Review: Play These Games by Heather Swain

Play These Games by Heather Swain

Paperback, 256 pgs.

Published May 1st, 2012 by Perigree Trade

Source: Publisher

Taken from Heather Swain's Website:

Using simple, everyday items found around the house, PLAY THESE GAMES will inspire kids and the young at heart with a spectrum of ingenious games to make and play so they’ll never be bored again!

• Gather family photos to create a personalized set of Go Fish cards
• Grab loose buttons for button golf, shuffle button, and button hockey
• Unleash your inner pinball wizard with a clothespin and cardboard box version of the arcade classic
• Get out the hula hoops and brooms for a backyard jousting tournament
• Try one of fifteen variations of the classic game of Tag

Whether it’s competitive or cooperative, for large groups or duos, the games in this clever guide are fun to create and a blast to play.

 Anyone who has young kids knows that kids are very good at losing pieces to games.  They also know how hard it can be to get kids creative and out of sight of the TV.  I know I have problems with both of these, as well as the issue of money and not being able to afford every game out there.  And this book was extremely helpful.  There were quite a few things that I remembered doing when I was kid but had completely forgot about.  There were other things that I immediately got excited about because it's so simple (I like simple!) that I was smacking myself for not thinking of it already!

With summer on it's way I'm already trying to think of ways I'll keep my kids busy and this book really helped with ideas.  I don't need to buy anything, I don't need to worry about throwing my money away on a game that's played once than never seen again and I have a whole book full of ideas!  My only problem now is getting my kids to decide on just one activity or game from the book as it's already proven to be difficult to decide!

This book has simple, easy to understand directions and simple black and white pictures.  This is definitely a book for the adults or older (teenage) kids to read as it's fairly wordy and the pictures aren't terribly stimulating.  But I think it's perfect for what it's for.  It also has an adorable cover, in my opinion.

This book is a must-have for those with kids.  Lots of games are ones adults would love as well.  Does anyone else have fond memories of playing kick the can with entire neighborhoods of kids?  Well, I do and I'm hoping with this book we can inspire more play and less TV time.

Disclosure:  I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Review: Not-For-Parents The Travel Book

Hardcover, 208 pgs.
Published Oct.1st, 2011 by Lonely Planet
Source: Amazon Vine

Introducing Lonely Planet’s brand new Not for Parents series!

This is not a guidebook. And it is definitely 'not-for-parents'. Cool stuff to know about every country in the world. Everyone knows the world’s highest mountain, but do you know which country banned chewing gum? Or what’s the world’s stinkiest fruit? Or who invented roller skates? Or which building leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Or where can you eat fried spiders as a snack?

The world is a very big place, and in The Not-for-Parents Travel Book we’ve concentrated on the really interesting bits to create a snapshot of what each country is like. (Warning to parents: these might not be the same “really interesting bits” that you like…where to buy coffee, how many stars the hotel has, what’s the phone number for the airport, blah, blah, blah.)

In this book are the epic events, amazing animals, hideous histories, funky foods, and crazy facts that make the world’s 200 countries so fascinating.

Each country has a dedicated page that’s jam-packed with up-to-the-minute stats, record-breaking facts, hideous histories, epic events and wild and wacky critters.  Each country features gotta-know facts such as population lingo, capital city, currency and national pastime.  Over 1,800 photos and quirky graphics.

Not for parents?!  They are so very wrong because I loved, loved, loved this book!  I've spent my entire life dreaming of faraway places and imaging the day I would get to visit them all.  But I still haven't got to visit any of them (outside the US) and this book totally sucked me in.  Everyday I would say that I'm just going to read a few pages and the next thing I know hours have passed.  I had fun sharing the facts with everyone in my family and I got so excited about every little thing.  This book is truly amazing and exactly up my alley.  


Each page features a different country.  It says the size, language and population and shows where it's located as well as a paragraph or two talking about some of the main and most important facts about that country.  The page is filled with photographs of things in the country with little boxes of info that go with each one.  Some are wacky and wild and others are just regular interesting facts.  Though all were interesting to me...  The whole layout is great and I found myself really learning about the countries.  There are SO many it's hard to remember exactly where every country is located.  I've learned more from this book then I probably ever did in 12 years of school.  Yeah, not everything is really that important, but it really gave me a good idea of the country and it's customs, etc.  And these are things that kids would be more interested in learning and not the boring things we may learn in school.  Any kid interested in traveling, other countries, and cultures would love it.  


If there's one complaint I had it would be I want MORE!  I wish each country had another page with more fun facts and photographs.  Of course that might be a bit overwhelming for kids so maybe it wouldn't be great for them.  


I'll definitely be watching for more similar books to this one.  I absolutely devoured it and am ready to start reading it again.  And that's the thing, it's one that can easily be read over and over again because you can't possibly remember everything you've read.  This will be the book I'll pull out when company comes over, when grandpa comes to visit, when bored teens are sitting around... It'll be the go-to book.


