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Mailbox Monday #352

December 7, 2015 by

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia at To Be Continued, formerly The Printed Page, has a permanent home at its own blog.

To check out what everyone has received over the last week, visit the blog and check out the links.  Leave yours too.

Also, each week, Leslie, Vicki, and I will share the Books that Caught Our Eye from everyone’s weekly links.

Here’s what I received:

Piglet Bo Is Not Scared! by Geert De Kockere, illustrated by Tineke Van Hemeldonck, for review from Sky Pony Press.

Piglet Bo insists that he is not scared. Not scared of anything and not scared of anyone. And if you think he seems scared, well, you’re misunderstanding the situation. Really, Piglet Bo can’t go into the dark cave because he doesn’t want to disturb the bats. And he can’t go into the deep pit because he’s pretty sure the termites are having a birthday party and it would be rude to show up without a gift. But what are those shadows lurking on each page? How long can Piglet Bo’s excuses last?

What did you receive?

Filed Under: mailbox monday, meme Tagged With: , , ,

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack

December 4, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack, follows the traditional story of the clatter on the roof and the calls to the reindeer.  What makes this story different is the use of bricks (also known as Lego pieces) to illustrate the story.  The pieces are well placed and resemble the elements of the story, and the scenes are augmented with felt stockings and other non-brick items.  These elements help provide readers with a more realistic feel.

Our favorite parts of the story were of course the rhyming lines that tell the story, but also the sugarplums dancing in the heads of the children and the flying reindeer.  My daughter and I had a conversation about Santa Claus’ other name, St. Nicholas, and what coursers were and why the word was used in the story.  We’re already having conversations about language usage and choice, though I’m not sure she understands it completely.  One tiny quibble is the fact that the smoke from Santa’s pipe does not look like a wreath above his head as it says in the story, but I’m sure that would be difficult to reproduce.

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack, is a cute book for those modern kids familiar with these plastic bricks used to build scenes.  Maybe some readers would take what they saw in the book and create their own Santa and Christmas scenes.

About the Author:

Clement Clarke Moore, (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863), is best known as the credited author of A Visit From St. Nicholas (more commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas). Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume Hebrew dictionary. He was the only son of Benjamin Moore, a president of Columbia College and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and his wife Charity Clarke. Clement Clarke Moore was a graduate of Columbia College (1798), where he earned both his B.A. and his M.A.. He was made professor of Biblical learning in the General Theological Seminary in New York (1821), a post that he held until 1850.

Filed Under: challenges, children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Tough Cookie by Kate Louise, illustrated by Grace Sandford

November 27, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

Tough Cookie by Kate Louise, illustrated by Grace Sandford, is a great little book for the holidays, especially if your family does any baking or holiday preparations.  We love making Gingerbread men in this house, or should I say Gingerbread snowmen.  But in this tale, if you forget the ginger, you’re in big trouble.

This gingerbread man is upset that he cannot be sold on the bakery shelves with his other friends — he’s missing the most important ingredient, ginger.  He feels left out, and what happens when you feel left out as a kid?  You often act out to get attention.  He teases the other cookies, makes messes, chases cats, and generally wreaks havoc in the bakery.  He has a good time while he makes messes, but what he’s missing is companionship.  When the baker tells him that he has to leave, the gingerbread man has to make a big decision about his behavior.  My daughter’s favorite parts were with the sprinkles and the gumdrops.

Tough Cookie by Kate Louise, illustrated by Grace Sandford, is adorable, and the illustrations are brightly colored, like candy, and have fun expressions ranging from surprise to dismay.  The illustrator and author work well together in this book to create a fun, messy, lesson about good behavior, learning to fit in, and being a good helper in the kitchen.

About the Author:

Kate Louise is picture book author of THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH, PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES, and TOUGH COOKIE. She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She graduated from university with a first class degree in Fine Art Painting. It was during this course that Kate rediscovered her love of reading, prompting her to try a new creative angle and experiment with writing. Kate is also member and co-creator of an online group of published writers and illustrators called Author Allsorts. And she writes YA as Kate Ormand. Kate is represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd.

Filed Under: children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Mailbox Monday #350

November 23, 2015 by

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia at To Be Continued, formerly The Printed Page, has a permanent home at its own blog.

To check out what everyone has received over the last week, visit the blog and check out the links.  Leave yours too.

Also, each week, Leslie, Vicki, and I will share the Books that Caught Our Eye from everyone’s weekly links.

