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Friday, June 28, 2013
The Scarecrow's Hat by Ken Brown ~ Giveaway
A resourceful chicken seeks the help of her farm animal friends to solve a problem, while giving something of herself along the way.
Chicken really admires Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn't have a walking stick to trade—but she knows someone who does. This begins her quest to find items to trade among her farm friends, all to obtain a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow's hat. But why does Chicken want an old straw hat?
This clever story written and illustrated by Ken Brown poses a problem and offers a creative solution that young children will delight in discovering. Brown's bright watercolors and gentle tone will keep readers captivated.
- ISBN-13: 9781561452408
- Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
- Publication date: 3/28/2001
- Pages: 32
- Age range: 2 - 6 Years
Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes&Noble
About Writer-Illustrator
Ken Brown studied illustration at Birmingham Art College in England. Brown has served both as writer-illustrator and as illustrator for numerous children’s books, among them The Scarecrow's Hat; What's the Time, Grandma Wolf?; The Wolf Is Coming!; and Mucky Pup, which was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in England. He lives with his wife, Ruth Brown, also a well-known children's illustrator, in England.
GIVEAWAY ~ U.S. residents only
Provided by Peachtree Publishers
Win a HARDCOVER Copy of
The Scarecrow's Hat
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Ends July 6th, 2013
Winner announced on July 7th, 2013
A Chicken spies a hat on the scarecrow and goes to great extents to procure that hat for herself. She is able to help out many of her friends to get items they not only want and but need. This is genius of chicken she has brought bartering to the farm and fields. She starts with Scarecrow needing a walking stick to rest his tired arms upon and ends up with the hat she knew she would be able to put to good use.
The author has written a fun story that children will enjoy with it's repetitive sing-song tale. It teaches the child to be resourceful and use their noggins instead of going out and spending money for what they might want or need. The characters are actually helping planet Earth by recycling items and putting them to good use. The illustrations were very cute, I especially liked Scarecrow and Owl with his spectacles.
I highly recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, librarians, educators, parents and of course children.
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| I rated this book 5 out of 5. |
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Sneak Peek ~ My Children's/Picture Book ~ Don't Call Me Fluffy!
HERE IS A SNEAK PEEK OF MY ATTEMPT
AT WRITING A CHILDREN'S BOOK!
(Me speaking)
Oh, honey Jasmine had her kittens there are two black ones and two gray ones.
(John the man)
Look one of the black and one of the gray kittens are bobtails like Jasmine.
***A few weeks go by.
(John/Man)
Well dear it looks like their eyes are open.
(Me/Lady)
How cute they are so very fluffy.
(John/Man)
Yes, I see and they seem to be moving around pretty good. The little gray bobtail seems be dragging it's back legs.
(Me/Lady)
I think something might be wrong with little Fluffy.
(John/Man)
Don't worry, just wait and see how he does in the next few weeks.
***A few more weeks go by.
(John/Man)
Fluffy bobtail sure is holding his own with his brothers.
(Lady)
Are you sure they aren't going to hurt Fluffy.
(John/Man laughing)
He seems to be getting the best of them.
***Out and about with the kittens. They are free to explore the great outdoors. (the kittens call me and John the Keepers)
(Kittens)
Hey don't the Keepers call you Fluffy (laughing). Fluffy, Fluffy (more laughing) You even walk funny! Bet you can't catch me Fluffy!
(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Mom! Tell them to stop calling me Fluffy. How can they call me Fluffy? I am a boy not a little girl. There isn't anything wrong with the way I walk. Is there?
(Mom Jasmine)
Now boys don't pick on your brother. It is just taking him a bit longer to get use to his legs than the rest of you and don't call him Fluffy. Mr.Owl will soon give you names but first he must watch you for a few weeks to see what name best suits each of you and I am pretty sure none of you will be called Fluffy.
(Jasmine)
Mr. Owl! Mr. Owwwl!
(Mr Owl)
Whooww whooww is there!
(Jasmine)
It's me, Jasmine.
(Mr Owl)
Hello Mrs. Jasmine I have been keeping watch over you kittens. They seem to be picking on gray bobtail.
(Jasmine)
Yes, that is why I came to see you. He is beginning to notice he is different from his brothers. He has a hard time keeping up with them. But other than his legs not working right he seems to be as rambunctious as his brothers. On top of that the Keepers have started calling him Fluffy and pamper him as if he were special. If you have time would you please talk to him. You are so very wise I am sure it would help him.
***The next day.
(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Mr Owl! Hello. Are you home?
