"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

{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.

"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.

"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.

{Book Review} "If You Were Me and Lived in... Mexico - A Child's Introduction to World Culture {Volume 1)" by Carole P. Roman

Book Description:

"If You Were Me and Lived in... Mexico - A Child's Introduction to World Culture", is the first entry in this educational series that takes children on a journey to our exciting neighbor to the south...Mexico!

Perfect for children from Pre-K to age eight, this little book is a ground breaking new experience in exposing children the joy of cultural differences.

{Book Review} "Tom T's Hat Rack" by Michelle Spry, Illustrations by Peggy A. Guest

Book Description:

When Shelby Summers’ 4th-grade teacher asks her students to write an essay about something unforgettable they did over the summer that would forever change their lives for the better, Shelby wasn’t sure what she would write about during her summer break but she would be spending time with two of her favorite people, her neighbors Mrs. and Mr. T. But suddenly, the uneventful and ordinary summer she had expected becomes one she will never forget.

The story follows the journey of 10-year-old Shelby during summer break. Her perspective
is forever changed for the better when her retired neighbor Mr. T, who has been battling
cancer, recruits her to help him with a special project and Mr. T refuses to tell Shelby what
their secret project is until it is finished. Patiently, she returns each day, as she is excited to
spend the summer with her friends while her parents are at work.

{Book Review} "Charlie Sparrow and the Secret of Flight" by David Anderson

Blurb:


"Charlie Sparrow has no idea he can fly. It’s no wonder–in Tree City, none of the birds know anything about flying at all. Not Charlie’s parents, not his friends, not the doctors or police. But Charlie is sure there’s a magical secret behind his feathers. He’ll do anything to find out what it is, even break the laws of Tree City. Will he figure out the truth before Doctor Nightingale straps him in the plucking chair and pulls the lever, plucking his beautiful feathers?

This entertaining and inspiring chapter book for kids ages 6-9 has over thirty illustrations."

{Book Review} "Learn to Tie a Tie with the Rabbit and the Fox" by Sybrina Durant

Book Description:

The book is based around the endearing tale of a rabbit and a hungry fox. The illustrated new story melds generations past, with a story of new found freedom and flavor.  Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox, is the careening adventure of these two characters, set to a lively and memorable instructional song, that offers a simple and fun way of learning to tie the "school boy" style knot, so many kids struggle to learn.

In the new book, the very hungry fox races through the forest seeking to capture the sweet rabbit with its sharp and powerful snapping jaws.  The race itself mimics the motion of tying a knot. The book is written to involve the entire family and intended to make it fun for parents to teach the sometimes troubling task to the little learners.

The book encourages participants reading and listening to the companion song to each have a tie handy to go through the motions of actually tying a necktie. The song is a catchy and repeatable jingle that runs around the head long after the book is finished. Children remember the song melody and words and with the jingle re-call their actions in tying their neckties.

The elegant knot the book teaches is also known as the "four in hand". Word association has long been used by scholars and amateurs alike in the learning of anything and everything necessary and unnecessary.  The process is called "Mnemonic" which is defined by the art of memorizing something by associating it with words, phrases or sentences designed to help remember.

Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox is a book readers may see, touch and share. It is also available in Spanish and Tagalog languages. The accompanying song can be streamed for free, in all three languages, at the author's website.

"The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob - A Journey Begins" by Author Brooks Olbrys & Illustrations by Kevin Keele {Book Review}

Synopsis:

Young Bob lives on an idyllic island, yet he yearns for a greater sense of purpose. With his guardian Xena, a cautious hummingbird, by his side, Bob seeks guidance from the wise and
happy creatures of the sea. Al the dolphin, Doc the turtle, Earl the clam, and Wallace the walrus all give him great advice, but Bob’s true test, like all true tests, requires strength from within: to achieve his dreams, he’ll have to overcome his fears and the boundaries that could otherwise prevent him from becoming a marine biologist and devoting his life to protecting the ocean.

 This is no small problem. After all, Bob must prove himself to the renowned marine scientist Mary Marine. A Journey Begins highlights the importance of purpose, vision, goals, attitude, and persistence, all of which are required to make Blue Ocean Bob’s dream, and every other dream, come true.

"Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard" by Lars Guignard {Book Review}

Book Description:

Imagine you're totally lost in a strange city with no idea where you are and no way home.

Now imagine that elephants and snake charmers start telling you that you've been chosen to save the world.

Would you even believe them?  What would you do?

Zoe Guire isn't sure. Having that elephant talk to her was really weird, and, as a rule, Zoe doesn't do weird. Except the thing is, when Zoe goes along on her mom's business trip to India, things get very weird, very quickly. Soon after she arrives, Zoe finds herself tagging alongside a kid named Zak, lost in a crazy city, with no money and no way home.

And those are the least of Zoe's troubles. Because if she's to believe the scary-looking snake charmer guy sitting in the corner, she and Zak have been chosen -- chosen to protect some kind of mythical animal called the Ghost Leopard from who knows what.

Now, the further they get into the mountains, the more crazily impossible things get. Carpets fly and statues talk and if either Zoe or Zak want to make it back to their parents, or the sixth grade, or anything even close to normal, they're going to have to make some new friends, learn some new tricks, and listen, really listen to that talking elephant. Because if they don't, the world will never be the same again.

Join Zoe and Zak as they journey high into the Himalayas to a place few have been and even fewer have returned to tell about it.

Live life beyond the edge.

"The Night Horses" by Anaka Jones {Book Review}

Book Description:

The Night Horses follows the animals’ daily lives. Each morning, the horse herd takes their breakfast at the hay feeder. Mulling around, they exchange gossip and share their plans for the day. There’s May, an old mare whose giddy-up spirit fuels her energetic personality. She wants to challenge Cloud to a race even though she is three times his age. Frisco and Bella are an inseparable married couple, and plenty of young foals timidly hide behind their mothers’ legs amongst the group.

After a long day of work, the horses clean up, head to their stalls for dinner, and wait in the barn until their owners head back to the  house. With humans out of the picture, the horses get busy creating their own rural night life, effectively turning the farm into their own little three-ring circus.

"Captain No Beard Series" by Carole P. Roman {Book Reviews & Giveaway}

"Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life"

Book Description:

Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbet the floppy frog. Normally a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

"Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience - A Captain No Beard Story"

Book Description:

The crew of the Flying Dragon are sailing again. This time, new crewmember, Pepper Parrot is having a hard time keeping up with the drills. Captain No Beard and his mates join together to help Pepper achieve her goals with patience and tolerance.

"The Three Lost Kids & Cupid's Capture" by Kimberly Kinrade {Book Review}

Welcome to Green Frog Review's stop on the 

"The Three Lost Kids & Cupid's Capture" book tour. 

This tour is brought to you by Innovative Book Tours.

BLURB:

Lexie is very unhappy this Valentine’s Day. She can’t get anything right, and her hearts all look horrible. In fact, everyone at school seems to be in an extra grumpy mood.

When she and her sisters consult her magic Mirror of Ice to find out what’s going on, they are transported to Heartland, the home of Cupid herself, which is under attack by a scary monster.

When Cupid is captured, the girls must navigate the Maze of Misdirection, pull themselves out of Apathy, and survive against attacking Cruel Crawlies in order to find the Chasm of Broken Hearts… and save Cupid.

But first, Lexie has to learn to love herself just as she is, otherwise Valentine’s Day will forever be filled with broken hearts.

"Nate Rocks the Boat" by Karen Pokras Toz {Book Review & Giveaway}

BLURB:

With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister.  When his best friend Tommy decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks.

Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals.

Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back in this second book of the Nate Rocks series.


Read my full review and enter the giveaway HERE on My Cozie Corner!

"Millicent Marie Is Not My Name" by Karen Pokras Toz {Review & Giveaway - Ends 2/21}

BLURB:

Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago and was not the most loveable member of the Harris family. Her friends call her Millie, but when she writes in her diary she refers to herself as Amanda – the name she always wished she had. 

When Millie’s younger brother finds her diary on her computer, he decides to publish it as a blog for the entire world to see, including the boy Millie has a crush on. In the midst of all the mayhem, Millie/Amanda discovers she is suddenly Springside Elementary’s most sought after sixth-grade mystery gossip and advice columnist.