallop astride a horse in breeches whenever an opportunity arises. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages to keep it afloat, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all and concentrate on her career.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one that catches Guy’s eye, as much as he tries to deny it. And succeeding in her new role is easier said than done for Lottie when the Wennington Estate is filled with horses and she can’t help but feel a spark around the grumpy Lord. By the end of the week, will the two of them remain stuck in their ways, or will they learn that they may just be the perfect match?

Lottie has been failing. She finds it so hard to tame herself. More than her manners, she finds it impossible not to sneak away and gallop on the back of a horse. The specific horse doesn't seem to matter. She just has to get away. Horseback riding is one of the ways she lets off steam and deals with anxiety. She's been let go from another position as a governess. She goes for a gallop in Hyde Park (Rotten Row), and she has an accident with Lord Guy Harrowby. After that, she gets hired as a companion to Guy's aunt, who is as spunky as Lottie--maybe more. And she needs to keep her job this time. Her father's farm is failing, and even though he wouldn't accept it if he knew the money was coming from her, Lottie sends every spare penny home to her family. 

Guy is jaded. He had his heart broken years ago, and he's hated London and society ever since. Yet he's promised his mother that he will give her grandchildren by his 30th birthday. Despite not having any prospects. He finally relents and allows his mother to plan a small birthday party for him, but she turns that into a house party full of ladies who are driving him crazy. Even more, the crazy woman who almost ran him over in London is among the guests as his aunt's companion. 

Favorite quotes:

-But then pride always came before a fall, and once fallen, pride was the only thing you had left to cling to that might get you through it.

-They instantly bunched up inside him and then seemed to sigh in unison as they immediately relaxed as if they had been waiting his entire life for this moment. For this woman. Even the muscles in his jaw gave way, and he felt it hanging in bemused wonderment. [...] but she was stunning!

-"He is adamant there is nothing else to be done for my...condition. Beyond reducing my motherly anxieties over you, of course. He is convinced my malaise is aggravated by stress." "I thought Dr. Arden said that it was your overindulgence of cheese that set it off?" "That is what I told him to tell you, dear, because I didn't want you upset."

Look Before You Leap is my 5th book by Virginia Heath, and I have complained about this in just about every book. Just because you write historical fiction romance doesn't mean that the main characters have to have sex before marriage. Of course, this happened. Life doesn't change that much. But would it be too much to ask that one of her couples abstain until marriage in keeping with the cultural expectations of the period? 

Look Before You Leap was a fast, fun book. It didn't take me long to read it at all. I have it marked as started and finished on the same day on Goodreads. I can't remember if that's accurate or if I just forgot to mark that I'd started reading it when I actually did. Either way, it was a fast read, which improved my enjoyment. I rooted for Guy and Lottie. They were both easy to like, even when I wanted them to behave differently at times. Look Before You Leap gets 4 Stars. Have you read Look Before You Leap? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Marriage Method

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: November 25, 2025 by Berkley

416 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The Academy always comes first . . . which makes marriage to its most formidable adversary an exceedingly inconvenient arrangement.

Well removed from London’s more curious eyes, the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies strives toward one clandestine to distract, disrupt, and discredit men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women—by appropriate means, of course.

When intrepid newspaper editor Miles Quincy starts to question the school’s intentions, the Academy appoints Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, one of their brightest graduates, to put this nuisance to rest. An easy enough mission, she supposes. Or it would be, if Miles wasn’t so fascinating—too fascinating to resist—and if Nell’s visit to London didn’t perfectly coincide with the murder of one of Miles’s reporters.

When the inexorable claws of fate trap Nell and Miles in a compromising situation, they agree to an arrangement that will save their reputations while enabling them to investigate the story that led to a man’s death, as well as the surprising chemistry between them . . .

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Top Ten Bookish Accessories from Amazon

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Freebie.

So I picked bookish accessories from Amazon.

1. Kindle Paperwhite - Of course, the first item on my list would be a Kindle. I love the Paperwhite for actually reading. I love the auto adjustment to light levels most of all. I think this Metallic Jade color is so pretty.
2. Kindle Colorsoft - I don't own a Colorsoft, personally, but I'm so interested in them. When I need to replace or upgrade, I'll probably get one of these.
3. Rechargable Book Clip-On Light - I prefer to read on my phone or Kindle Paperwhite at night, but occasionally, I still need to read a hardcopy book at night. Having a clip-on book light for reading a physical copy at night is a must.

