Children's Book Review on Little Elephant's Long Nose (Animal Tales) by Rachel Elliot

About Rachel

Childhood

I was born in Cornwall. The first few years of my life were spent between a housing estate in Essex and a caravan in a field in Wales. But then we moved to Devon and liked it so much that we decided to stay.

Growing up in the country involved:

Climbing trees
Building dens
Chasing cows
Making mud pies
Falling out of trees
Falling into streams
Running away from cows
Nettle stings

Growing Up

At school I developed a great love of literature and poetry, and was lucky enough to have inspiring English teachers who encouraged me to write my own stories. I went to university in Canterbury, where I studied English literature.

After leaving university I travelled around a lot and did so many different jobs that I have lost count of them. I was a stewardess on a paddle steamer for a while, as well as a chalet maid in the French Alps and a flower picker in the south west. Then I decided to try something new, and went to work in London for a publishing company who made children's books.

Nowadays . . .

I have come back to live in Devon, and I love it very much. I like the hustle and bustle of the city too, but I think I would go loopy if I lived there. I like being able to see the land meeting the sky, so I live in an old cottage on the edge of Dartmoor.

I am very lucky because I get paid to do something I love. I think that writing is the best job in the world, and that writing for children is the best kind - and the most fun.

Rachel's Website http://rachelelliot.co.uk/index.html

About Book

Little Elephant doesn't like his long trunk.

It get's in the way of games and trips up his friends.

It's just a nuisance! But one hot day, Little Elephant finds out that his trunk is ver special indeed!

Children will love this Hearwaming story and the friendly illustrations.

This book comes in a Boardbook, 12 pages

Published 2011 by Igloo Books Ltd

ISBN 9780857345806
ASIN 08573450X
Buy on Amazon

Also paperback Paperback, 16 pages

Published January 1st 2010 by Igloo Books Ltd

ASIN 1848526970
Buy on Amazon

My Thoughts

This is a darling book, Little Elephant did not like his long nose it got in the way when he played with his friends. He cried to his mother and she explained some of the benefits of his long nose. So the next time he went out to play with his friends he had a big suprise for his friends. His Nose!

Read the book to see how Little Elephant overcame his insecurities about his nose.


I recommend this book.

     Rated

     Book 

Disclosure:

This is a personal copy of mine and was not compensated by anyone for this review. It is my own opinion.

Perk Up Your Sewing/Craft Room

Here are some really cute ideas for perking up you sewing/craft room.  Spring is on the way let's do some spring cleaning and organizing.

McCalls 

 Kwik Sew Patterns

K3886

POUCH WITH PINCUSHION
Square pincushion is filled with sand and attached to a cover that holds a ceramic tile. Lined pouch has tubing in top edge and is attached to tile cover with a strap, allowing pouch to hang over the edge of a table. Tile cover, strap, and pouch band are from contrast fabric.

CUP ORGANIZER
Cup organizer is double with fleece inner lining, has divided pocket on outside, and bias binding on outer edge. Pocket is from contrast fabric. Top edge folds over top of cup.

K3571  
Ironing Board Cover, Caddy, 
Pressing Ham & Sleeve Roll

Designed for woven fabrics
Suggested Fabrics: Cotton, cotton types, calicos. Sleeve Roll & Ham—Cotton, wool & lining.

IRONING BOARD COVER
Ironing board cover has bias tape casing on outer edge with elastic.

CADDY
Caddy attaches to ironing board cover, has pocket with gathers at top edge and finished with contrast or self fabric binding. Pocket has elastic with loops to hold sewing tools and accessories.

PRESSING HAM & SLEEVE ROLL
Pressing Ham and Sleeve Roll have wool fabric on one side and cotton on other side, and inner lining filled with sawdust.

K3464 Bag, Quilt Roll and Organizer

This Bag, Quilt Roll and Organizer are designed for woven fabrics. We suggest cotton, cotton types, calico, nylon, poplin, decorator fabrics, denim, and twill.

This Pattern contains a bag, quilt roll and organizer.

The lined bag is made from three different fabrics and has fusible fleece interlining, wide bottom with stabilizer, two inside patch pockets with zippers, outside pockets with shaped top edges, bindings on top edges of bag and outer pockets, and button and loop closure.