(Mr Owl)
Well well if it isn't Mrs. Jasmine's gray bobtail.
(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Hello sir, Mom said you wanted to speak with me about something.
(Mr Owl)
Yes, Yes I hear your brothers are teasing you calling you Fluffy. I wouldn't worry about that too much I am sure you have called them silly names before. Right?
(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Rrriight.
(Mr Owl)
I have noticed you seem to be having a little difficulty with your back legs.
(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Yes sir, they just don't seem to want to cooperate. I can't run as fast as my brothers or even walk very well without them tripping me up. Then there is that big dog Cocoa that keeps picking me up and giving me a bath. My brothers are able to run fast enough to get away from him but I just can't run fast enough and he catches me every time.
(Mr Owl)
I tell you what son why don't you watch some of the other animals like Squirrel, Rabbit, Raccoon and Possum and see how they get around maybe they have some suggestions.
(Flurry/gray bobtail)
Thanks Mr. Owl that is a great idea!
(Mr Owl)
Let me know how it goes!
(Fluffy?gray bobtail)
I will sir! Goodbye!
*****
I DID NOT GET ANY FURTHER.
THE STORY IS ABOUT ONE OF OUR KITTENS THAT APPEARED TO NOT HAVE USE OF HIS BACK LEGS POSSIBLY PARALYZED. BUT HE WAS DETERMINED TO KEEP UP WITH HIS LITTER MATES. AS HE STARTED MOVING AROUND THE BACK HALF OF HIM RESEMBLED A FROG, INCLUDING A LARGE STOMACH & FLAT BACK. HE LEARNED TO HOP ON HIS BACK LEGS & IN TIME HE GOT AROUND MORE LIKE A RABBIT, STANDING HIGH IN THE FRONT & LOW IN THE BACK. WE NAMED HIM WASCALLY WABBIT. PEOPLE HAD THE AUDACITY TO ASK IF HE WAS HIS SIRE WAS A RABBIT ESPECIALLY SINCE HE HAD A LITTLE COTTON BOBTAIL. DUH! PEOPLE, HE IS A CAT!
SO BACK TO THE STORY. I HAD INTENDED TO HAVE FLUFFY/GRAY BOBTAIL GET ADVICE FROM THE OTHER ANIMALS MR. OWL SUGGESTED HE SPEAK WITH. HE ENDED UP TAKING MR. RABBITS ADVICE AND ENDED UP BEING THE FASTEST CAT IN THE COUNTY AND WAS PROUD TO BE NAMED WASCALLY WABBIT BECAUSE HE WAS AS FAST AS A RABBIT.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!
Hugs,
PATRICIA aka MAMAW
OH BROTHER! A NICO AND TUGGER TALE by KIMBERLY SENTEK, illustrations by EUMIR CARLO FERNANDEZ
About Book
‘Nico and Tugger’ Teach Children about New Siblings
New book explores sibling rivalry, growing a family
HAMILTON, N.J.–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.”
ISBN: 978-1466942875
Publisher: Trafford
Date of publish: October 2012
Pages: 28
About Kimberly
Kimberly Sentek lives in New Jersey with her two dogs, Nico and Tugger. They love long walks around the neighborhood, eating popcorn, and having their bellies rubbed. For more information on the author or to download puzzles and coloring pages, please visit www.kimberlysentek.com .
Who am I? I am a daughter, a sister, a niece, a goddaughter, a godmother, a friend, occasionally a poet, a softie for animals and kids, and now a children’s book author. I may not be the best at these at all times, but I am me. I am OK with that; I hope that you are too!
- I was so obsessed with “Nancy Drew” books as a child that I tried to convince my cousins to give me the nickname “Drew.” They didn’t…
- I cried at the end of To Kill a Mockingbird.
- I love the look of old books on a bookshelf.
- I was an editor years ago. I enjoy and miss that kind of work.
- One day I hope my bookshelf is full of books I have written, whether it’s children’s books or adult fiction (I’m still toying around with the latter).
- I have a soft spot for cockapoos. Nico and Tugger, the two dogs that currently own me, are both cockapoos.
- As a child, I thought our dog Basha was huge. Looking back, I realize that she was probably 25 pounds at the most, which may be why she didn’t like when I tried to ride her like a horse.
- A Billy Squier concert was the first that I ever attended.
- My longest crush is Jon Bon Jovi; our relationship is the longest romantic one that I have had. It’s a shame he doesn’t know about it.
Kimberly would like you to Meet Nico and Tugger!