Here’s what I received:

Knights of the Third Millennium by Allan A. Arel, which I received from my aunt and it is written by her cousin.

The six knights serve a secret order of the Catholic Church know as the Knights of the Third Millennium. They work in secret because the world for the most part is completely unaware of the evil that roams the night. Evil such as vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches and demons of various kind. They spend their nights hunting evil, and their days when not sleeping are spent in the company of each other and whatever local prostitutes happen to be around. They drink, party, gamble, and continuously pick on each other, which makes them like most of us, very human; or sinners if you will. These men will go to their deaths to rid evil of this world, so to them having a good time is usually a bit more extreme then most people live, but at the same time understandable. After all if you might die tomorrow wouldn’t you want to have as much pleasure as you possibly could tonight? While after a werewolf the knights find themselves smack dab in the middle of a town designated to be the place where hell comes to earth. Now they aren’t just chasing a werewolf but they’re having to deal with all kinds of evil creatures as well as an ancient evil sorcerer. They get help from a most unlikely wizard, who has the power of God working through him all coming to a climatic and surprising end.

The Runaway Santa: A Christmas Adventure Story by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Aaron Zenz for review from Sky Pony Press.

Once there was a jolly Santa who wanted to leave the North Pole on a worldwide vacation! He decides he wants to visit Mount Rushmore and see the stone faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Then he’ll ski the silky slopes of the Swiss Alps. And after that, he’ll ride an elephant in South Africa on a safari. Santa is eager for a new adventure, but Mrs. Claus isn’t so sure he’s ready just yet. Before he takes off, she’s going to make sure he’s got his rock climbing gear. And his skis, and his hat. He must be ready!

It isn’t long before Santa realizes that maybe his adventure would be more fun with a friend. Mrs. Claus is clearly an expert adventurer herself, and so the two take off together on a runaway adventure. They have a little time before Christmas, after all, and everybody needs a break sometimes!

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack for review from Sky Pony Press.

Spread the Christmas cheer with this whimsical retelling of Clement C. Moore’s cherished poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” This new edition of the classic features the text of Moore’s original poem, illustrated with beautifully detailed LEGO brick scenes and characters.

See the colorful stockings hung by the chimney in the fanciful brick house, and look on at the visions of dancing brick sugarplums. Turn the pages to reveal Saint Nicholas with his bundle of toys and his eight trusty reindeer, and watch as he magically slides down the chimney to bring presents to the good little girls and boys before shouting, “Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!” This treasured Christmas poem in brick will quickly become the highlight of your holiday storybooks and a great new tradition for the whole family!

Tough Cookie by Kate Louise, illustrated by Grace Sandford for review from Sky Pony Press.

When this gingerbread man was baked, someone forgot to put in the ginger. He’s made of eggs and cinnamon and flour and butter and sugar, but he’s missing a key ingredient! Without ginger, the gingerbread man feels like he’s not really a gingerbread man at all! He can’t be sold in the bakery, so he lives at the back of the store. And there he causes all kinds of trouble.

The Five-Minute Brain Workout for Kids: 365 Amazing Fabulous and Fun Word Puzzles by Kim Chamberlain, illustrated by Jon Chamberlain for review from Sky Pony Press.

Our brains are an amazing organ! And just like our bodies, our brain functions best when it’s put to work. So get ready to give your brain a full workout each day with The Five-Minute Brain Workout for Kids! Inside, you’ll find 365 word puzzles and games to keep your mind active and in great shape! Have fun with your family and friends as you learn about acronyms, anagrams, definitions, parts of speech, rhyming words, syllables, word structure, and more with these fun puzzles. From Alphabet Teasers and Mini Word Sudoku puzzles, to Speed Words and Word Store games, even doing one puzzle a day will help you to learn new words, spell better, problem solve with ease, and have better concentration.

What did you receive?

Filed Under: mailbox monday, meme Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parker

October 30, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parker was a fun read to get us in the mood for Halloween.  Eric is followed by a zombie to school, but rather than a brain-sucking zombie, he’s chased by a book eating zombie.  Halloween allows the dark and scary to surface in town, and Eric is scared when the zombie approaches.  When the zombie eats his book, the kids and teachers are running scared and trying to save their books.  From fiction to nonfiction, this zombie does not discriminate.  However, teachers would prefer if this zombie kid would read the books, rather than eat them.

Once in the library, the zombie is enlightened to the power of reading.  Eric hands him a book that changes his outlook.  While he is a zombie, he has manners and asks that Eric read to him.  This change is magical, and soon he’s devouring books in a completely new way.  Someone on the paranormal wire must have heard about the goodies in the library and passed along the news, because soon the school library is attracting mummies and zombies.

