Wednesday, April 9, 2014

"Will in Scarlet" by Matthew Cody ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



Book Description:


This reimagining of the Robin Hood legend tells the story of the young boy behind the bandit hero's rise to fame.

Will Shackley is the son of a lord, and though just thirteen, he’s led a charmed, protected life and is the heir to Shackley House, while his father is away on the Third Crusade with King Richard the Lionheart.

But with King Richard’s absence, the winds of treason are blowing across England, and soon Shackley House becomes caught up in a dangerous power struggle that drives Will out of the only home he’s ever known. Alone, he flees into the dangerous Sherwood Forest, where he joins an elusive gang of bandits readers will immediately recognize.

How Will helps a drunkard named Rob become one of the most feared and revered criminals in history is a swashbuckling ride perfect for anyone who loves heroes, villains, and adventure.

"Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas" by Carol P. Roman ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



Book Description:


Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape. While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes!

"Twerp" by Mark Goldblatt ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



Description:


It's not like I meant for Danley to get hurt. . . .

Julian Twerski isn't a bully. He's just made a big mistake. So when he returns to school after a weeklong suspension, his English teacher offers him a deal: if he keeps a journal and writes about the incident that got him and his friends suspended, he can get out of writing a report on Shakespeare. Julian jumps at the chance. And so begins his account of life in sixth grade--blowing up homemade fireworks, writing a love letter for his best friend (with disastrous results), and worrying whether he's still the fastest kid in school. Lurking in the background, though, is the one story he can't bring himself to tell, the one story his teacher most wants to hear.

Inspired by Mark Goldblatt's own childhood growing up in 1960s Queens, Twerp shines with powerful writing that will have readers laughing and crying right along with these flawed but unforgettable characters.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

"An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night" by Joanne McGonagle & Illustrations by Rachael Mahaffey ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Book Description:


An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night is the story of a young toad named Andrew, pondering whether his life would be more interesting had he been hatched a frog.

Andrew embarks on his first solo hop to ask his grandpa some questions about what it means to be an amphibian. The story is blended with factual information that compares and contrasts the similarities and differences among toads and frogs.

A young reader's curiosity will be piqued as they consider the unique attributes of the individual creatures that make up a species, perhaps sparking the light of conversation in their hearts and minds.

"How the Octopus Got Eight Arms: Two Arms Are Never Enough" by Yvonne Arroyo & Illustrated by Carl Wanzung ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Book Description:


Oscar Octopus and his wife, Sharky Shark, are the proud parents of a sizeable brood. Oscar adores his children, and spends every spare moment playing with them. Things go swimmingly until, one day, Sharky has to make an emergency visit to see her ailing mother. Suddenly, Oscar is left in charge of his offspring. Because of a huge physical shortcoming, Oscar is unable to meet the needs of all his kids. His wife returns to find him nearly dead of exhaustion. She rushes him to the doctor, who performs emergency surgery on him. In no time at all the new and improved Oscar is able to more easily handle his children. He and his family live playfully and happily ever after. This sure-fire pleaser features rich vocabulary, lively rhyming text and attractive illustrations that will warm every young reader's heart.

"If You Were Me and Lived In...South Korea...: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" by Carole P. Roman ~ Book Review

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Book Description:


Carole P. Roman takes you on a journey this time to Asia, landing in South Korea. Once again, children can learn how life is like for young people on the other side of the globe. From food to famous landmarks, they will learn that's it's easy to find something in common with people in different countries.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

"The Yogi's Curse" by Lars Guignard ~ Book Review

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Charisma Media Book Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Charisma Media Book Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Synopsis:


Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse.It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, they’re going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

"The Little Sparrow Named Too" by E. Dantes ~ Book Review

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Pump Up Your Book Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Pump Up Your Book Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



Book Description:


The series of "TOO" focuses around a sparrow hatchling who is new to life and keen to explore it. He is clever though strong-willed which means he always getting "in" and "out" of trouble - especially when he has a bright idea! Each of the books will broach everyday parental / childcare issues helping children understand the importance of parental guidance and social respect.