The quilt roll has fabric on the outside, flannel on the inside, contrast fabric binding on the outer edges, and a ribbon tie closure.

The organizer is made from three different fabrics and has fusible fleece interlining, clear vinyl pockets with zippers, and binding on the outer edges. The organizer can be folded and closed with Velcro® for travel, or it can be hung from the handle.

Butterick 

B5767

Sewing Room Organizers

B4476 Fat Quarter Sewing Accessories

McCalls

M2723

Sewing Room Essentials

McCalls

M5017

Sewing Machine Cover and Accessories

If you have any Sewing Room photos you would like to share please leave a link in comment!

Thanks! Patricia aka Mamaw

Spotlight on OKIDDO Kids Boutique on Etsy

Member of Children Are Our Future Team on Etsy

Shop Owner

• 
  Ellen
  

  Waipawa, Hawke's Bay,
  New Zealand
• Profile

Baby Boy Onesie with Vest and Tie

 in Brown and White - 3 -6 months

Your little boy will steal everyone's heart in this gorgeous long sleeved onesie!

This white cotton onesie has long sleeves. The brown striped vest, with tiny green and blue stripes, and the brown gingham tie are handmade appliques and are sewn to the onesie. The vest is finished of with two natural wooden buttons.

Size: 3 - 6 months (but also available in other sizes: please convo me!)

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

House Tote Bag for little girls in Fuchsia Pink

This is just such an adorable little bag for little girls!

Every little girl will love this bag and can now take her bag with her when she goes out; just like mum!

This bag is made of pure cotton fabric in different patterns of fuchsia pink and has handmade appliques in cotton of a window (with lovely wood flowers), a door (with button) and a tree applique.

The edge of the roof is made from gorgeous fuchsia pink pompom band. The strap is also made from natural, cotton band and finished of with green and white dotted ribbon. The inside of the bag is made from natural, cotton fabric.

Measurements: 23 cm (height) x 20 cm (width)

This item is ready to ship and will soon be available in more different color combinations!

Soft Toy Bunny Oliver for Kids in Grey 

with Orange Heart and Long Ears and Legs

This adorable bunny in grey with orange accents is ready to ship and can't wait to find a new home!

This bunny is handmade with high quality materials.

Kids will love this very soft, cute bunny! It is completely safe and easy to hold for even the smallest hands!

The bunny is made in soft, grey knitted cotton fabric, his heart is made of orange felt, his eyes embroidered in black and the ears and legs are lined with the most gorgeous cotton in the same grey colors with a bird print on it.

Size body: 26 x 16 cm

Total length incl. legs: 56 cm

I advice to hand wash this product in luke warm water, if needed!

 THANKS TO ELLEN @ OKIDDO KIDS BOUTIQUE ON ETSY 

FOR SHARING THIS DARLING SHOP AND 

THE HANDMADE CUTIES.  

STOP BY THE SHOP BECAUSE THERE IS SO 

MUCH MORE TO ENJOY!

Giveaway/Review COUGAR CUB TALES: The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

About Book

• ISBN-13: 9780983943709
• Publisher: B & F Publishing
• Publication date: 1/28/2012
• Pages: 38
• Age range: Up to 9 years
• Product dimensions: 10.50 (w) x 9.50 (h) x 0.45 (d)
• Binding: Hardcover

Looking for The Sneezy Wheezy Day in eBook format? It is here. Or rather purchase on Amazon? Book here. And eBook here.


From the award-winning series, COUGAR CUB TALES: The Sneezy Wheezy Day continues the adventures of the cougar cub brother and sister as they venture into the world to play. When one of the cubs becomes ill, they decide to seek their well-intentioned friends for treatments and remedies for brother cougar's ailment. One friend even tells the cub, "Tickle your nose with the tail of a goose and do it before the next blue moon rise!". Although the recommendations are sincere, the final remedy is a sibling's love. The rhyming verse is captivating, not just for the child, but for the adult reader, and it is illustrated with incredibly vivid watercolors. It is a heartwarming story about negotiating childhood illness, but in a hilarious and lighthearted way. Make sure your child searches for the small additional creature on each page!


