Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Where Is Baby? written by Kathryn O. Galbraith, illustrated by John Butler




Adorable illustrations and a soothing text depict the many ways animal babies hide.
Babies love to hide. Beneath blankets, under tables, and behind chairs. And some babies like to hide in unexpected places. Like baby deer, who disappear in dappled spring sunlight. Or baby leopards, who scramble high in the African trees. Or baby elephants, who fade behind a forest of legs. But all hidden babies, no matter where they hide, can always be found by their loving parents.

Purchase book here.



Author Kathryn O. Galbraith is an award-winning children's book author with more than a dozen picture books to her credit, including Boo, Bunny!Arbor Day SquareTraveling Babies; and Laura Charlotte. She teaches writing for children at the University of Washington.
You can visit Kathryn O. Galbraith’s website here.

Illustrated by John Butler, illustrator of more than sixty children’s nature books. See more of his art work at www.johnbutlerart.com 



My Thoughts


Where Is Baby?  That's a good a question. All babies are small which makes it hard to see them. Baby animals are camouflaged so they blend in to their surroundings. We can all guess some of the places a human baby might be hidden.  Do you know where baby animals might hide? The author and illustrator give us some perfect examples of these precious babies hidden in their surroundings. You and your children will want to, oh so gently, pick up these babies giving them a tender hug because they are so cute and the illustrations are so realistic. This book will peak your child's imagination and have them searching for the baby animal in the tall and short grasses in fields and pastures.  Just explain they are hidden to keep them safe but sometimes it can be a fun game.


I highly recommend this book.


I rated this book 5 baby monsters out of 5.





Disclosure: I received free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.
 COURAGE MONSTER PRINT
COURAGE  MONSTER PRINT

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Toby, the Pet Therapy Dog, Says Be a Buddy, Not a Bully, written by Charmaine Hammond, illustrated by Rose Anne Prevec


About Book

When Toby steps into the path of a dog who shreds his beloved stuffed teddy-bear toy, we see the hurt feelings bullying creates. Beautifully illustrated teaches the importance kindness / being considerate. A great way to start discussions in ages 3 to 10.



  • ISBN-13: 9780983604556
  • Publisher: Bettie Youngs Book Publishers
  • Publication date: 6/15/2013
Where to purchase paperback and ebook: Amazon, Barnes&Noble



About Author

Creature Comforts:
No Bonz about It, Service Dog Toby Hammond is giving readers Something Good to Growl About!

When On Toby's Terms author Charmaine Hammond and her husband Chris were almost killed in a sailboat accident, they instinctively knew that their priorities needed to shift and when their beloved German Shepherd, Dooks passed on, they knew the right thing to do was to rescue a dog and give it a loving home. Little did Chris and Charmaine know how much their lives would change with the arrival of what they thought was a well behaved Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Toby. 


At first things were going well, but soon after he entered their lives, Toby started acting up, destroying their home, knocking over knife blocks, ripping up toilet seats... Things got so bad that Chris said I was on a first name basis with everyone at the local Home Depot...such begins the enchanting story of Toby Hammond. 


My Eureka moment came when I discovered (from an animal behaviorist) that everyone, including DOGS needs a purpose, says author Charmaine Hammond I immediately signed Toby up for school, training him to become a service dog and he now does extensive charity work. Toby instinctively knows when its time to go to work and there is determination in his step and enthusiasm in his eyes.


Charmaine's new book, On Toby's Terms (September, 2010) is her memoir of the poignant (but not always easy) journey she embarked on with Toby, helping him change his behavior from incorrigible to incredible. The book illuminates many valuable lessons that Charmaine learned along the way, including the importance of leadership, patience, remaining calm, creating purpose, and most importantly...love conquers all! They say the teacher appears when the student is ready; what Charmaine ultimately learned from Toby is that ironically she was the student...and not the teacher!


IMPACT Motion Pictures has recently confirmed that award-winning veteran film maker Steve Hudis will direct ON TOBY'S TERMS, the movie based on Charmaine's touching memoir.


My Thoughts

Toby is a Pet Therapy Dog and he even wears a uniform. This uniform identifies him as a service dog and gets him  into schools, hospitals and many other places most dogs are not allowed to enter. His task are to make things easier for those with needs and to make them happy. Toby's owner/handler is none other than the author of this book, Charmaine Hammond.

In this book Toby is making a visit to a school. He is being presented with an award for being a buddy, not a bully. Charmaine told the class about how a dog at the park was bullying Toby. When the other dog realized by the kind and friendly gestures of Toby he felt ashamed of his behavior. Toby wanted to be a buddy not a bully. 

What do you think the school children learned from Toby's actions towards the other dog?

Toby spent fun time sharing his backpack of toys with the children, teaching them how it is better to be a buddy than a bully.  Be sure get the book so you can read more about all the fun Toby and the children enjoyed together that day.

Toby very much deserved the award.

The illustrations depict what our imagination can't.  Children will be able to figure out the story without reading the words but I strongly suggest reading the story because the words and illustrations come together making the best story overall.

Charmaine and Toby provide a much needed service for not only our children but for all of us.. Toby teaches with love and kindness. Imagine if Toby can be taught these skills surely we and our children can learn them. The world was never meant to be a me, me, me world. We must be a friend and buddy to all. Even to those whom we see as bullies? 

Kudos to Toby and Charmaine keep up the good work! 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.



