Christmas Street

Growing up in a small town I loved when Christmas came around. Walking the snow-covered streets I would see houses decked out with lights, decorations and Nativity scenes.

In town shops would display their Christmas goodies in their windows and the streets were strung with lights and decorations.

Relive the magic with Rolife’s Book Nook & Wonderland Christmas Street complete with a shop window full of holiday goodies, a Christmas tree, a snowman, signs and other Christmas decor.

I love the lighting, the full-color Christmas scenes on each side of the small building, the curved shop window, ceiling garland, the presents and the various Christmas merchandise displayed and don’t forget Santa’s cap as part of the roof decoration.

Before you get started building your kit be sure you have everything you need: a good light source, tweezers, both a flat-head and a Phillips-head screwdriver (included), a pointed tool, liquid glue and a brush, a magnifying device and lots and lots of patience.

Eye-to-hand coordination is a must. Tweezers come in REAL handy as does a pointed tool.

Whenever I start a Rolife kit I always check the instructions thoroughly careful to familiarize myself with each step and I never take out more parts than I need for each step.

Take a moment to look over the contents of the box to make sure all the parts are there. Pay especially attention to the lighting set-up (batteries are not included).

The Christmas Street kit comes in a special Christmas box with a flip lid and tabs with specs and photos on all sides.

The kit is bet built by those 14 years and older, contains 289 pieces and takes about three to four hours to complete. Materials used are MDF board, paper and some plastic.

There are several part slats with numbered pieces coinciding with the numbers in with the 3D images in the Instructions. The kit also includes an Instructions manual, stickers, plastic clear windows, Icon Illustration and a Product Safety Instruction pamphlet. A special vacuum formed tray hold the electrical components and several decorations.

As always I began the construction of the kit with base parts and slowly and methodically proceed to construct furniture, packages, walls, decor and so forth. It took some fancy finger work on my part because I’m a real klutz and had to use tweezers and a strong light source along with a magnifying glass.

Still it helped my coordination, concentration, constructive skills and patience. It’s a pain getting old!

The kit was easy to assemble, I didn’t lose any pieces or break anything. That’s a win! It was fun, a little slow going and I still have some things to finish up.

Build the kit yourself or better yet make it a family project. after all isn’t Christmas the time to gather your family and friends together?

As a Book Nook it's the perfect size to put on your fireplace mantle, beside your Christmas tree or on your table as you enjoy your Christmas meal with family.

For photos of other Rolife kits click here. For photos and a video of the Christmas Street click here and for even more kits check out Robotime’s website by clicking here.

Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

 

 

Oathmark: Second Edition

The enemy approaches. You and your men sheathed in armor prepare yourselves to battle face-to-face with dwarves, the undead, goblins and even warlocks.

Swords, knives, bludgeons, arrows and other handheld weapon clang and crunch against flesh all while magic swirls about crating all sort so havoc.

Are you ready for a little man, monster and magic mayhem? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

If you love playing fantasy battles such as Magic and Dungeons & Dragons you’re sure to love Oathmark: Second Edition by Joseph A. McCoullough from Osprey Games. Everything you need comes in one book-sans dice and figures. Wage war, go on quests and face-off foes in bloody battles.

Battle realm to realm, add new territories, gather more troops and expand your force to squelch you adversaries.

The deluxe hard bound game book is filled with gorgeous paintings and color photographs of Oathmark miniatures along with charts, specs and spot illustrations.

After a short introduction as to what constitutes a war game the book goes into extensive detail about kingdoms, setting up a campaign, fighting battles, scenarios, attributes, spells, legendary heroes and magic items. 

Also included are a Kingdom, Army, Legendary Heroes and Quick Reference sheets.

The book has everything you need to pillage, plunder, ravage, rampage and have a bloody good time!

1 Chronicles 28:20And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Godzilla

What happens when the king of all monsters and the transformed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles butt head to shell with the fate of Japan weighing in the balance?