I very very highly recommend this one to everyone!


5/5 stars!


Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Childrens Review: Bronte & Frank Go To Moscow

Childrens Book
Hardcover, 50 pgs.
Published April 4th, 2011
Source: Publisher

Bronte & Frank go to Moscow is a charming children's story that takes you on a fun-filled adventure around the city of Moscow in Russia.

The heartwarming story of a little girl and her bear is a hardcover picture book, packed with educational activities, stickers, insider recommendations and features stunning illustrations as well as a bonus CD. Ages 3+

www.bronteandfrank.com

This book was really different but packaged really cool!  It comes with a world map, a map of Moscow, some stickers and has pages in the back you can color and some activities.  It has the Russian alphabet and some words you can learn as well as a CD that comes with the book.  This is the perfect book for anyone visiting or moving to Moscow.  


I think the pictures are adorable and quirky but my kids didn't seem that interested in them.  They also couldn't seem to hold their interest through the story.  There are lots of words per page and they just didn't seem into it.  But I was really enjoying the different places that Bronte & Frank visit and learning a bit about the city.  I thought the story was cute but wasn't in love with it.


So there are definitely some mixed feelings with this book.  I think that it would be perfect for some but it's aimed at younger kids {it says 3+ but my daughter of 7 seemed to think it's a 'baby book'}.   Since my kids didn't love it and I was only okay with the story I think I'll give this one 3/5 stars.  


Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Childrens Review: Go Go Sadie by Bonnie Lee

Author: Bonnie Lee
Illustrator: Erin Taylor
Hardcover, 46 pages
Published August 9th, 2011 by Rosedog Publishing
Sent for Review Purposes

Go Go Sadie

A sloth that "runs" a marathon? - Welcome to the second book written by Author Bonnie Lee which showcases the animals of Costa Rica as they embark on an adventure with Sadie the Sloth. Sadie is the first sloth to ever participate in the "JungleRun" and with the help and encouragement of her friends and family we shall see if Sadie has it in her to finish a race.

This was an adorable book with some fun quirkiness and adorable illustrations.  The story starts with telling us a bit about Sadie and how she's a sloth and what she does.  Then it tells us just a bit about Costa Rica and some of the animals that live there.  It then moves on to the story about Sadie who is going to run a marathon.  She gets some new running shoes {funny and cute for the kids} and my children {6 &2} loved pointing out the running shoes on all the animals.  Sadie runs the race even though she's really slow but her friends help and she completes the race even though she knows she's last.  The end of the book includes coloring pages as well {kids loved that!}.


This is a medium length book that didn't take me long to read to my children.  They enjoyed pointing out different things and I felt like they 'got' the message.  The illustrations are full spreads and very colorful.  I felt like I got a 'feel' for Costa Rica and the scenery as well as the animals that live there. 


The whole family enjoyed this book and the kids are always eager for me to pick it up and read it to them again.  I give it 5/5 stars.


I received this book free of charge for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Childrens Book Review: The Crown On Your Head by Nancy Tillman

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Published Sept 27th, 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

Reading Level: Childrens Picture book

Source: Published

We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

 This was an adorable book and so much fun to read!  It rhymes, so that's a bonus for me.  It also has gorgeous and eye catching illustrations that fill the pages completely.  They are bright and very beautiful.  My two year old will look at the book just for the pictures {definitely good!}.  

This book also has a fabulous message but I had to explain it to my kids because even my six year old wasn't getting it.  I wouldn't say that was really a real negative though because you should discuss books with your kids and this one definitely gives a great subject for discussion and I don't think I'll have to explain it to her again.   {The message I'm speaking of is in the description of the book.}

This is a medium length book, it only takes a few minutes to read without interruptions, but even if you discuss each page it doesn't take real long to get through.  My two year old sits through reading it and that's pretty rare.  My six year old doesn't show as much interest in it but she's learning to read and wants to read her 'learn to read' books instead.  I don't think I can really say it's the book she isn't interested in, it's just her wanting to learn to read her school books.  

I do highly recommend this one if your looking for a cute, touching, medium length, rhyming book for a child.

Find the author:

Website

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free of charge for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Childrens Book Review: The Journey of the Noble Gnarble by Daniel Errico & Illustrated by Tiffany Turrill

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble by Daniel Errico and Illustrated by Tiffany Turrill

Published October 1st, 2011 by Emerald Book Company

 A gnarble left his cozy bed along the ocean floor,Dreaming bigger than a tiny fish had ever dreamed before!He headed to the surface for a glimpse of sun and sky.A voyage so impossible, he’d be the first to try.Gnarbles can’t swim far with little fins and floppy tails,But what makes this gnarble noble isn’t written on his scales.His mind would not be changed by fish who tried to make him to stay.Did he quit when he discovered all the creatures in his way?The thrilling tale of the Noble Gnarble, accompanied by vibrant, four-color illustrations, will delight children ages 3 to 6—and their parents, too!