Nico
A cocker spaniel and poodle mix am I.
Every time I’m in the car I cry.
If I get reprimanded I grumble,
Sometimes loudly, sometimes as a mumble.
I like my ears and belly to be rubbed,
But dislike bathtime in the tub.
I wag my tail if Mommy looks at me,
But I don’t think she gives enough treats.
In our house also is my brother, Tugger.
I love him, even when he’s a bugger.
I let him think he’s got the top spot,
But does he really? He does not.
I have owned and loved Mom for nine-plus years.
Anything but her singing is music to my ears.
I know I am quite the lucky pup.
This is a life I’d never give up!
 |
| All duded up for Easter! |
A cocker spaniel and poodle mix am I.
At four years old, I am quite the cute guy.
I am always ready to give a kiss.
For me, showing my love is pure bliss.
I always try to be at Mommy’s side or feet.
When I am, life is oh-so sweet!
Call anything out and I will run–
Even if it’s not my name I will come!
And if your eyes make contact with mine
Please know I’ll think it’s belly-rub time.
I always walk when I go “number two”
And enjoy finding used tissues to chew.
I have a brother Nico–he’s the best!
With all the love in my life I know I am blessed!
Sometimes I’m “top dog”–sometimes I’m not,
But no matter what, I’m in a great spot!
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| Ho! Ho! Ho! |
Sibling rivalry even exist with dogs. There are two tails, sorry I mean to tales to this story, Nico's tale and Tugger's tale.
Nico was not asked if he would like a little brother. In his opinion this little guy was invading his territory and he was not a happy Tugger was in his home. Tugger was very hyper and was so bold as to take Nico's toys without permission and people were totally ignoring Nico and giving all their attention to Tugger. But Nico has to admit Tugger is very entertaining maybe he will give him a chance.
Do you think Nico will warm up to Tugger?
No one asked Tugger if he wanted to be adopted into a new family. In his new home the people are really nice and give him lots of attention. But they have another dog named Nico and he is a big grouch. He does not seem to like Tugger. Maybe if Tugger tries to play with Nico he would consider welcoming Tugger as his brother. Tugger has made some headway by making Nico laugh.
Do you think Tugger will grow on Nico?
This is a fun story about sibling rivalry and adjusting to a new member of the family. The author takes a real life situation most of us are very familiar with when it comes to children and pets and she puts it to print in this darling book. She shows how Nico fears of losing his special relationship with his family because of this new puppy not realizing it will enhance his life with one more to love.
The illustrations depicts the story the author has writting and captures the perfect image of Nico and tugger and their antics.
I have two Labs, Casper the father and Cocoa the son. They have been a true blessing to our family and have given us more entertain than we ever imagined was possible. I totally relate to this cute story of Nico and Tugger.I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book fro Bostick Communications/Author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
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| BOSTICK COMMUNICATIONS |
Sunday, June 23, 2013
TIBBY AND HIS FRIEND'S BIG SECRET by CARL KEGERREIS ~ INTERVIEW
A BOY, HIS DOG, HIS FRIENDS, AN ADVENTURE...AND A BIG SECRET
Tibby and his dog Starber a longhaired shepherd who is brave,smart,and talented live in a rural Midwestern town, and along with their friends, they can always find fun and adventure. But things get very strange when Tibby meets Coley and Darnell, a sister and brother who’ve moved into the creepy mansion down the road, and it isn’t long before Tibby and his friends discover an amazing secret...
Inspired by the author’s first love Big Red, a stray Irish setter he disentangled from a cornfield fence and subsequently adopted Tibby and His Friend's Big Secret is an exciting tale for boys and girls and animal lovers everywhere.
- ISBN-13: 9781432744496
- Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
- Publication date: 1/8/2010
- Pages: 100
- Category: Juvenile Fiction
- Ages: 9 - 12
About Carl Kegerreis
Carl Kegerreis attended Ball State University and was drafted into the Army his junior year. He trained Army sentry dogs and a German shepherd police dog for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, achieving the position of Division Chief and retiring after 34 years. Kegerreis lives in Ohio with Sandra, his wife of 47 years. They have three children and five grandchildren.
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| Carl with his granddaughters - Ashley and Megan INTERVIEW WITH CARL KEGERREIS |
I am Carl Kegerreis
This is a story about Tibby, his dog Starber, his friend Rex, and a bully- Fogel who becomes their friend. Tibby has a dream that almost becomes reality. The boys meet a girl Coley and her brother Darnell on a wild and scary exciting adventure.