Shredder is back with his Foot Clan in a last gasp attempt of controlling a legion of giant Kaiju-including Godzilla.

It’s up to the Turtles to stop them and with the aid of a new mutagen that transforms them into classic Kaiju and along with several old friends they take on Shredder, the Foot Clan and the legion of monsters led by Godzilla.

It’s all-out giant action as the TMNT, Godzilla and Shredder vie for the survival of japan. It’s the TMNT like you’ve never seen them before in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Godzilla the new trade paperback from IDW Publishing in a brand new tale from writer Tim Seeley and and artist Fero Pe.

Check out the artist gallery of alternate covers.

Psalms 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Tune In For Action

It may seem hard to believe by today’s TV viewing audience but there was a time when TV consisted of three networks: ABC, CBS and NBC.

Having grown up in Michigan not far from Detroit There were the three major networks, one of the first PBS stations and TV station from Canada-a whooping five stations in total!

1950s TV was ripe with Detective, Western, Espionage and Medical series.

Most were produced and filmed at major movie studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount.

But, several were independently filmed by small studios and sold to networks as syndicated TV shows.

In author David C. Tucker’s new book from McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers: Tune In For Action, 34 of those shows are spotlighted in the book.

Each show is examined from cast to crew, premise, interviews, behind-the-scenes activities and more. Black and white archival photos are also included.

For an in-depth examination of long lost and mostly forgotten syndicated TV shows the book also offers sponsor information and new interviews with surviving actors and their relatives. Discover the early genesis of TV shows in this fascinating and comprehensive work.

Let me interject here for a moment. I really appreciate writers who do their homework. Digging up information about long-forgotten TV shows, conducting interviews, combing through archives, assembling old photos and collecting production information takes a lot of work.

I suggest that whenever you are reading a historical book of any type take a moment to realize how much work went into researching and compiling the information we tend to read cavalierly. Then ask yourself, “Would I be able to compile so much information and do the research?”

It will give you a whole new perspective and appreciation for the time and effort put into compiling all of it and publishing a book.

Jeremiah 29:11-14For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The Cryptid Corps #1

He’s just an ordinary kid hanging out with his buddies at a campfire in their neighborhood.

The boy’s name is Pete and he’s known for having an overactive imagination.

Before joining his friends outside he sees a news flash about alien humanoid lizards attacking Las Vegas.

He tells his friends and they poo-poo his claims--until they see a bright light in the woods. Investigating it they discover an alien spaceship. Before they can leave they are met by a rather intimidating alien in armor.

Turns out the alien is friendly and part of an alien crew that have arrived to fight the humanoid lizards (Magmazards).

Meanwhile inside the alien spacecraft the leader of the group checks the status of one of her crew that has been possessed by Cold-a deadly alien entity.

Mothy, another member of the crew, is trying to discover the cure for his crew-mate using a captured alien device. What he discovers?.....

The Cryptid Corps #1 is quit unlike any other Antarctic Press comic book I can remember reading. It bridges the gap between horror and superheroes. I love the characters. It has elements of The Guardians Of The Galaxy and The Dark Justice League.

Microwave using aliens that play video games? Ya gotta love it!

In just a few pages writer Anthony Cleveland and artist Max Bertolini firmly establish all of the characters, the threat and tempo of the series.

It is a fun read and I can’t wait to see what happens next issue.

1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Christmas In The Country

I come from a small town in Michigan, surrounded by country, forests, lakes and rivers.

My family has deep roots in Kentucky and Ohio mostly from the farmlands.

Family get togethers around the holidays-especially Christmas were special.

Much of the food served during holiday feasts had their origins from country kitchens.

My wife’s family is from the mountains of Tennessee. Country cooking is a way of life.

Gooseberry Patch/Globe Pequot Publishing Group, Inc. presents Christmas In The Country that contains family recipes, merry gifts from the kitchen and sweet holiday memorizes to celebrate the simple joys of the season.