Monday, August 5, 2013

{Book Review} "Why is the Sky Blue?" Written and Illustrated by Shabana Muhajir

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



Book Description:


While playing at the beach, two boys begin to wonder why the sky is blue and ask their mother to explain the reason to them. As they are very young, their mother needs to decide how best to explain to her boys. She discusses the phenomenon of the blue sky in a manner that even her six year old can understand. While addressing their initial query, the boys come up with several other related questions, and the mother answers them all with simple facts and drawings. To make it easier and more interesting, she performs a fun experiment with her boys, which shows them why the sky is blue at sunrise and red/orange at sunset.

The book is a must have for all those curious kids who are trying to make sense of the world around them, and for all those parents who want to satisfy their curiosity.

Monday, June 24, 2013

"Nalah and the Pink Tiger" by Anne Sawyer-Aitch ~ Book Review

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Pump Up Your Book Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Pump Up Your Book Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Book Description:


Nalah and the Pink Tiger is a picture book by Anne Sawyer-Aitch. She drew inspiration for this story from her lively little niece, who lives so intensely in her imagination that grown-ups around her view her as a troublemaker. Things come to a head when – in addition to all the exotic animals that Nalah has “placed” in the house – a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc. The story also celebrates the joyful explosiveness of a child’s imagination. To illustrate the book, Anne developed a style which she calls illuminated iIllustration, featuring multiple layers and backlighting that create vibrant, textured pages.

Monday, June 17, 2013

{Book Reveiw} "A Silly Rhyming Alphabet Book about Animals" by Simone Da' Costa

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Between the Lines Book Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Between the Lines Book Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.




Book Description:


Using the names of animals that start with letters in the alphabet in rhyme, making each story silly and easy to remember the alphabet.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

"Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton" by Warren L. Woodruff ~ Book Review


*Disclosure: I received the above product(s) from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Book Description:


When the dark musician Jedermann gains control of the legendary Gold Baton, Tyler, his sister Christina, and their friends are drawn into a dangerous, mysterious adventure. Guided by the mythical Dr. Fuddle, these explorers journey to Orphea, saving the land from chaos and destruction, and return to earth with the gift of harmony. 

Twelve year old Tyler Harrington and his younger mute sister Christina have been living with a bone-chilling mystery. After nearly giving up hope, Tyler finally receives the clear, unmistakable sign his mother had promised him. The sign leads Tyler, Christina and three of their friends into the town’s most mysterious residence. There they meet a former resident of the manor, Dr. Fuddle, who offers them the solution to the mystery, but at a great price: they must leave earth and enter the land of Orphea and help him find the legendary Gold Baton.

Once in Orphea, Tyler and the others learn that their mission had been foretold in a prophecy, that they are the Messengers of Music, destined to save Orphea from the dark forces of Jedermann, who is quickly gaining control of Orphea, replacing all harmony and beauty with discord and chaos. Turn by turn, the mission becomes more dangerous, and their only weapons are sacred instruments which they must master, harnessing their secret powers against the enemy. At the final battle, Tyler discovers the solution to the mystery and meaning of his mother’s final words.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

"Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan" by Michael Andreisano ~ Book Review


Book Description:


A Beguiling Adventure in the World of Fairy... Things just haven't been the same for Harold and Megan since their father mysteriously disappeared. But one night, a ghostly visitor tells Harold that his father is being held captive by a mad gnome named Gagledormius, somewhere in Ireland. To find the lair of the mad gnome, Harold must solve a riddle. Harold loses all hope; he hates puzzles of all kinds. But a magical box that belonged to his father may hold a clue. When Harold relates his strange tale to his family, his mother refuses to believe it, and thinks Harold is making up stories to console him for the loss of his father. But Megan knows there's more to it. Against their mother's wishes, Harold and Megan turn to their classmates for help. But when nobody can solve the riddle, they must convince their mother that their father is in danger, and that they must travel to Ireland to seek the help of his relatives and friends. Little do they know what awaits them on the Emerald Isle: the mad gnome is the enemy of fairy folk, and they receive some special help from the Mayor of the Leprechauns, as well as from a surprise visitor who appears when hope is lost. Will Harold and Megan find their father, and can they rescue him before time runs out? Follow them across the ocean and into a magical world as they explore the realm of enchantment.