I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parkeris a fun book about the power of reading, and the knowledge that books can provide.  My daughter and I took to shouting, “I want to eat your books!” as the zombie made his way through the school, and by the end we were giggling.  This book is sure to create bookaholics like me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: challenges, children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Runaway Pumpkin: A Halloween Adventure Story by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Aaron Zenz

October 23, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 40 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

The Runaway Pumpkin: A Halloween Adventure Story by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Aaron Zenz, features adorable pumpkins.  The single-toothed pumpkin boy is dreaming big in this story, and while he talks of running off to play mummy or fly on brooms with witches, his mother is supportive.  Although she wants to protect him from the things that go bump in the night, his mother is aware that kids want independence and want to grow up faster than their parents are ready for.  She knows that without his blanket he’ll be scared at night, so she offers to pack it for him.  Her support does not go unnoticed by the little pumpkin.

We’ve probably read this more than a few times since it’s come into the house, but she loves the adventures of the little pumpkin.  Her favorite parts are when we see his mother watching over him from under the straw on the hayride or in the distance behind some bushes.  It’s like a little game of hide-and-seek.  By the end of the book, we’re both ready to enjoy the adventures of both mother and son pumpkin.

The Runaway Pumpkin: A Halloween Adventure Story by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Aaron Zenz, is cute and has a great message about giving children some independence to think and do on their own, but it also cautions that parents need to be ready in the wings to step in when they are needed.  My daughter’s favorite parts are when the little pumpkin dresses like a pirate and wears a fake mustache.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: challenges, children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Ava the Monster Slayer by Lisa Maggiore, illustrated by Ross Felten

October 16, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

Ava the Monster Slayer by Lisa Maggiore, illustrated by Ross Felten, is another hit with my daughter with its comic book style illustrations.  It’s like a beginner’s comic book.  She is hooked.  Ava is a young girl with a favorite stuffed animal and an active imagination, which is fueled by the stories of her older brother.

When her mother tells her that her stuffed animal is in the dryer, she is determined to save him from the monsters in the basement.  She transforms herself into a monster slayer with a cape, a crown, and pink rain boots when she realizes that she’s on her own in her quest.  There are action sequences, moments of tension in which Ava’s confidence is shaken, and large old-school “Pow” and “Wham”-type exclamations.  She is on a mission to save her friend, Piggy, despite the dangers.

Ava the Monster Slayer by Lisa Maggiore, illustrated by Ross Felten, is an origin story, and it seems as though there are more adventures to come for Ava.  My daughter adores these adventure stories, and this one has great illustrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: challenges, children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Piglet Bo Can Do Anything! by Geert de Kockere, illustrated by Tineke Van Hemeldonck

August 28, 2015 by

Source: Sky Pony Press
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
I am an Amazon Affiliate

Piglet Bo Can Do Anything! by Geert de Kockere, illustrated by Tineke Van Hemeldonck, is a story that will give kids the self-confidence to embark on any journey no matter how big or small.  Piglet Bo psyches himself up through his mantra, “If I want to, I can do anything.”  He thinks about each task and repeats his mantra, and even as kids and parents know that some of the feats he strives to accomplish are impossible, Piglet Bo overcomes the odds, with a little bit of help from nature and the animals around him.  Even though Piglet Bo believes he has accomplished great things on his own, it will become clear to kids and their parents that he’s had help along the way.

This collection of vignettes involving Piglet Bo can become a series of teachable moments for kids about having confidence in their own abilities but also learning to be humble enough to realize that they may need help along the way.  My daughter believes she can do anything, and she’s confident that she can accomplish any task she sets her mind to, whether it’s as simple as putting the straw in her own juice box or getting the dresses out of her closet.  While she still has trouble accepting help, books like Piglet Bo can help reassure her that accepting help does not mean she is incapable of the task.  My mantra for her is, give it a try and when you think you want help, ask.  This enables her to try new things and do it herself, while letting her know that she can ask me for assistance and still garner a sense of accomplishment.

The illustrations in Piglet Bo Can Do Anything! by Tineke Van Hemeldonck, are wonderfully done, with a mixture of simply drawn animals and paint strokes.  Piglet Bo is set to have a series of adventures in this book, right alongside younger readers.

About the Author:

Geert De Kockere studied to become a teacher but instead became a professional journalist. Currently he is the editor of Buitenbeen, a nature magazine for Flanders and the Netherlands. He has written many children’s books, including several collections of poems, and has won a variety of book prizes for his work. He resides in Kempen, Belgium.