Jammed-packed with recipes and full-color photos and holiday memories the the spiral bound, hardbound book is the perfect way to share family recipes.

It contains family recipes, merry gifts from the kitchen and sweet holiday memories to celebrate the simple joys of the seasons.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Gil Kane Rarities Vol. 1 Lost Marvels No. 4

I’ve read comic books almost my entire life-I’m 73 years old. I started reading comics when the Silver Age was in full swing. I started with DC Comics and moved onto Marvel Comics. I also read comics from other publishers but DC and Marvel were my mainstays.

I remember Gil Kane’s art on DC Comics' The Atom and Green Lantern. I liked his art but I never really got excited about it.

That is until he moved to Marvel Comics. It seemed like practically every Marvel Comic had a Gil Kane cover. 

The art was dynamic, in-your-face and packed with action. It didn’t matter what kind of comic it was: horror, adventure, superhero, etc.-it always packed a punch.

Gil was the main artist on a number of Marvel A-tier titles like Spider-Man. Gil also drew a number of B and C tier titles.

In Fantagraphics Books Lost Marvels (No. 4) series: Gil Kane Rarities Vol. 1, several stories in color of those titles are reprinted including Jungle Book, Gullivar, Kazar and several others.

All feature Gil’s dynamic styles and knack for making any title exciting.

Also included is a huge gallery of Gil’s cover art-all of it in color.

Art, accompanied by riveting text about Gil, his work and how practically on his own he defined the look and feel of Marvel Comics in the 1970s and early 1980s.

It’s an amazing piece of work all wrapped up in a hardbound book with color interior pages. It's fun to read with its informative text complemented by beautiful art.

1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Final Copy

There are certain people who can rub you the wrong way. Jonathan Daly is (or was) one such person. Loaded, talented, charming, a hit with the ladies and with an ego as big as his bank account.

He has a temper, is arrogant and to put it mildly-a jerk. Is it any wonder there were so many suspects when he was murdered?

Bad enough he was bumped off but his spouse and widow is also threatened to share his fate.

She turns to the one person she believes can solve Jonathan’s murder and discover who is threatening her: David-her former flame who used to work for Jonathan’s Gotham Express.

David agrees and it may be the most unwise decision he has ever made in his entire life.

He must untangle a web of secrets while a hit-man is on the loose. Both he and Jonathan’s widow Ellen are prime suspects in the murder and the corruption, lies and subterfuge just keep piling up.

Author Robert Douglas Friedman turns in a masterful suspense novel that keeps you guessing up to the last few pages. It’s engaging, a real page-turner and has enough thrills, spills and chills to satisfy any Mystery/Crime/Suspense lover. Stark House Crime Fiction proudly presents Final Copy.

Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

The Hunger And The Dusk

For generations Humans and Orcs have been mortal enemies on a dying world.

When a new threat arrives the long held enemies reluctantly join forces to protect their respective societies.

WOW! What an epic! Trying to describe The Hunger And The Dusk in just a few paragraphs would be impossible and would not give justice to the work.

The Deluxe Edition hardbound book, written by G. Willow Wilson and published by IDW Publishing, with its stunning full-color cover illustration accented by gold gives you a glimpse of the amazing art inside by Chris Wildgoose and colorist Msassyk.

Tara an Orc and the Human Callum Battlechild, along with accompanying warriors must face off against the horrific Vangol, a strange albino race of giants whose sole purpose is to conquer.

Can humans and Orcs work together or will long held animosities shatter the alliance before it even begins?

Join the intrepid ragtag company as they gather support, encounter primal hatred on both sides and attempt to end the long held suspicions and animosity between the Humans and Orcs as they attempt to unit enemies to fight a common foe.

I am absolutely blown away by the art, the complex story-line and the skill it took to create new unique characters, a whole civilization and culture and the fantasy and sword and sorcery setting of The Hunger And The Dusk.