They soon discover a big secret and can't tell anyone. Can you keep their secret?
I had written a biography about my life as a child, teenager, my education in college, the Army, my career on the railroad and my involvement in criminal cases. I gave a book to my family and relatives.
My daughter who is a 4th grade teacher in San Antonio, Texas, requested a story for her class. Two granddaughters discovered their Aunt was receiving a story so I was hearing, "Pappy we want a story." I gave my manuscript to my oldest granddaughter who took it to school Her 5th grade teacher read the story to her class and I was requested to publish the story.
I took the story to a Principal in a local elementary school as a reading project who didn't know me or my family. Again I was told to publish the story.
I sent the story to Outskirts Press and the book was published January 8,2010.
The book is for beginner readers, boys and girls ages 9 to 12, or adults who love animals.
The book has no pictures. The content creates the reader to use their imagination and at the end of the story are several pages for the boys or girls to draw and color the characters, buildings, and the secret.
Fleeing A Country Seeking A New Life is the second book I have written for adults and was published by Bookstand Publishing Co., December 2011. The story is about a family who flees Lebanon and finds a new life in the USA. I have recently written a Memoir titled- They Saved Or Have Prolonged My Life. I believe this information may help any person who discovers that they have a disease like mine. I want the reader to understand why a yearly physical is so important, and there is a great hospital to treat this disease which is the Cleveland Clinic.This story is about my physical in July 2011, when I and my wife's lives changed because I was fighting an abdominal cancer first found as a swelling and after surgery the size of a soccer- ball I write how my Guardian Angel, the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at the Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Clinic, have saved my life or as the Doctors told us, "Carl we haven't saved your life we have prolonged it." My latest return to the Clinic on March 29, 2013, after a c-scan indicated I am still in a recovery mode. I am presently waiting for authorization from the Cleveland Clinic to publish this Memoir. All the royalty proceeds will be sent to the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center.
I and my granddaughters are writing a sequel from Tibby And His Friend's Big Secret to be published this year. The title is- Hunting E-Lock. E-Lock is a character in Tibby And His Friend's Big Secret.
My Thoughts
Tibby and his friends never expected such a wild adventure. Tibby's dog Starber goes everywhere with him even on his new job delivering newspapers. There is a big problem he has to deliver a paper to a well known haunted house. He has specific instructions as to where the newspaper is to land and that is right at the front door. The day he fail short of his target was the day his life changed. Was he imaging things or maybe it was just a dream? There is someone or something in that house. Should he keep it a secret or tell someone what he found?
There is a school bully that is becoming a real problem and has to be stopped. What actions would cause this bully to change his bullying ways and become a nice person? Tibby thinks he should dare the bully to visit the inside of the haunted house!
This is a fun book with many surprises for Tibby and his friends. The author has created some very imaginative characters that can only come from an talented and active imagination. At times the story gave me goosebumps. Being a mom and grandma I found myself wanting to give the kids in this story some much needed advice as to where they should and should not go. So be ready to cringe and bite your nails because this story is full of mystery and intrigue.
I recommend this book.
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bostick Communications/Author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.
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| BOSTICK COMMUNICATIONS |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Riding on a Beam of Light by Ramsey Dean ~ Blog Tour
About Book
Albert Einstein adamantly emphasized the importance of imagination and so does Riding on a Beam of Light. In this vividly illustrated storybook, lights-out turns into learning as we’re swept away by young Albert Einstein’s fantastical, and ultimately world-changing idea in an adventure that’s reminiscent of classics like Harold and the Purple Crayon and Where the Wild Things Are. At it’s heart is a story about imagination and dreaming, adventurous and engaging, with gorgeous illustrations that captures our grown-up hearts and our children’s curiosity.
Can be purchase at Amazon Kindle Store.
Visit iTunes to learn more about the story!
- Pages: 46 pages
- Publisher: The Light Beam Riders; 1 edition (April 16, 2013)
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00CX9BN20
About AuthorRamsey Dean is one of the more recognizable names in the music business, where his career has been a lifelong study of teen culture and cool kids. After graduating college and unable to get a job in the literary field, the Alphabet City denizen pursued his other passion, scoring a job at a record label and over the years inadvertently specializing in the music of the moment, working with Metallica, Megadeth, Guns n' Roses, Anthrax, Slayer, Poison, White Zombie, Pantera, Sick of it All, Ignite, Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, KMFDM, Marilyn Manson, Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon, Ja Rule, Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Silverstein, Hawthorne Heights, Atreyu, Bayside, Thursday and hundreds and hundreds of other bands along the way.