When it comes to children books there are a few things that are important to me in a book.  The first is that the story flows well so that it's fun for me to read.  If it's fun for me to read then I'm happy to read it over and over to my kids.  This book was a blast to read!  The book rhymes, which is my favorite thing in a childrens book.  I was over the moon when I read this one because I LOVED reading it so much!

The next thing I like (and the kids, of course!) is fun illustrations that fill the page.  Although I've enjoyed books where the illustrations aren't filling the pages, I much prefer when they are.  Are this one has full page illustrations.  Not an inch is left bare, and they are bright and beautiful and quirky.  I absolutely adore the gorgeous illustrations.  

The book isn't long, and it isn't short either.  In my opinion, it's the perfect length for my impatient two year old.  And it's perfect for my six year old who is just learning to read.  They both pay rapt attention when I read it and don't wander off to do other things like they do when I read some of our other books.  

If you have younger children I couldn't recommend this book any more highly.  It's a smooth, fun, and rhyming story with gorgeous illustrations that catch the adults eye as well as the smallest childs.  

Go check out the website where you can find samples of the illustrations, find out more about the author and illustrator and  even find coloring pages for your child!

Disclosure: I received an advance edition of the this book free of charge for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.  

Childrens Book Review & Giveaway *ENDED*: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

Illustrated by Mark Pett

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Published October 1st, 2011 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Reading Level: 4-8

Source: Publisher *for review*

 Meet Beatrice Bottomwell: a nine-year-old girl who has never (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, Beatrice holds the record of perfection in her hometown, where she is known as The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes. Life for Beatrice is sailing along pretty smoothly until she does the unthinkable—she makes her first mistake. And in a very public way!

 I have a six your daughter and a two year old son.  Now my two year old didn't have a lot of interest in the book at first but once I started reading he actually settled down and listened.  Of course he was more interested in the illustrations where a girl was riding her bike and where she caught an egg in her mouth (that one was really silly and they laughed a lot!) but he actually listened.  And my six year old, well, she really liked it.  

The story was fun enough to read, as an adult.  It's important to me that it flows well, so that it's easy for me to change my voice as needed and this did flow well.  It didn't rhyme or anything, but it was still easy to read and include the fun voices.  

The illustrations were fun and while they weren't super vibrant or crazy and all over the page, they were fun and were done in a way that there could be a few different ones per page.  Hard to explain, guess you'll have to buy it!  Like I said, my two year old loved pointing out everything on the pages, which shows they apparently entertained him quite well.  

The best part of this book was the message sent.  That you don't have to be perfect, that making mistakes is okay and you sure can have a lot more fun if you allow yourself not to worry so much about messing up.  

Overall this is a great book that I'm sure my children will enjoy for the next several years.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I received no monetary compensation and all opinions expressed are my own.


The Giveaway:ENDED
One copy of The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes to one lucky person! *Provided by publisher*
Must be 13 or older to enter.
Open to US/Canada
Ends 10/9/11

To Enter: ENDED
Leave a comment telling me one mistake you made that was either really fun and turned out well, or an embarrassing moment.  Remember to include contact info!

Extra Entry:
Tweet the following and include the link to your tweet in a separate comment.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/6zxsw9a to enter the #giveaway to #win The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, a cute childrens book your kids will love!

Book Trailer and Giveaway *ENDED*: The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Today I have another giveaway for you guys.  This one is a childrens book and although I haven't yet read it, I will have a review in the future.  It sure looks cute though!  Thanks to Macmillan and Zeitghost Media for yet another great giveaway!

We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

Website:

http://nancytillmancorner.com 

The Giveaway: ENDED

One copy of The Crown on Your Head to one lucky person courtesy of the publisher and Zeitghost Media.

Open to US/Canada

Must be 13 or older to enter.

Ends 10/6/11

To Enter: ENDED

Leave a comment with contact info.

Extra entry:

Tweet the following phrase and link me directly to it in a separate comment from your original entry.

Check out the #giveaway for The Crown on Your Head, an adorable childrens story at @candacemom2two 's blog. Go to http://tinyurl.com/5u6jwjo

Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by the publisher and I will be receiving a copy of the book for review in the future but received no monetary compensation. 

I am not responsible for getting the giveaway item to the winner and can only pass along the information for the third party to ship.

Earth Day Post~ Review of Compost Stew, and more!

Today I'm on the tour stop for the fabulous childrens book, Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals and illustrated by Ashley Wolff.  I'm suppose to show you some of the fabulous spreads (illustrations) but blogger isn't letting me :(  Let me tell you though~ this book is full of fabulous illustrations!  And Amazon lets you inside to see some of the illustrations, just go HERE.