Concept and character drawings are also included, along with cover art of the 12 issue maxi-series compiled into the Deluxe Edition.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

A-Frame Cabin

In Michigan, where I come from, it is not uncommon to see small, A-frame cabins in the woods. The slanted roofs that extend to the ground keep the snow from accumulating and the fallen snow cradles the house creating insulation.

I’ve been in a few and they are always warm and cozy. Most have furniture that is rough cut and hand-crafted and have a small upper loft. I’ve seen several with swing-open windows.

Rolife has its own little dwelling with its A-Frame Cabin.

This kit is a little different than other Rolife kits. It takes a little more finesse. Since it is triangular in shape and tapers at the top I’ve discovered that using tweezers makes it much easier to place interior objects like cups, pillows, posters, wall decor, the white rug, a guitar and other upper room objects.

Check out the side windows and clever framing and the flip-open from the bottom full window on the top.

I absolutely love the shingled roof and two tall trees and the planter on the extended window lower frame.

There is so much stuff filling both the upper and lower floors. Take a look at the wooden table with four chairs, the wine bottles, a fireplace, an overhead bed and the railing runs halfway around the cabin that sits on a wooden slat base.

The door with a screen is cool as are the welcoming floor mat, a pile of fire wood, an outside stoupe with books, kettle and hanging banners. The lower floor also has a ceiling to floor awning open window.

See what I mean by being packed! Definitely tweezers territory. There’s so much in such a small space!

Let’s take a look at what the A-Frame Cabin kit comes in: a simple thick cardboard box with a flip-lid and tabs in partially covered by a sleeve with photos and specs. There are lighting specs (no batteries included). The kit is primarily made of plywood, paper and plastic (most of which is 3D printed).

Recommended for those 14 years old and older the kit takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to build and consists of 336 pieces. It’s taking me longer since my eyesight and dexterity aren’t what they used to be. Break out the tweezers, magnifying glass and strong light!

Included in the kit are several part bags, a good selection of plywood slats with punch-out parts (that are numbered to coincide with the Instructions). Inside the Instructions are 3D rendered full-color illustrations of the different construction stages. Be careful-remove and use only the parts you need for each stage. There are a lot of small parts that could easily be lost or misplaced.

Also inside are stickers, paper fold objects, an Icon Illustration guide, Product Safety Precautions and a lighting bag with a Phillips-head screwdriver and tweezers included.

Here is photo of the other tools I like to keep on hand. With my clumsy fingers liquid glue and a brush come in handy. Parts have small tabs and sometimes I break off a few. Oops!

I started off carefully looking over the Instructions and then made sure all the electrical and other parts and slats were there-they were.

This kit was a challenge for me because of the small parts. I’ve partially finished it and I’m in no hurry to complete it. It’s better to take my time and get it right. No sense getting myself frustrated.

The kit is meant to be fun and relaxing. It’s also great for eye-to-hand coordination, dexterity, critical thinking, organization and cooperation skills. Make it a family product. Kids love adults giving them attention and teaching them things.

If you’d like to see more Rolife kits click here. For photos and a video of the A-Frame Cabin click here. And take a look at all the other kits Robotime has by clicking here.

Jeremiah 29:11-14For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Rabbit Test And Other Stories

What do a time-traveling fisher-woman, a pair of witches, a floating library, humanity’s first extraterrestrial contact and other strange happenings have in common?

They are a part of a slightly off-kilter series of tales in Nebula Award Winning author Samantha Mills anthology series Rabbit Test And Other Tales from Tachyon Publications.

Samantha is considered one the hottest new talents in speculative fiction.

Her unique perspective of storytelling encompasses a wide spectrum of emotions, wide-sweeping sagas and small personal tales.

With hints of humor and bits of hope Samantha intertwines a range of emotions in her tales of tragedy, struggle, personal victory and unexpected and sometimes off-kilter conclusions.