About the Illustrator:

Tineke Van Hemeldonck studied graphic design, specializing in illustration, at Provinciale Hogeschool Limburg in Hasselt. She has done all kinds of graphic design work, and this is her first children’s book. She currently resides in Bunsbeek, Belgium.

Filed Under: challenges, children's fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2015, review copy, reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Mailbox Monday #334

August 3, 2015 by

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia at To Be Continued, formerly The Printed Page, has a permanent home at its own blog.

To check out what everyone has received over the last week, visit the blog and check out the links.  Leave yours too.

Also, each week, Leslie, Vicki, and I will share the Books that Caught Our Eye from everyone’s weekly links.

Here’s what I received:

1.  The Race for Paris by Meg Waite Clayton for review in September with TLC Book Tours.

Normandy, 1944. To cover the fighting in France, Jane, a reporter for the Nashville Banner, and Liv, an Associated Press photographer, have already had to endure enormous danger and frustrating obstacles—including strict military regulations limiting what women correspondents can do. Even so, Liv wants more.

Encouraged by her husband, the editor of a New York newspaper, she’s determined to be the first photographer to reach Paris with the Allies, and capture its freedom from the Nazis.

However, her Commanding Officer has other ideas about the role of women in the press corps. To fulfill her ambitions, Liv must go AWOL. She persuades Jane to join her, and the two women find a guardian angel in Fletcher, a British military photographer who reluctantly agrees to escort them. As they race for Paris across the perilous French countryside, Liv, Jane, and Fletcher forge an indelible emotional bond that will transform them and reverberate long after the war is over.

NotBlackWhite2.  Not Black and White by G.A. Beller, which arrived unexpectedly from Tandem Literary and one that will be passed onto someone who would enjoy this.

First time author G. A. Beller creates a fictionalized accounting of the characters and events surrounding this time in Chicago politics. His storytelling will place the reader inside the smoke-filled back rooms where political deals are made. Inspired by true events, Beller’s speculation of how these events played out leaves the reader to interpret fact from fiction.

 

3. Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of the Seasons by Margaret Wise Brown for review from Sterling Children’s Books.

Fluffy clouds, butterflies, furry bunnies, and life from a bug’s-eye view: This stunning sequel to the New York Times bestseller Goodnight Songs celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature all year long. Once again, a treasure trove of Margaret Wise Brown’s newly uncovered verses receives loving treatment from 12 award-winning artists, including Floyd Cooper, Peter Brown, David Small, Molly Idle, and Bob Staake. From a little bear singing one morning in May to a soft snowfall, mysterious, deep, and glowing, each song is magical.

An accompanying CD, with lilting songs beautifully composed and sung by Emily Gary and Tom Proutt, makes this the perfect gift for children.

4.  How to Entertain, Distract, and Unplug Your Kids by Matthew Jervis for review from Skyhorse Publishing.

Face it. Your kids don’t want you around ALL the time! As much as you’d like to build that go-cart or that amazing tree house for them, you also need a little time for yourself!

Sure, we’d all like to hand our kids the phone when things get tough, but down deep we know that screen time will not build world leaders. So how does a parent like you keep those little rug rats entertained and engaged in a meaningful way while you get your own stuff done?

Well, this book is a good start! With these simple tricks, you will turn their boredom into fun, teachable, and productive (sometimes) moments in this irreverent yet practical guide.

From photo bombing magazines in the dentist’s office to sock matching speed trials to making bread, this book provides spontaneous activities that kids can do with or without you, leaving time for you to do parent stuff like making dinner, reading the paper, or enjoying a glass of wine.

5.  Piglet Bo Can Do Anything! by Geert De Kockere, illustrated by Tineke Van Hemeldonck for review from Sky Pony Press.

Piglet Bo finds friends on his journey—a whale, a pigeon, a bull—and they inspire and help him when they can, but ultimately it takes courage and daring for Piglet Bo to attempt the impossible. Piglet Bo is the bravest and most determined little piglet, with a heart set on adventure. There are no limits to what he can do, and young readers will fall in love with his sweet and endearing resolve. Geert De Kockere writes Piglet Bo’s adventures in simple, playful language, filled with light humor. Tineke Van Hemeldonck’s brilliant mixed-media illustrations bring the story to life, and even the littlest readers will have fun spotting the elusive, lucky four-leaf clover hidden on each page.

What did you receive?

Filed Under: mailbox monday, meme Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,