"DJ's Lullaby: A Mother's Love Song" by Lucy Rivas Enriquez ~ Book Review


Book Description:


Like many women, Lucy wanted to be a mom. She prayed for a child to bless her home—and
then discovered that God had a very special plan for her. On a bright August day, DJ came into
Lucy’s life, making her dream of motherhood come true. DJ’s Lullaby is a heartwarming and
beautifully illustrated bedtime story and lullaby—a song of love from mother to child—written
to celebrate family through adoption. Because every child is a gift from God. And every child is perfect for every mom who loves them.

Every child is a gift from God. Like many women, Lucy Rivas Enriquez wanted to be a mom. She prayed for a child to bless her home-and then discovered that God had a very special plan for her. On a bright August day, DJ came into Lucy's life, making her dream of motherhood come true. DJ's Lullaby is a beautifully illustrated bedtime story and lullaby-a song of love from mother to child-written to celebrate the many wonderful aspects of adoption. Because every child is a gift from God. And every child is perfect for every mom who loves them.

"Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale" by Kimberly Sentek ~ Book Review


Book Description:


Transitions are never easy, and adding a new brother or sister to one’s family can leave children a little confused and a lot rebellious. Author Kimberly Sentek hopes to ease the minds of parents and children alike in her new story told by two characters in Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale (published by Trafford Publishing).

In her book, Sentek tells the tale of Nico and Tugger – two loveable dogs who become brothers and must learn how to sit, stay, and play nice with each other. Her motivation to write the story hit very close to home.

“When I got my second dog and saw how the two interacted together, I thought it paralleled how children act with each other,” Sentek says.

The story unfolds from each dog’s perspective, which will help children understand differing points of view and learn how to adapt to a new sibling.

“It is a gift to have a sibling; I hope the book helps children understand this and shows them that everyone can fit in the family, even if it doesn’t seem like it at times.”

Thursday, May 23, 2013

"Jade and the Tooth Fairy" by Jacinta Zechariah ~ Book Review



Book description:


A magical tale about a little girl called Jade who stays up to meet the Tooth Fairy and goes to fairyland with her. She is also in for a pleasant surprise when she finds out what happens to all the teeth the Tooth Fairy takes!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

"Sewing a Friendship 2: Magic in Us: The Power of Imagination" by Natalie Tinti {Book Review}


Book Description:



Magic in Us is a sweet, hopeful, energetic story that creates a lively pace and makes reading aloud a pleasure. It's an

inspiration for children to learn and grow into well-rounded individuals, to realize the power of friendship, to learn about

the value of problem solving and discover hidden talents. It told by 10 years old Natalie Tinti who is not only a multi-

awarded talented writer, she is also an amazing artist!


The Power of Imagination (book 1)

When a secret agent dog, Dogon, informed four best friends that Nina has a bad horrible scratch and she won’t be able to

play her musical instruments, they must quickly come and make her feel better. While deciding what to do next, there's a

veritable blizzard of ideas put forth, and the girls have to sift through them all to come up with a plan of action. Together

they create a magical world full of adventures where every obstacle can be overcome with mutual support and joint

creativity.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

{Book Review} "Kathryn the Grape's Piece of Love" by Kathryn Cloward



Book Description:


Did you know you are LOVE? Join Kathryn the Grape and her classmates as they connect their puzzle pieces together. Maggie helps Kathryn the Grape get into the flow of her creativity to share about rippling loving kindness. Everyone has a piece to contribute. What is yours? When children read this peace building story, they will learn that we all have a piece to share to creating peace, and that everyone is love!



This story empowers children with personal accountability and responsibility.



~The characters in this story are based on real people.
~$1 from the sale of this book will be donated to Kids for Peace.