Disclosure: I received  a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

{Release} WITCH FALL by Amber Argle + Freebie




All things fall.
Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.

Lilette is one of the few who see the decadence and decay weakening the Witches. As an outsider amid her own kind, can she help them survive the coming war?

 ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ 

 ~ About the author ~ 


Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen trilogies. She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy. She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children. 
Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~Twitter ~ 

~ Excerpt ~ 

Han looked at her, his eyes as dark and depthless as the deepest part of the ocean. His gaze shifted to her mouth and she could have sworn she felt the pressure of his gaze on her lips. She moved forward a fraction, until there was nothing between them but sunlight. Then there was nothing between them at all. His lips were on hers, not claiming, not possessing, simply wanting. Needing.

Lilette had never known how full of need he was. How dark and empty the spaces in his soul must be. He drank her in like she was light and hope and he’d been a starving man all his life.

For Lilette, it was like his touch let her shine. Like she’d been shattered into a thousand specks of light and he brought her together—made her whole.

With a shudder that shook to his core, Han pulled away from her. He rested his forehead against hers, his breath ragged and his lips red. “Lilette.”

She closed her eyes as he said her name. Said it like he was cupping a bird in his hands and he’d set it free. She inhaled the breath that had carried her name. “Han.”

“It’s like no matter how hard I try, you’re all I can see.”

She held her hands together to keep them from trembling and betraying her. “Where does that leave us?”

“I don’t know.” Han closed his eyes and breathed her in. “You’re leaving for Haven. I’m going to stay here as an ambassador for Harshen.”

She nodded. “I’m glad.” She trusted no one else with this.
Han hesitated, and then kissed her briefly. “Be well, little dragon.” He turned and walked away.

Lilette watching him, waiting for him to move out of sight before she allowed her legs to go soft. Let herself sink into the loam. She didn’t cry. She just waited for the aching to fade enough to get to her feet and keep moving.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

My Name is Erin: One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference, My Name Is ERIN series, Book 3 by ERIN DAVIS


Just for tweens!
Erin Davis is passionate about bringing the Truth about God to young women. In this quirky, colorfully illustrated, keenly interactive four-book set, young women from ages 10-14 will glean biblical answers about four basic tenants of Christian Living: Mission, Faith, Truth, and Self-Discovery.
Check out all Four!

My Name is Erin: 

One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference

 


Do you often wonder why? Why am I here?  Do I serve a purpose? God says yes. No matter your age or your circumstances - you have a powerful purpose.

Do you have a passion for something? The poor? A country? Justice?  Because you are in school doesn't mean you can't do something about it now.

Your purpose and your passion intersect. For a reason.

Read My Name is Erin: One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference and:  Discover and replace your fake purpose with your real purpose,  Learn how to stop waiting and live as a mission-minded girl NOW.

Be inspired by stories of girls like you that said "Yes, Lord."

  • ISBN-13: 9780802406439
  • Publisher: Moody Publishers
  • Publication date: 8/1/2013
  • Pages: 76


Part of a four-book series called My Name is Erin.


       My Name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Truth

      My name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Who She Is

      My Name is Erin: One Girl's Plan for Radical Faith



P.S. You can read them in any order - because you are a girl with a mission.


Meet the Author:
A popular speaker, author and blogger, ERIN DAVIS has addressed women of all ages nationwide and is passionately committed to sharing God's Truth with others. She is the author of several books including Graffiti: Learning to See the Art in Ourselves, True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World, The Bare Facts with Josh McDowell, Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood As a Sacred Role. Erin's quest for the perfect scoop of ice cream is never ending and her family is her constant source of entertainment. 

My Name is ERIN: One Girl's Journey to Discover Who She Is, My Name Is ERIN series, Book #2 by ERIN DAVIS

Tweens, my name Iis erin, one girl's journey to discover who
Just for tweens!
Erin Davis is passionate about bringing the Truth about God to young women. In this quirky, colorfully illustrated, keenly interactive four-book set, young women from ages 10-14 will glean biblical answers about four basic tenants of Christian Living: Mission, Faith, Truth, and Self-Discovery.
Check out all Four!


My Name is Erin: 

One Girl's Journey to 

Discover Who She Is 


Is truth real? How do you define truth? What happens when your definition of truth is not the same as your best friend? Or your parents? Whose truth becomes the real truth?

See a problem?

The culture says truth can change. God's Word says Truth is solid.

In My Name is Erin: One Girls Journey to Discover Truth you will be guided by Erin to learn

·         Truth is not defined by your circumstances, your heart, or your mind

·         Truth can be discovered - not created

·         How to protect yourself and your friends with Truth

·         Lies that masquerade as Truth

·         How to make invisible spy ink


  • ISBN-13: 9780802406439
  • Publisher: Moody Publishers
  • Publication date: 8/1/2013
  • Pages: 76

Part of a four-book series -

    My Name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Truth

  My Name is Erin: One Girl's Plan for Radical Faith

    My Name is Erin: One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference


Meet the Author:
A popular speaker, author and blogger, ERIN DAVIS has addressed women of all ages nationwide and is passionately committed to sharing God's Truth with others. She is the author of several books including Graffiti: Learning to See the Art in Ourselves, True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World, The Bare Facts with Josh McDowell, Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood As a Sacred Role. Erin's quest for the perfect scoop of ice cream is never ending and her family is her constant source of entertainment.