Apple cores
Bananas, bruised
Coffee grounds with filters, used
Just add to the pot
and let it all rot
into Compost Stew!
From eggshells to wiggly worms, this delightful recipe in bouncy verse features items — some familiar and some not so — that are fit for the home compost bin and will nourish Mother Earth.
Vibrant collage illustrations use recycled and found materials to further a timely message. And to keep young environmental chefs fully informed about composting do’s and don’ts, there’s a note in the back about what’s not fit for the bin.

Composting is something we did when I was growing up.  We lived in the country a lot of the time and we just had a pile we dumped it in and every once in awhile someone would go out and mix it up.  Now as an adult I've forgotten what is compost-able, other then coffee grounds, eggshells and banana peels.  So although we've been composting it wasn't even half of everything we could have been adding.
We have horrible soil here.  This was a rock pit before they dumped in some dirt and built houses, so we have very rocky soil and very little dirt.  On top of that our house was a repo and the previous owners had used the backyard as a garbage dump so every time I dig I find garbage.  I'm determined to get some better soil and hopefully have some beautiful gardens.  One thing I can do to help that soil is make my own compost.  And it's keeping all that I compost out of the landfill, always a good thing! 
Compost Stew tells us what can be put in the compost, and it's done in a fun and rhyming way.  My kids LOVE this book!  It's interactive in the way that they can get involved in composting; the illustrations are cute, vibrant and really catch the eye; and the story is fun!  And guess what?!  Adults can learn from it too!
Some things I learned that could be put in the compost are hair snippings, laundry lint, paper shreds, quarry dust, and seaweed strands (a few).  That's just a few of the items listed that I wouldn't have thought to put in.

Mary McKenna Siddals has a great website where she has activities for kids listed under the books.  So be sure to check out her website.  She's also giving away five copies of Compost Stew and two prints so go HERE to enter before April 25th. 

Purchase: Compost Stew on Amazon , Compost Stew on Indiebound

Interview with Crystal Marcos and #Giveaway *ENDED* of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale

Today I have Crystal Marcos on the blog with an interview and  giveaway of her new book, BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale.  This book is very cute and you must check out my review here.

It’s great to have you on the blog Crystal! 

It is wonderful to be here!

Can you start out by telling us a bit about yourself and your book?

I have been a storyteller my entire life. According to my mother, I was quite a talker at an early age. Being the oldest of five children, I had a lot of entertaining to do. I would write skits, plays, and put on penny carnivals for the younger neighborhood children. I was always creating and still am. I currently live on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with my husband and our 21 month old daughter, Kaylee. Incidentally, she is quite a talker too.  BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale is my first book.

A lip-smacking, mouthwatering, absolutely delectable debut, BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale by Crystal Marcos is a literary feast for ages seven and up. In the vein of Roald Dahl's best-loved adventures, Marcos offers a mystical, character driven escapade that intertwines strands of reality with a larger-than-life fantasy world. When Peter Fischer sets out to help his grandfather at Papa's Sweet Shop, he will quickly learn that sneaking sweets and covering up his sugar-dusted tracks will have major consequences. As Peter is transported to a mysteriously delicious, faraway land, a curious people known as the Candonites, some of whom have no time for a non-Candonite, will teach Peter a lesson on what it means to be different and what it means to forgive.

BELLYACHE has been well received in the industry.  Accomplishments include, nominated for the 2010 CYBILS awards, featured in South Sound Magazine, and book write up with cover art in the first ever PW Select section of Publisher’s Weekly magazine.

What was your inspiration for Bellyache? 

My love for children and children's books inspired me to write BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale. I also thought about what books I really enjoyed and which ones stuck in my mind from childhood. Oddly enough, all those books featured food and treats. I imagined what I would want my children to read about someday and I wanted it to be something I felt comfortable with them reading. I wanted them to be transported into a place that was so fantastic that they would always remember it.

When you started writing the book did you know where it was going from the beginning or did it come as you wrote? 

Majority of the book came as I wrote. I actually rewrote the ending shortly before it was published.

Did you have any concerns about kids craving candy and sweets while reading it?  I have to say that I had some trouble in the beginning.  My kids started chanting “candy, candy, candy” but once I got into it further and explained his bellyache from eating so many sweets then they got it.  For a minute anyway ;) My kids were technically too young for the book, so it probably wouldn’t be such an issue with the right age group.  

No, I had no concerns. There are many beloved books that feature food or sweets and they are some of the best loved books of all time. Many are my favorites.

Maybe I just have hyperactive kids.  Any talk of sweets sets them over the edge.  

Is this book based on any real life experience?  (You know, maybe a crazy dream? LOL) Or having spent time as a child in a sweet shop?

I didn’t create this book based on a real life experience. It was based off personal preference.  I wanted to write a book I know I would have enjoyed as a child and still would enjoy as an adult and I wanted the same for my readers.