Her work resembles a prism that allows light to filter in broken into different waves of emotional colors.

For a truly singular vision of life and living be sure to pick up a copy of Rabbit Test And Other Tales.

Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

The Twilight Zone

You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone!

For six long and terrifying years from the late 1950s to the early 1960s TV’s The Twilight Zone both enthralled and terrified TV viewers.

I know, I was one of them even though I was only seven years old when the series began. It’s scared the dickens out of me and I loved it.

Five separate stories by five different artists and writers have successfully captured the essence of The Twilight Zone mystique.

Like the TV show the stories in IDW’s The Twilight Zone Stories From The Fifth Dimension trade paperback all successfully notch up the fear and creepiness factors both subtly and head-on.

Sit back, turn the lights off and get ready to experience five tales that will challenge your senses and submerge you into the deep and mysterious world of The Twilight Zone.

Discover what happens when one man’s obsession with immortality threatens mankind.

Join the crew of a exploratory spaceship as they discover a planet where dreams and experiences come true and reality is twisted and distorted.

When a would be conqueror encounters the forces of god he desires his power. What he discovers is 'refreshing' in a bizarre fashion.

What happens when a group of friends discover a very unusual pool of water? What they find once they jump in is a distorted mirror image of humanity.

What compelling and horrific secret does a meteor submerged in the ocean hide? Will music and sound determine the fate of mankind?

Are you ready to enter The Twilight Zone?

2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

You Are Mine

There is a race of beings called the Wemmicks that live in the town of Wemmicksville. They are made of wood and were created by Eli.

One day a very boastful Wemmick brags about his new box and how important it makes him. Before long other Wemmick buy their own boxes and then balls.

In a very short period of time the box and ball frenzy escalates to the point where everyone is trying to outdo everyone else in order to be ‘important’.

Little Punchinello is a poor Wemmick an he too gets caught up in the box and ball frenzy. Only he takes it too far and winds up selling all his belongings (even his home) and working long hours to buy more and more boxes and balls.

Visiting his creator Eli he is reminded that owning more things than others or trying to make yourself to be more important does not bring peace of happiness.

Eli explains to him that he is important because as his creator he is loved and important.

Eli, just like God, sees the true value of each and every person regardless of their status, wealth or fame and that’s something no one can buy.

You Are Mine, by Max Lucado and published by Crossway, demonstrates using simple text and beautiful illustrations by Sergio Martinez, that man, God’s creation, is more precious to him that all the boxes and balls in the universe and anything else.

I love the story and the illustrations are stunning, filled with feeling and delightful.

1 John 4:19We love him, because he first loved us.

Tiki Surf Shop

I’ve lived in Florida most of my life. For a time I lived in California. I’ve seen lots of surfers and surf shops.

I’m no surfer. I’m lucky I can keep my balance when walking let alone trying to balance on a surf board.

Surfing has it’s own culture and mystique. Serious surfers are almost like religious fanatics when it comes to riding the ‘big waves’.

Get ready to hit the waves with Lumibricks four articulated beach figures as they take in the waves, sun and summertime fun.

What better way to enjoy the surf and ride the waves than in front of Lumibricks’ Tiki Surf Shop complete with everything a surfer could ever want?

So hang ten, wax up your board and prepare to hit the curls as you put together your very own Tiki Surf Shop.

Let’s start with how Lumibricks ships its kits. I received mine in a heavy cardboard box securely sealed with tape. Fragile was written on the box and other than a few minor bumps and scratches it arrive unscathed.

Once opened I found the Tiki Surf Shop product box snugly fitted into the shipping box.

Like the shipping box the Tiki Surf Shop box is made of heavy gauge cardboard wit a flip lid with tabs and is secured with tape. The box is predominately black with a huge full-color photo of the Tiki Surf Shop on its cover. On one side and on the back of the box are several other full-color photos of Tiki Surf Shop.