4. Hand Strap for Kindle and Tablets - These straps make holding onto my Kindle while reading so much easier--especially at night when I'm lying down. I love that they come in nearly every color imaginable.
5. Tablet Holder for Kindle Reading in Bed with Page Turner Remote - I don't own one of these yet, but I'm seriously considering getting one. Being able to move it as needed is a big pro.
6. Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle - Such a brillant idea for those of us who like to keep our arms under the covers while reading, but also we have to turn the page! These last three products are the definition of first world issues, but I'm here for them.

7. Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - I'm a Samsung girlie, and these earbuds are a must for listening to audiobooks. Of course, you don't have to get this kind, but wireless earbuds are a top pick for sure.
8. Sticky Index Tabs Page Markers - I don't do a ton of tabbing because I don't read a ton of physical books. I read more on my Kindle, but I love having the option of marking my favorite pages and color coding everything.
9. See Through Sticky Notes

10. Bookmarks - I love the colors of this set. And the little charms are so cute. They come where you can put them together yourself, so you get to choose which charm goes with which bookmark. I'm including a couple of options for bookmarks: Space/Starry Night, Stained Glass
    

    And if you want a different style of bookmark, I like these: Handmade Christian Leather Bookmarks, Magnetic Bookmarks, or Gold Hollow Bookmarks

All Amazon links are affiliate links and go to support giveaways at Somewhere Only We Know.

What are your favorite bookish accessories? Let me know!

May & June 2025 EOM Wrap Ups

May

I read 8 books (not including children's books).
Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God by Shirley Raye Redmond
Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, # 2) by Darynda Jones (re-read)
Look Before You Leap (Miss Prentice's Proteges, # 2) by Virginia Heath
Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, # 1) by Lauren Roberts
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
City of Gods and Monsters (House of Devils, # 1) by Kayla Edwards
Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight, # 1) by Darynda Jones

I have reviewed 4 books (not including mini reviews of children's books).
A Wager with the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 3) by Jody Hedlund
Into the Rapids by Ann Braden
Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, # 1) by Callie Hart
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 05/04/25
Sunday Post - 05/11/25
Sunday Post - 05/18/25
Sunday Post - 05/25/25
Ten Authors from Alabama
Can't Wait for Thorns and Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 2) by Helen Scheuerer
Can't Wait for A Gentleman's Reckoning by Jennie Goutet
Can't Wait for Threaded Lies (Tangled Hearts, # 2) by K. Bromberg
Homeschool Friday - He Is Here!
Homeschool Friday - Cookies
Homeschool Friday - Biscuit & the Little Pup
Homeschool Friday - Cooking with the Cat
Homeschool Friday - The Close Shave

June

I read 8 books (not including children's books).
Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos, # 4) by Nisha J Tuli
On Wings of Blood (Bloodwing Academy, # 1) by Briar Boleyn
Iron Flame (The Empyrean, # 2) by Rebecca Yarros (re-read)
Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan
Rules for Ruin (The Crinoline Academy, # 1) by Mimi Matthews
A Presumptious Hope (Daughters of the Gentry, # 3) by Jennie Goutet
Heart Marks the Spot by Libby Hubscher
Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent

I have reviewed 4 books (not including mini reviews of children's books).
Fate and Furies (The Legends of Thezmarr, # 3) by Helen Scheuerer
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3) by Rebecca Yarros
Risking It All (Pushing the Limits: The Next Generation, # 1) by Katie McGarry
Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos, # 4) by Nisha J Tuli

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 06/01/25
Sunday Post - 06/15/25
Sunday Post - 06/22/25
Sunday Post - 06/29/25
Top Ten Summer 2025 TBR List
Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases from Q3/Q4 2025
Can't Wait for A Secret Infatuation (The Earl's Sisters, # 2) by Jennie Goutet
Can't Wait for Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
Can't Wait for Splendor of the Land (The King's Men, # 3) by Connilyn Cossette
Can't Wait for Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends, # 3) by AL Sowards
Homeschool Friday - Bears
Homeschool Friday - Be Polite & Kind
Homeschool Friday - Feet Are Not for Kicking
Homeschool Friday - 180 Days of Spelling and Word Study for Second Grade

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead in my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 73 out of 75 books (including children's books).