What was your biggest obstacle to overcome when writing this book?  

Right now, my biggest obstacle is time management. As I had mentioned earlier, I have a 21 month and she keeps me very busy. I want to spend as much time with my daughter during these precious years as possible. I can always write, but she is only little once.  So, I do much of my work at night after she is asleep. I have had many late nights.

I've put off even trying to write a book because of my kids.  It's too hard to balance everything out.  So I do applaud you for managing it!

Do you have a favorite book or author (children and/or adult)? 

My favorite book is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl’s books had an influence in me becoming an author.

Oh yeah, definitely see that! 

If you could have one super power what would you pick?

I guess if I have to have a super power, it would be to never get tired. Do you know how much I could get accomplished! I bet you could imagine how much you could accomplish with all that extra time!

Oh yes!  If I didn't have to sleep I could read two books a day AND blog to my hearts content!

Do you have any books in the works that you can tell us about? 

My current project is writing the sequel to BELLYACHE. Future projects will include picture books I have been working on for years and a young adult project I can promise will be unlike anything you have ever read before.

Can't wait!

Find Crystal on the web:

You can purchase my book from Amazon the direct link: http://www.amazon.com/Bellyache-Delicious-Tale-Crystal-Marcos/dp/0984389903 or check my website to see other options.

My website: www.CrystalMarcos.com  please check out my writing activities for children.

My blog http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3437107.Crystal_Marcos/blog

Twitter @crystalmarcos

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CrystalMarcos

Thanks for joining us today!

The Giveaway: *ENDED*

Crystal is giving away one copy of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale to one reader.  This giveaway is open to US or Canadian addresses only. You must be 13 years of age to enter (or ask parental permission).  It is open until April 22nd, 2011. 

To Enter:

Tell us one of your favorites as a child (book, treats, etc) in a comment with contact info.

Children's Review: BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale by Crystal Marcos

Title: BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale
Author: Crystal Marcos
Details: Paperback, 146 pgs.
Published: June 15th, 2010 by Cat Marcs Publishing

isbn: 0984389903 (ISBN13: 9780984389902)

Reading Level: 7 and up

Source: Author, for review purposes

 

A lip-smacking, mouthwatering, absolutely delectable debut, BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale by Crystal Marcos is a literary feast for ages seven and up. In the vein of Roald Dahl’s best-loved adventures, Marcos offers a mystical, character driven escapade that intertwines strands of reality with a larger-than-life fantasy world. When Peter Fischer sets out to help his grandfather at Papa’s Sweet Shop, he will quickly learn that sneaking sweets and covering up his sugar-dusted tracks will have major consequences. As Peter is transported to a mysteriously delicious, faraway land, a curious people known as the Candonites, some of whom have no time for a non-Candonite, will teach Peter a lesson on what it means to be different and what it means to forgive.

This was a fun and very cute story about a very sweet young boy who loves his sweets!  At least until he eats so many he gets a Bellyache, falls asleep and ends up in a fantasy world where the 'people' are sweets.  He learns a bit about being different, prejudices and consequences for his actions.

This book is actually a bit hard for me to break down and review.  It's not an age I'm used to reading.  It's not a picture book, but is younger reading then middle grade.  So it's hard for me to point out the things I normally would because they don't exist!

I can say that my kids thought the book was a lot of fun.  Well, my six year old did anyway.  My two year old didn't pay a bit of attention, no surprise there!  My six year was constantly interrupting to comment about things.  From the sweets that he ate in the beginning (she likes those ones too!) to the Candonites (that were described as different candies and sweets).  It made for a bit of a lengthy read, but at a chapter a night, 3 nights or so a week, we finally got through it.  I would say that my daughter was a little young, but she still liked the story, I just had to have patience with her.

Overall it was a fun and enjoyable read and I think kids that are a bit older then mine (7 and up) would enjoy it quite a lot!  Especially if they're fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and books along those lines.

Find the author on her:

Website |  Twitter

Buy the Book:

At Crystal's Website

Bellyache: A Delicious Tale at amazon

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

 

  

Children's Review: Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox

Title: Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox
Author: Susan Blackaby
Illustrator: Carmen Segovia
Details: Hardcover, 24 pgs.
Published: Jan. 4, 2011 by Sterling
isbn: 140274336X (ISBN13: 9781402743368)
Reading Level: Children Age 3 and up
Source: Sterling Publishing, for review

Description:

Happy Groundhog Day! But when Brownie steps outside, there's not even the slightest sign of spring-just her shadow, a frosty field, and a hungry fox who wants to munch her for lunch. Determined not to become a meal, Brownie finds a clever and tasty way to melt the ice and turn Fox into a friend and make the wait for winter's end a little warmer. Susan Blackaby's deliciously witty writing and Carmen Segovia's adorable animals and stunning landscapes combine to create a picture book filled with springtime joy. Just right for reading with a cup of cocoa and cinnamon toast;  Brownie's favorite meal!