In several languages is a warning that the kit is not for kids and adult supervision is advised. There are lots of small parts.

The kit is designed for those 16 years old and older, consists of 1752 pieces and is mainly made of ABS. A customer service email is also included.

Contents of the box include a large full-color and packed with photos User Manual. Be sure to look over the User Manual for complete instructions on setting up the electrical system with its Disco Light Effect. Batteries are not included. This is a crucial stage because the light system intertwines with the kit and wires are cleverly hidden underneath small hubs and parts.

The electrical components come in a small box (LED Light Kit) which also includes tweezers, a Phillips-head screwdriver and a Safety Precaution pamphlet.

The User Manual has pages numbered in stages with very precise 3D rendered visual instructions in full-color. Simple match the page with the numbered and lettered part bags. Never remove more parts than are necessary when assembling each section.

Thirty six bags of parts come in the box along with a Service Card and a Seagull Surfer background card. Tweezers come in real handy when assembling the Tiki Surf Shop kit as there are a lot of very small parts. I suggest you place bag parts in separate paper plates or bowls so you don’t lose or misplace them.

I’ve included a photo of the tools I like to keep on hand. A magnifying glass and bright light are essential for me as my eyesight is not what it used to be. I’m grateful for the tweezers. A Brick Separator is included should you make a mistake or wish to take the Tiki Surf Shop apart.

I started things out simply enough by beginning on the base. From there is was a slow process to assemble each step. I’m still working on it. It’s not difficult but with small parts it can get a little tricky-especially when you're my age.

It’s time to take a look at the Tiki Surf Shop. First up is that you get four Lumibricks figures with the kit. All have swivel heads and waists and arms and legs that move. Set-up is easy wherever you place them.

The Tiki Surf Shop itself is a miniature masterpiece with its extended sandy beach, step up platform, palm tree and lights-lots of lights!

On the second story is a beachfront bar and grill with tables, chairs, loads of drinks and bottles, studio lights, aqua railings, a drink dispenser and if you move the tables aside even a little dance floor with a stage, instruments and microphone. Check out the speakers. Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet anyone?

The second story is a full wraparound enclosure with small red awnings, a sundries stand, a side surfboard rental area with lots of colorful surfboards, A Surfer Beach Club sign, suntan oil, an ice cream and cool beverage storefront, a palm awning, plenty of signs, beachfront lounge chairs, an umbrella, splashing surf, a huge wave with surfer, swimming rings, paddle-boards and paddles, a first aid kit with supplies, flip flops, an interior store with shelves, tons of surfer supplies and so much other cool stuff.

You have to see it all to believe it! You can see what I mean by having lots of small parts. But, it’s a great way to develop your eye-to-hand coordination, patience, critical thinking skills, cooperation should you build it with someone else and a great way to relax, take your time and enjoy the process.

The Tiki Surf shop is a marvel of miniature engineering. As a graphic designer I know how much talent and work it took to put together the Tiki Surf Shop kit. It’s an incredible example of topnotch print production, amazing manufacturing capabilities, an impressive example of design and function and production coordination and cooperation.

Take the time to look over just how much comes in the kit. It is astounding that all the small pieces fit together quickly and neatly to make an incredible miniature scale Tiki Surf Shop.

It boggles my mind just to think of the effort it took to pull off designing and packaging such an incredible miniature kit. Model makers and miniature lovers, the Tiki Surf Shop is challenging, fun to put together and a real gem to add to your Lumibricks kit collection.

For photos and a video of the Tiki Surf Shop click here and for more Lumibricks kits click here.

Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 

Uncle Scrooge Clan Duck Stories And Glories

When I was a young boy my mom and I would often visit the local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores.

She would shop around for cloths and the like and I would head off to the book section where both stores kept racks of comic books priced at two for five cents.

This was in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The comic books were all donated to the stores and many dated back to the 1940s.