Rising through the label ranks, his passion for writing only increased, cranking out novels, screenplays, short stories, and sketch comedy, where he graduated to see his work performed on the famed Second City stage in Chicago. As his writing style garnered a following with the music audience, along with many of the artists he worked with and their fans, he finally had the opportunity to release his debut novel.
In The CoolKids: An Emotional Hardcore Odyssey (Or The Pros and Cons of Maintaining Veganity in an Increasingly Carnivorous World) Ramsey takes his rich past and creates a reality based on the timeless commonalities that each generation of would-be revolutionaries possess as well as the special quirks that make each subsequent generation thoroughly original and at the same time hopelessly cliché. If you understand the title of this novel, you'll certainly enjoy what's inside.
Twitter username: thecoolkidsbook
My Thoughts
Albert Einstein as a child had an active imagination to say the least. He would day dream and dream while sleeping. He would dream of adventures like riding on a beam of light. He would use his imagination to follow the beam of ride light through the Universe and beyond. He came up with some earth changing ideas thanks to his imagination. He would write all of his ideas down then continue to contemplate on the ideas.
The author takes young Albert as a role model and explains to children how their imagination can take them anywhere they wish to go. He encourages children to dream big. Yes, follow your dreams! From things I have heard and pictures I have seen Albert Einstein he must have been a fun person to be around even as a child. I enjoyed the story very much and I am most certain children will enjoy the story also. The illustrations were fun, brilliant in colors and imagination. It's apparent to me, the author and illustrator have been inspired by young Albert!
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from JSK Communications for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Strangers on the High Seas, A Captain No Beard Story by Carole P. Roman
Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas, Book 4 of the Captain No Beard Series by Carole P. Roman entertains while teaching valuable life lessons
Bethpage, NY – Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas, Book 4 of the Captain No Beard Series by Carole P. Roman is the widely anticipated fourth entry into the award-winning Captain No Beard series. The popular children’s series offers powerful lessons for young readers in an entertaining and engaging way.
Building upon the success of 2012 Kirkus award-winning Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirates Life and its five-star ForeWord Clarion reviewed follow-up,Captain No Beard: Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience, the series’ most recent entry brings readers back aboard the Flying Dragon to join the crew for another day of adventure.
When the Flying Dragon finds itself being pursued by a scary black ship, the crew must race to escape before Barnabus the Scurvy Dog and his crew catch up. However, when they are rescued by an unlikely hero, the crew of the Flying Dragon will learn that they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Teaching young readers the importance of tolerance, Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas uses rhymes and adventure to teach readers an important lesson. Roman explains that we must value everyone, even if they don’t look like they can help.
Combining fun and education, the Captain No Beard series stresses valuable life lessons and topics such as sharing, teamwork, loyalty and cooperation while providing children with an exciting pirate adventure.
ISBN: 978-1480177222
Publisher: CreateSpace
Date of publish: May 2013
Pages: 32
Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes&Noble
About the author:
Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.
Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. Three more Captain No Beard books are in the works. Also available, I Want To Do Yoga Too, a children’s introduction to yoga. Coming soon, If You Were Me and Lived in… South Korea, Turkey, Norway and Kenya.
Author's website: http://caroleproman.com/ , blog: http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRoman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRoman
My Thoughts
Captain No Beard is on another adventure on the high seas. There is a new crew member on the ship, Cabin Girl Cayla, she keeps everyone busy making sure she stays safe. When she is not in peril Cayla puts smiles all of the crews faces including Captain No Beard's.
To Captain No Beard's surprise a strange ship threatens to overtake their ship. But the his crew is loyal and known for working well together and this time they have new special weapon. Being a Captain is hard work, but duty calls! No matter which way the wind blows.
The author has a big winner in this story. This has to be my favorite Captain No Beards so far. I laughed so much it brought me to tears. I love the new character Cabin Girl Cayla and the surprise weapon was even a surprise to me. The illustrations were right on with the story as always and the cute depictions of Cayla were a major plus in my opinion.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author/Bostick Communications for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
MAMA'S PURSE written by AJ Irving, illustrated by Rick Thomson ~ Blog Tour
WHAT'S IN MY MAMA'S PURSE? Much more than bandages and bananas! You won't believe your eyes because so much fun hides in my mama's purse. From a yellow moose and a caboose made of juice to a trout and numbers to count, Mama's purse is full of super silly surprises. You'll never guess what zooms out next!