Our Thoughts:

What an adorable book!  It came just in time as Groundhog Day is next week.  But this book doesn't talk about Groundhog day, though it talks about finding Spring.  So although it's a Groundhog Day book it really is appropriate for all winter.  

I thought it was a cute book the second I saw it even though it's not bright in colors.  There's snow through the entire thing so that makes for a lot of white, but the illustrator fills the pages.  It's not just a little portion of the page with the illustrations.  I love it when they are full pages of illustrations and it takes your eyes over the full pages, looking for little things like maybe a bird in a tree, or a leaf starting to grow.  

My kids loved this book, and that's what's important right?  I read it to my one year old who has zero attention span but he actually stopped playing to look up and see the book.  When my daughter got home and heard there was a new book she spun circles, she was so excited!  But when she saw it she was even more excited.  We haven't had much snow at all this year so that has made her even more obsessed with it.  She was enthralled with the story from the beginning and didn't interrupt me at all.  When I finished the kids sat down and looked at the pictures without me but when they finished they asked me to read it again!  

The book was fun to read though it wasn't rhyming or anything.  It was just a fun story with Brownie Groundhog tricking the fox over and over again and in the end them becoming friends.  

It was a middle length story.  It didn't take long to read but wasn't too short.  It was just perfect, I'd say!

I give it 4/5 for illustrations.

4/5 for the story.

And the kids give it 5/5!

You can purchase at your favorite bookstore or support my blog and giveaways by using my affiliate links.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.  I was not paid or influenced in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder

Details: Hardcover, 256 pgs (this is also available through Scholastic via the school system in paperback)
Published: March 9, 2010 by Aladdin

isbn: 1416990844 (ISBN13: 9781416990840)

Reading Level: Middle Grade

Source: Purchased 

Description:

Twelve-year-old Isabel is dying to get out of Oregon. She spends her free time in the library, reading and dreaming about faraway places. When her mom decides to open a cupcake shop in their little town of Willow, Isabel feels just like buttercream frosting to a cupcake-stuck. It seems as if it will be another disappointing summer, until Isabel learns of a baking contest. If she can come up with a winning recipe, she might have a chance of competing in the bake-off in New York City! But Isabel's best friend, Sophie, is also entering the contest, and things always seem to go Sophie's way. To make matters worse, Isabel and her mom don't exactly see eye-to-eye on the type of recipe Isabel should enter. In this sweet treat by popular teen author Lisa Schroeder, Isabel discovers that maybe it's not about where you go in life as much as it is about enjoying the view from wherever you are.

My Thoughts:

Woo hoo!  Lisa has done it again!  This book was very cute, with fantastic characterization, and an unbelievable story line.  And it wasn't fluff.  This was about a very realistic girl that has to deal with family issues.  No one dies or anything too drastic like that, but it's just normal family issues.  I think every 12 year old girl can relate in so many ways to  Isabel and the situations she's put in.  I really felt a connection to Isabel and her life even though I'm 29 years old and was never in any sort of situation like her.  I just really felt like she was easy to get.  And her whole family was!  Things weren't always easy for them and at times I wanted to scream at her mother, but the way Isabel handled things was realistic and showed what a great person she was.  

This book had cute cupcake names for each chapter, like Strawberry lemonade cupcakes (I've been craving strawberry lemonade since I read that chapter).  It also has fantastic recipe's that we can't wait to try out!  

I think this is a fantastic book for middle grade girls, but my daughter (who's 5) also enjoyed it a lot.  I only read her bits and pieces because I was so anxious to get through it, but this will definitely be a reread for us.  I think this would be a fantastic book for a reluctant reader.  It's easy to read and relate-able and it has life issues mixed in with a lot fun!

I've yet to be disappointed in Lisa's books (I've read every one!) and I can't wait to read more about Isabel.  In September, 2011 we get more and it's from Sophie's point of view and it's called Sprinkles and Secrets, YAY!

I definitely give it 5/5 moons!

You can find Lisa on her website.

You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or using any of my affiliate links.  All commission made is used to fund contests.

 

Buffalo on the Ridge by Deanna Meyer

Details: Paperback, 32 pgs.
Published: Aug. 27th, 2010 by Infinity Publishing 
isbn: 074146103X (ISBN13: 9780741461032)

Reading Level: Children

Source: Received from author for review

 

Description:

Buffalo on the Ridge, a fun and educational adventure book for young readers, will help parents teach their children about animals and the environment. A full color book!