One of my favorite comic book series starred Donald Duck and his nephews: Huey, Dewey and Louie. I loved their adventures as written and drawn by Carl Barks.

I distinctly remember when Donald’s stingy old Uncle Scrooge was introduced. At first I didn’t like him because it seemed all he cared about was making money. 

But the more I read about him I discovered he had a genuine love for Donald and his nephews. Often they would go on globe-spanning adventures looking for hidden treasures or other exciting exploits.

In Fantagraphic Books’ Uncle Scrooge Clan McDuck Stories And Glories readers get to learn all about Scrooge McDuck’s ancestry through a series of tales written and drawn by Disney artists and writers from around the globe.

Each tale is unique in its style and the coloring is phenomenal throughout.

The deluxe hardbound book, with a picture of Clan McDuck ancestors on the cover, really showcases what readers can expect throughout the book.

Follow Scrooge’s family history beginning with a family tree and proceeding into tales of fiefdom, piracy, adventures at sea, a case of a double life, swamp shenanigans, military mayhem and treasure.

All are exciting, full of little and/or never known facts about Clan McDuck and enough adventure and excitement to fill any afternoon or evening with literary and graphic design adventures.

It’s a beautifully crafted book with its heavy paper-stock cover, top grade printing, excellent choice of interior paper stock and a diverse gallery of art styles.

Proverbs 17:6Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Music Dreamer Christmas Melody Tree

The Pearsons, my older brother’s in-laws, owned 160 acres in the upper part of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Their cabin stood in the middle of a blue spruce forest.

Each year they would top off several of the trees and give them to their family to decorate for Christmas.

For themselves they always picked a blue spruce that stood 10 to 12 feet tall.

They would decorate the tree with angel hair, tin foil, beautiful ornaments, small blinking lights and, my favorite, lights that looked like icicles and that were filled with liquid and bubbled when turned on.

Rolife has its own very special Music Dreamer Christmas Melody Tree wooden puzzle that not only looks gorgeous but has moving parts and plays music.

More than just a tree it also features steps, Santa and his reindeer and sled, loads of presents, gold ornaments, a Santa Stops Here sign, a miniature train and village and lights-lots of lights.

The tree sits on a Christmas red circular base with legs and with the simple touch of a button music plays, the little train moves along the track around and in the tunnel at the base of the tree.

Santa and his reindeer and sled loaded with presents revolve around the star at the top of the tree. A Type-C power cable is not included.

I can almost picture myself as a kid getting out of my bed on Christmas morning, running into my living room and BANG!, staring in awe at this Christmas tree.

Whenever I start a Rolife kit I always check the Instructions thoroughly and have some handy tools on hand: a strong light, an X-Acto blade and knife, a pointed tool, tweezers, both a Flathead and Phillips-head screwdriver (included) and a magnifying device. Some liquid glue and a brush come in handy.

Looking over the lighting diagram it was easy to understand how it worked and functioned. Wires connect the lights, traveling train and music box that plays Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

The box is pretty hefty, has a flip lid with tabs, a full-color photo of the tree on its front along with specs: age 14 years old and up, 319 pieces, DIY and LED. Photos decorate the box sides and on the back are more specs: material-board and paper and button sequences for activating various moving parts, lights and sounds and more photos. A die-cut on the box cover lets you see the music box.

Inside the box are several large flats. What makes this particular kit unique is almost the entire thing is made of wood pierces that pop out of slates. 

 

All of the pieces fit together with tabs and part slats coincide with the Instructions making assembly easy. A single paper sheet is included for making gifts. A plastic tray holds the electrical components and Christmas ornaments.

I had no problem assembling the pieces as they fit together snugly and securely. Only a couple times did I need to use tweezers for smaller pieces.

For photos of other Rolife kits click here. For photos and a video of the Christmas Melody Tree click here and for even more kits check out Robotime’s website by clicking here.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,