About Author

Sharon Jean Cramer was born in Jamestown, New York in 1960. Sharon’s education includes a Master’s in Anesthesia Education from Gonzaga, with her minor area of study in fine arts at the University of Houston. She pulls heavily from her experiences in healthcare to consider subject material for her children’s books. 

She also pulls from very personal experience for The Sneezy Wheezy Day. Her twin sister struggled with childhood illness for many years. Sharon observed that the treatments, though helpful and therapeutic were not what was ultimately most significant. What mattered most to Vonnie was the family and friends around her, who supported and loved her. 

Sharon is surrounded by her own cubs. Her three sons all live in Spokane, and though grown, have opinions about the cougar cubs. Lost and Alone was actually written for her youngest son, Chase, when he was born. It is about his two older brothers, who were eight and ten years old at the time! Cole and Shad tangled on occasion so it was easy for Sharon to write about sibling rivalry and conflict resolution! 

Sage is Sharon’s granddaughter, loves the Cougar Cub Tales, and is a tough critic! She pits the cubs against Dora, Spongebob and of course the Disney princesses, but so far, the Cougar Cubs hold their own (and dad doesn’t bore so quickly over reading them over, and over, and over!)

Sharon’s husband, Daryl, is a nurse anesthetist, and ‘personal organizer’ for Sharon. He is also chef, karaoke partner, best friend, and inspiration to the author. He is a good voice of reason, sometimes editor, and unlikely audience during studio recordings. (More than one take has occurred due to
his enthusiastic presence!). If you see Sharon at a big event, say hello to Daryl as well. He is
usually close by.

My Thoughts

In The Sneezy Wheezy Day brother cub and sister cub were enjoying their playful day until brother cub complained that he was not feeling so well. Sister cub suggested they go to some of their fellow forest friends for advice. So they went to White Owl, King Stag, Canadian Goose, Red Fox, Razorback Hog and Grizzly Old Bear and each one of their friends had a different remedy for him to try. Some where sensible but some were a little bazaar. The characters were very charming and showed concern for brother cub.

But the best remedy of all was from his sister cub which included kittycat tea, his favorite pillow and blanky plus tender loving care.

I think that is what most of us would recommend to a loved one that wasn't feeling well. Have them drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. My favorite is read to them an awesome book just like this one, with tender loving care.

The illustrations were colorful and stirred the imagination.

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from B & F Publishing/PR by the BOOK.  In no way was I compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Now for the Giveaway!

B & F Publishing has been kind enough to provide a copy of "The Sneezy Wheezy Day" by Sharon Cramer  for the giveaway.


To enter giveaway click here it will take you to It's Time to Read Mamaw!


I will be choosing the winner by using the Random Generator.
There will be one winner. I will keep the entries open until  March 20, 2012.


The winner will be announced on Monday, March 21, 2012.


Good Luck! Blessings to All!
Patricia aka Mamaw

LINKY FOLLOWER Party Hop 3-14-2012

Are you following lots of other NEW LINKY FOLLOWERS and leaving them comments?
Lots of people are sending me thank yous for all the increased traffic and followers.

3-14-2012

Have you tried the NEW awesome tool–Linky Followers

It has so many amazing features (that GFC never had). If you have not signed up you should. (yes you can have both.) I love the new tool so much and want everyone to enjoy all the new features.

…and did I tell you its super easy and FREE!

What better way to celebrate a fun new blogging tool than to have a party

so break out your poodle skirt and saddle back shoes cuz’ we’re having a

LINKY FOLLOWER PARTY HOP

RULES:

1. You MUST have the LINKY FOLLOWERS tool on your site to participate.

If you see that your link has been deleted you need to add the LINKY FOLLOWER tool to your site and then come back over and re-enter your link
{You can have both the LINKY FOLLOWERS & GFC on your site but you must have the LINKY FOLLOWERS tool to participate in this party hop.}

2. You MUST follow the person who has the party on their site as a thank you.

3. Just add your blog button to the LINKY PARTY below.

4.Then grab the BLOG HOP code

You will find the code right under the Linky Party where it says CLICK HERE TO ENTER–

just under that it says: WHAT IS A BLOG HOP? GET THE CODE HERE

Click on GET THE CODE HERE and enter it into a post on your site.

You can grab the party button code in the FOOTER at Its So Very Cheri

You can grab info from my post if it helps you with your post.