Our Thoughts:

This book takes place in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  I'm from the Black Hills so when I heard of this book I was really excited.  I don't live there any longer and I was thinking this might be the perfect book to remind my kids that that's where their Nana lives!  
I really thought it was a cute story and taught some good lessons.  One was to listen to your mother cause she really does know best!  It also teaches about animals and the environment.  There was a glossary in the back that tells all about the animals in the story and even the flowers and trees portrayed in the illustrations.  The story wasn't too long and was pretty fun to read aloud.  It wasn't rhyming or anything, but I didn't find reading it to be tedious.  
The pages are full color and very cute!  I really enjoyed pointing things out to the kids in the pictures and it actually did bring back memories of camping because I think she did quite well with the illustrations and in portraying the country side.  

I give this book 4/5 moons!

You can find Deanna Meyer at

Verso Graphics Blog Spot

Join Bo and Pete on Facebook

Buffalo on the Ridge official website

Buffalo on the Ridge Television Broadcast

You can purchase at Amazon, Infinity Publishing, and a few other online vendors.  It should be more readily available in the future.  

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, D.C. by Candice Ransom, Sarah Hollander (Illustrator)

Details: Hardcover, 32 pgs.
Published: Oct. 5th, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402763948 (ISBN13: 9781402763946)

Reading Level: Children

Received from: Sterling for Review

Description: 

Whatever your age, our national's capital offers an overflowing list of places to visit. In her twelve day of Christmas visit, Olivia doesn't get to see them all, but she does go skating on a frozen fountain and see at least her fair share of monuments, memorials, and cool museums. A splendiferous picture book series that just keeps on clicking.

My Thoughts:
I thought this book would end up being long and boring but boy was I wrong!  My 5 year old and myself really enjoyed it!  The story is told by a girl who is writing letter's home when she's visiting her cousins in Washington D.C.  The story would be a bit long and maybe be considered boring, the singing part for each of the days breaks it up nicely and it actually added quite a lot to the story and kept it interesting for the younger ones.  
I've been to Washington D.C. as a tourist so I found it a lot of fun to talk about each place a bit more.  I loved when they talked about the monuments because that had been my favorite part of my trip and the part I remember best.  So I was excited to share my own experience with the pictures.  It really got my daughter excited and begging to go.  I really felt this was a great way to share pieces of history and the capital city with children in a way that was interesting and memorable.   
The illustrations are great!  They are full of color so they draw the eye and they were clear and realistic so if one were to visit the city they can recognize places from the book, or the other way around. 
I give this one 5/5 moons, we really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the others.  I'm particularly interested in the one about NY City and North Carolina.

You can purchase at your favorite bookstore, or through any of my affiliate links.  All commission made is used to fund contests.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I wasn't paid or influenced in any way.
 

Merry Sparkling Christmas by Elizabeth Spurr and Colleen Madden (Illustrator) and Jingle- Jingle by Nicola Smee

Details: Board Book, 14 pgs.
Published: Oct 10, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402771398 (ISBN13: 9781402771392)

Reading Level: Young Child

Received from: Sterling for Review

Description:

Glistening icicles, sparkling wrap on festive gifts, and merrily twinkling lights on trees make a child's Christmas-and this book-absolutely magical. Every page captures the holiday spirit and features something that shimmers and shines.

My Thoughts:
This is just a simple board book but it's a really cute one!  The pictures are engaging and the sparkles really catch your eye.  The entire pages are covered in illustrations, so no white, which I like.  It's a quick read (duh, it's a board book) but it's a very cute story.  It's one I enjoy reading and one my kids enjoy listening to and looking at on their own.  
For what it is, a simple board book, I give it 4/5 moons.

Details: Board Book, 26 pgs.
Published: August 3rd by Boxer Books
isbn: 1906250650 (ISBN13: 9781906250652)
Reading Level: Young Children
Received from: Sterling Publishing for review


Description:


Hear the music of those sleigh bells jingling? Nicola Smee’s seasonal favorite is now in board!
The beloved characters from Smee’s Clip-Clop are off on a wild and wintry ride. Mr. Horse has invited all the barnyard animals into his sleigh, and Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck couldn’t be more excited. Soon, they’re holding on tight and dashing through the snow with bells jingle-jingling all the way. Over the fields they fly—but when they reach the hill, everyone wants to slide down…even Mr. Horse, of course. Is there room for them all?
Like the happy Mr. Horse, toddlers will think “THAT WAS SO COOL!”

My Thoughts:

This too, is just a simple board book but it's a fun story that gets my kids in giggles.  I think there's a bit too much white, and not enough color, but they are in the snow so maybe I should just ignore that?  I don't know, but I can say the the picture's don't capture my attention quite as much as I would like.  But my kids seem to like it and they are the ones that matter!  
The story is cute, and like I said, it gets my kids in giggles.  I felt a bit like it was choppy.  Or something.  Just not the funnest book to read.  But it's fast and the kids like it okay, so that's what's important!
I give this one 3/5 moons.