Purchase Book Here
Book Excerpt Here
AJ'S CHILDREN'S BOOKS, LLC is a book publishing company that specializes in picture books. Our goal is to encourage children to develop a lifelong love for books and to inspire young minds to use their mighty imaginations. AJ's Children's Books was founded in January 2011, by a mama who loves to read and write picture books. Mama's Purse is the first of many picture books to come from AJ's Children's Books.
IRVING, AUTHOR. I spent my childhood in Boise, Idaho, catching grasshoppers and writing stories. My biggest dream in the whole world was to be a writer. My first published work, a poem about my mom, appeared in Writing Without Walls when I was in elementary school. My mom still has a framed copy of the poem in the living room.In junior high school, I played sports and wrote for the school newspaper. When I grew up, I wanted to move to the Big Apple and write for the New York Times. So my grandpa and I took a trip back east to meet the New York Times Sports Editor. I shook his hand and told him I would be back in ten years for a job.
My determination to be a writer continued in high school when I contributed to myschool newspaper as a photographer, reporter, and editor. My mom is so proud of all the newspaper awards that I won in high school . . . they are still on display in my old bedroom. I decided New York City was too far away from my family, so I enrolled in the School of Journalism at the University of Oregon. My desire for a more creative writing style led me to consider a different path: magazine writing. After I graduated, my first magazine article was published in Midwifery Today.
I received a B.A. in Journalism and Women’s Studies from the University of Oregon. My entire family was very excited when I earned membership into Kappa Tau Alpha─a college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication.
In 2008, my husband and I started a family. I put down my pen and focused on reading books to our son. The excitement in his eyes inspired me to start writing children’s books. Now I can’t stop. When I’m not writing, I enjoy catching grasshoppers with my husband, Ian, and our son, Mason, in our big back yard in Idaho.
Authors blog: http://ajschildrensbooks.wordpress.com/
RICK THOMSON, ILLUSTRATOR. My dad was in the army while I was growing up, so we moved around a lot. I fell in love with art at a young age and started sketching anything and everything.
After I graduated from high school in Columbus, Georgia, I worked as a graphic designer at Randall Publishing Company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I moved to Boise, Idaho, to be closer to my family. In 1984, I started taking illustration and design courses at Boise State University. In 1985, I got a job as a painter/designer for Idaho Outdoor Advertising where I hand painted large format billboards and designed outdoor advertising for local and national clients for three years.
Over the next ten years, I was a freelance illustrator and muralist. As an illustrator, I worked with a broad spectrum of styles and techniques. I received honorable mention from the Society of Illustrators for my work on an Ore-Ida Foods campaign.
As a muralist, I worked on numerous small murals for homes and businesses as well as a few large commission projects. I painted murals for Treasure Valley Pediatrics, Micron Technologies Health Facility, Dawson Taylor Coffee Shop, theIdaho Youth Ranch, Holy Rosary Medical Center, and the Boise City Arts Commission.
One of my favorite projects as a freelance illustrator is designing logos. I have designed logos for Failla Drums, Loon Outdoors, Dream Chocolate, EJI Consulting, Gross Brothers Drums, Grind Flex, Lunatic Cycles, Drum Central, and AJ's Children's Books, LLC.
I have always liked children's books. After my son was born, bedtime stories became a nightly routine for many years. Reading with my son is one of my fondest memories. I have always wanted to illustrate a children's book, so I am grateful that the opportunity finally came with Mama's Purse.
When I'm not drawing, painting, designing logos, or making chalk art creations, I enjoy riding my bike and teaching African drumming lessons. I have played the djembe and dunun for years, but now I'm learning more music theory so I can better play the African balaphone and the African kora.
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| Excerpt: "A baboon, a maroon balloon, a piece of glowing moon,.." |
My Thoughts
What's in Mama's Purse? Mama has a very exciting purse loaded with amazing things. Things you might expect like a book, a hair brush even a band-aid. But wait what else is in Mama's Purse? Oh my, a baboon! How about a butterfly leaving her cocoon. How did a bear get in there? Now what is that I smell? You have got to be kidding, it's a trout in Mama's Purse!
The author asks,"What is in your Mama's Purse?".
This is a fun rhyming book with nonsensical items you would normally not find in a purse. It was very much a surprise to me. I have a purse full of amazing things but I don't have a purse like this one. The author must be very aware of the fact that small children love the element of surprise and the items in this purse will definitely surprise anyone. The illustration were very colorful with bright purples, pinks and more, which also depicts the story stirring the child's imagination with an abundance fun artwork.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
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