5. Then you follow other bloggers–(as many as you want)
–leave each one of the blogs that you follow a comment letting them know you are following them and ask them to follow you back.

If you want to add the BLOG HOP to your own site you will get lots of new followers–(see rule #2)

Its So Very Cheri has and will continue to visit every entry-I try to leave comments but this party has had so many entries and in order to get to everyone I had to change things around. I will come by to make sure you have the Linky Follower tool and follow you. I can’t leave messages for everyone.

I plan on HOPPING from BLOG to BLOG to follow everyone who follows me.

You will see this button in your list of followers.

…So do ya want to go Cruisin’?

If you would like to participate in a fun PIN party head over to the DIY Club and enter the monthly PINNING Party.

Litfuse Tour/Prizes: Gabby's Stick to it Day by Shelia Walsh

/

About the book: Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day

Gabby is a little guardian angel with a big job to do! Watching over Sophie is hard work, but Gabby knows that God wants her to stick to it.


Gabby, God’s Little Angel, flies to the rescue as Sophie attempts to help others but has a little trouble sticking with things. Sophie tries to be helpful by washing the family dog for her mom, but she gives up when she’s the one who ends up all wet. She then tries to be kind by reading to her little brother, but he has plans of his own, which include a splash of cereal right in Sophie’s face! When Sophie is ready to quit once again, it’s up to Gabby to encourage her to keep trying and to teach her what the Bible says about perseverance: “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NCV)

About Sheila:


Sheila Walsh is a Bible teacher, speaker, singer, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. Sheila Walsh is the creator of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® brand, which has sold over 1.5 million units and won two National Retailer's Choice Awards. As a featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability and humor with God's Word. She resides in Dallas with her husband Barry and son Christian.

Visit www.sheilawalsh.com for more information about Sheila, her other books or Women of Faith.

Gabby's back ... and she's brought a Kindle Fire Giveaway with her!


Meet Gabby for yourself here. || Read what people are saying here.


Enter today - Sheila and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have put together a prize package worth over $200!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A brand new KINDLE Fire with Wi-Fi
• Gabby, God’s Little Angel 
• Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day

But wait! There’s more …

The winner will be announced on the Gabby Landing page on 4/2/12. In the meantime, enter to win the Kindle Fire then head over to the Tommy Nelson site and download the Gabby coloring sheets, watch Sheila's Gabby video, sign up for news about upcoming Gabby and Thomas Nelson products, and much more.

Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=140031805X&title=Gabby_God%27s_Little_Angel&author=Sheila_Walsh

My Thoughts:


Raffles, a senior angel, was asking the Gabby and her friends about the child each angel was watching over. Gabby seemed to have a problem with the child, Sophie, she is watching over. It appears Sophie never seems to finish any task she starts. She gets frustrated and gives up too soon. This happens over and over again. Gabby is always there rescuing her from pending disasters. Gabby is at her whits ends as to how to get through to Sophie to encourage her to finish what she starts.


Can Gabby really get through to poor frustrated Sophie? I think with God's guidance and His little angel Gabby it is possible for Sophie to have more confidence in herself.


I was very touched by this endearing little story about Gabby and Sophie and the Stick to it Day. The illustrations depict the authors writing without any doubt as to what the story is about. Even if a child just looks at the pictures they will be able to tell what Gabby and Sophie are up to. Of course you must read the book with to the child so they will get the full picture. I am sure your child with be delighted with this book.


I highly recommend this book. In fact I will be passing it on to my two year old granddaughter.


I rate this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure


I was provided a free copy of this book by Tommy Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.


If you liked this review click here to vote!



Blog tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13464258/sheilawalshgabby

Handmade Easter Basket Tutorials Found on KIKI CREATES

2011 Post Found on KIKI CREATES

Check out the tutorials on KiKi Creates

All About Easter is here! I am super excited for all of my amazing guests the next two weeks.  You will find a little bit of everything and hope it helps you get all ready for the upcoming holiday!  I would love it if you want to advertise All About Easter by grabbing a button and putting on your blog...post about it, tweet about it..the more visitors, the better!:)

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy making Easter baskets! Crazy, crazy, I know, but more than saving money, I love personalizing my kids baskets.  Here are a few I have made in years past:

This year, I was flipping through 

Chasing Fireflies and saw this cute thing: 

So sweet and so

 simple that of course I thought, 

"I won't pay $28 for it, I will make it for under $5!"