You can purchase these books at your favorite bookstore or my affiliate links, to the left and below.  All commission made is used to fund contests here, on my blog.
  Disclosure: I received both of these books for the review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore (Illustrated by Robert Ingpen) Christmas Kids Picks

Details: Hardcover, 48 pgs
Published: October 2010 by Sterling Publishing

isbn: 1402781822 (ISBN13: 9781402781827)

Reading Level: Children

Received from: Sterling Publishing for review

Description:

Let the holiday magic begin!
Stockings hung by the chimney with care. Visions of sugarplums dancing. And that jolly old elf, St. Nick, with his eight tiny reindeer.  That can mean only one thing: it's The Night Before Christmas!
From popular children's illustrator Robert Ingpen comes a beautiful new interpretation of the classic holiday poem. Ingpen's stunning pictures capture all the warmth, wonder, and humor of Clement C. Moore's beloved verse. It's perfect for the family to share and a magical start to every Christmas eve.

My Thoughts:
This is a Holiday classic, what family doesn't read The Night Before Christmas around the holidays?  There are so many versions of the story with so many different illustrators it's hard to make a decision on which one to buy if your perhaps looking for a gift, or maybe purchasing your first one for your own family.  
This one tells us about Clement C. Moore on the first page, before the story begins, and about how he wrote the poem for his own children.  As many times as I've read and heard this story I didn't even think about how it came about!  So personally, other the amazing illustrations of St. Nick, that's my favorite part.  

Now the story is the same classic story and is as fun to read as ever.  What really sets this one apart is the illustrations.  These illustrations aren't necessarily 'fun', but they fit the term 'classic' perfectly.   I really love how the Santa Clause, or St. Nick, is illustrated in this one! 
My kids sat and listened well to the story as there were few words on each page.  I can imagine that it maybe wouldn't hold their attention as well if there were more words though because the colors aren't terribly vibrant, and the pages aren't full.  Meaning many pages still have a lot of white. I think the illustrations are more pleasing to an adults eye.  But that's just my opinion.  
I do think that if you are looking for a classic to read Christmas Eve, before everyone is off to bed, this is perfect!  Because you don't want a cute book, or a silly book, but one that really makes you feel the magic.  And this one truly does that job!  
I'm going to give this one 5/5 moons for the story (DUH!) and 4/5 for illustrations.


You can find the other books illustrated by Robert Ingpen on his Goodreads page.
You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or using my affiliate links (to the left and below).  All commissions made will be used to fund contests on my blog.
Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Christmas Book Review- The Toymaker's Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself by Marilyn Scott- Waters

Details: Paperback, 48 pgs.
Published: Oct. 5, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402768524 (ISBN13: 9781402768521)

Reading Level: ALL ages!

Received from: Sterling for review

Description:

The Toymaker spreads Christmas joy with 11 paper toys to pop out, fold, glue together, and play with! With their beautiful, antique style, these toys are sure to enchant both children and adults. Leave St. Nick his milk and cookies in “Santa's Treat Box.” Decorate the Christmas tree with the four lovely “Little Angels.” Create a magical “Winter Wonderland,” complete with moving parts-like an ice skating penguin. And no Christmas would be complete without a handsome paper “Nutcracker,” with arms and a jaw that move. 

My Thoughts:

I have a problem.  I like to do crafts but my crafts look like crap!  My daughter LOVES to do crafts, but I'm too short on patience!  My baby- well, he likes to get into the crafts we're doing and ruin them!  

So to be honest I was a bit worried when I got this book.  I've just been avoiding crafts and the crazy that ensues when we try to do them.  But my daughter wanted to do something so I pulled this book out (I knew I needed to review it anyway...).  And boy, oh boy was I surprised!  This is something we can do together that makes us feel like we're making something but it's simple enough we can do each project together without things getting too out of hand with the baby.  And the things we make actually look good!  

We started with the first project and we just had to punch it out of the book, fold the edges that it says to fold and glue it together.  VERY easy!  And it's good enough to be a gift!  I think we'll just stick a candle in there and it's ready to go!  The next one we did was the star people.  This one we punched each star person out and then my daughter (age 5) was able to stack them herself with the slits in the hands, hats and feet.  It took only a few minutes and it's something that looks good enough to actually display for the holiday season!  

Now there are a few more difficult ones in there, like Santas sleigh, that have a lot more pieces and more steps to it, but everything is clearly laid out directions and we don't have to go to the store to actually buy supplies.  All we've needed so far is just some glue!  

I definitely recommend this book if you need some simple craft projects to do.  Another idea I had was it's something that would be great for older people who may not be able to do more difficult projects anymore.  I've thought of buying one for the nursing home because I think the residents could definitely do some of the more simple projects.

I give this 5/5 moons!

You can purchase at your favorite bookstore, or through any of my affiliate links (to the left and below).  All money's made will be used to fund contests here, on my blog.
Disclosure: Sterling sent me this book for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.