And that is just what I did.

Sharing Post from Sew Many Ways...: List Your Likes and Dislikes About a Blog...

Sew Many Ways...: List Your Likes and Dislikes About a Blog...: We all love blogging. Whether we are the author of a blog, the reader or both, we all have our likes and dislikes about a blog or the way ...

Also check out this link on her blog. http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/04/sewingcraft-room-ideas-and-updates.html

My Thoughts On Blogging Comments!

Think About It Bloggers!  Are comments important to you!  We leave a comment on a blog more than likely we should get a comment back.  This is a courtesy we should all make a part of our daily blogging.  Spread some Blessing and Love to your fellow bloggers.  Who knows we might get some unexpected loyal followers/friends.

Free Digital Copy - Quilt of Faith & Quilt of Joy by Mary Tatem

FREE DIGITAL COPY ON BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIAN BOOK AND AMAZON
                                                       
About Book  
                                                                                                    

Quilters understand with every stitch how God can make even scraps wonderfully new and striking with a little time, imagination, and love. In these touching books, Mary Tatem pieces together spiritual insights and stories of quilters into devotionals that feature some of the most beloved and recognizable quilt patterns in America. Readers will discover the historical background of each pattern and be enchanted by the spiritual reflections on joy, faith, creativity, gratitude, patience, hope, and more. Encouragement, inspiration, and celebration--as well as some great stories--await readers as they discover that, in God's design, even the smallest scraps or most frayed fragments can be fashioned into something new, complete, comfort-giving, and beautiful.

FREE DIGITAL COPY ON BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIAN BOOK AND AMAZON

About Book


Quilters understand with every stitch how God can make even scraps wonderfully new and striking with a little time, imagination, and love. In these touching books, Mary Tatem pieces together spiritual insights and stories of quilters into devotionals that feature some of the most beloved and recognizable quilt patterns in America. Readers will discover the historical background of each pattern and be enchanted by the spiritual reflections on joy, faith, creativity, gratitude, patience, hope, and more. Encouragement, inspiration, and celebration--as well as some great stories--await readers as they discover that, in God's design, even the smallest scraps or most frayed fragments can be fashioned into something new, complete, comfort-giving, and beautiful.

Also available from this same author at the same stores.
ChristianBook.com HARDCOVER $2.99

Quilt of Life: A Patchwork of Inspirational Thoughts

By: Mary Tatem

ABOUT BOOK  

You’ll be inspired by stories of faith and hope in this unique collection of quilting-themed devotions. And you might even pick up some practical quilting ideas (since each devotional includes a helpful quilting tip). Whether you create quilts or simply enjoy their beauty and warmth, you’ll find encouragement in The Quilt of Life.                                                              

About Mary

I was born in Indiana, and attended Duke University in North Carolina. There, I majored in English and minored in History and prayed I’d find the husband God wanted for me. Thankfully, I met Roger Tatem, a dashing electrical engineer (yes, electrical engineers can be quite dashing). We fell madly in love and married. After graduation, he became a Navy pilot, and we traveled across the country to his various duty stations.

While my husband served our country, I stayed home to raise our children–three boys and a girl. Although I was blessed with parents who took me to church regularly as a child, it took the pressures of raising children in an imperfect world to propel me to ask Jesus Christ, my Savior, to also become my Lord. This single choice changed my life and gave me a purpose. Serving Him through encouraging people is my passion and my call.

Now, with four grown children, fifteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, my life is rich with tea parties, games, hugs and kisses. In between these happy moments, I spend my time weaving words into books, and plying a needle with the ambition to hand-make a quilt for each great grandchild. These two hobbies lead to my book, The Quilt of Life, and then to another book, and another.

Now I’m hard at work on a new fiction series, inspired in part by the rich history of the Williamsburg, Virginia area, which we now call home.

You can also come say hello on my Facebook page or send me a note through my Contact page, and tell me about your favorite quilt.  

Website http://www.marytatem.com/

Video

Mary Tatem is a popular speaker to women’s groups and churches on marriage, family relationships, and the grace of God.

View clips from her recent video appearances.