Escucha Means Listen by Talia Akens-Nunez ~ Tour & Giveaway

Escucha Means Listen

From the mowing of the lawn to the splish-splashing of rain puddles, Talia Aikens-Nuñez’s bilingual picture book Escucha Means Listen introduces toddlers and babies to the sweet sounds around them.

Take a journey through the world—just listening. Escucha Means Listen helps children discover sounds around them in English and Spanish.




Excerpt

Buzz. Buzz. Qué oyes? (What do you hear?)
Las abejas (The bees) circling the flowers.

Woosh. Woosh. What do you hear?
El viento (The wind) is whistling by.

Shh. Shh. Qué oyes? (What do you hear?)
Las hojas (The leaves) are dancing on the trees.

Where to buy:

Publisher, Amazon

Author Talia Aikens-Nuñez  

Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be a writer. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising a bilingual child inspired Talia to write lyrical children’s books. These ‘first experience’ books introduce Spanish to children and parents too! Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She, her husband and daughter live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter Isabella.

Where to find the author: Facebook, Website 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/21/12

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. 

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts

Babies and Toddlers will have fun reciting English to Spanish or Spanish to English sounds. Adults will enjoy watching and listening to their little ones learn a new language while they listening to common sounds that exist in every day life.  The colorful images depict the words that are being read and recited.  Kids love to repeat commercials and things they hear other people say why not encourage the sounds they hear.  Looking at the images of birds, animals, trucks, and more the child in no time will recite just by looking at the images.  

I would have loved to have had this book when my kids and grandkids were small.  I still a couple that will definitely benefit learning and listening to this darling book.

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/Book Blast Tours for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion. 

Tour Schedule

January 4th
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - Interview
Literary Time Out - Review
Fantasy Books - Interview
asoutherngirlsbookshelf - Review

January 5th
3PsinaPod - Review & Tens List
Author Cindy C. Bennett - Review
Kaisy Daisy's Corner - Review
Turner's Antics - Review

January 6th
Cuzinlogic - Review & Interview
Wanted Readers - Review
Reviews by Abby - Review & Tens List
Peace from Pieces - Interview

January 7th
It's About Time Mamaw - Review
Bea's Book Nook - Review
3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - Review
I Love to Read and Review Books :) - Review & Tens List
My Photopage - Spotlight

January 8th
Reviewing Shelf - Review
Mother Daughter Book Reviews - Review
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection - Review
Disincentive Reviews - Review

January 9th
Maureen's Musings - Review
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf - Review
Gamila's Review - Review
There's A Book - Tens List
Read It All Book Reviews - Review

January 10th
Books R Us - Review
Book Readers - Review & Guest Post
Getting Your Read On - Review
My Random Life - Review & Guest Post

January 11th
Kid's Fun Review - Tens List
Cheryl's Book Nook - Review
Melissa's Midnight Musings - Review
GeoLibrarian - Review
LDS & Lovin It - Review

January 12th
Mom Does Reviews - Review
Books Beside My Bed - Review & Tens List
Booklady's Booknotes - Review & Interview
The Housework Can Wait - Review

January 13th
Literary Sweet - Review
Books for Kids - Review & Tens List
GoingCrazy!! WannaGo??!! - Review
Susan Heim on Parenting - Review

January 14th
Inside BJ's Head - Review
Bunny's Review - Review & Tens List
Forever Young Adult - Review
My Devotional Thoughts - Review & Tens List

January 15th
Fictitious Musings - Review & Tens List
Bumbles and Fairy-Tales Book Blog - Review
Bookworm Brandy - Review
Mom with a Kindle - Review
Sher A Hart: Writing Art - Review

January 16th
Proud Book Nerd - Review
A Little Bit of Everything - Review
Jinky is Reading - Review
Stop and Read the Roses - Review

January 17th
Brooke Blogs - Review
Books, Books, The Magical Fruit - Review & Tens List
Sweeping Me - Review
Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks - Review

Honey the Hero written by Emlyn Chand, illustrated by Sarah Shaw ~ GIVEAWAY

12/31   Review  Andi's Kids Books    
1/1   Review  Identity Discovery  
1/1  Review   Marietta Homeschooling Zoo  
1/2   Review   GoingCrazy!! WannaGo??!!  
1/3  Review   Queen of All She Reads
1/4   Review   It's About Time Mamaw   
1/10  Review  Jenn's Review Blog  
1/10   Review  Thrice the mischief,3 times the love  
1/11   Review  Yours and Mine ARE Ours 
1/11 Review   Growing For Christ runamucks Amazon Review 
Mom of 4 Amazon Review  

About Book

Honey, an inquisitive young parakeet living in the Australian Outback, decides to become a superhero after she spies a human family watching Superman. Since she already has the power of flight, all she needs to do is create a costume to conceal her true identity and then fly off in search of animals that need rescuing.

Unfortunately, every time she tries to help, Honey only ends up making matters worse. She spoils Kangaroo’s game of hide-and-go-seek by revealing his hiding place to Wallaby; Mr. Anteater must go hungry when she alerts the ants to his presence, and Mrs. Koala is made a laughingstock among bears when Honey pretends to be her Joey. Finally realizing that she’s not as heroic as she’d like, Honey gives up her day-saving efforts.

But what happens when someone actually needs Honey’s help? Will she rise to the challenge?

About Emlyn

Emlyn Chand emerged from the womb with a fountain pen clutched in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm Novel Publicity. Best known for her Young Adult novels, she is also developing a small, but devoted, following to her children's book series and is beginning to dapple in other genres as well. Emlyn enjoys connecting with readers and is available via almost every social media site in existence. Visit EmlynChand.com for more info. Don't forget to say "hi" to her sun conure Ducky!

ONLINE LINKS:

·         Website & Blog:  www.emlynchand.com

·         Facebook:  www.facebook.com/emlynchand

·         Twitter:  www.twitter.com/emlynchand

·         Goodreads:  www.goodreads.com/emlynchand

BUY NOW LINK:

·         Amazon paperback         Amazon Kindle

· 

Giveaway: 3 E-Books 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MyThoughts

In the Outback of Australia Honey the parakeet was restless and wanted out of the nest so she could fly and explore.  She was especially interested in people. As she looked in the window of someones home the people were watching a super hero on television.  How exciting Honey thought.  She wanted to be a super hero.  She could already fly do all she needed was the costume.  Out of a large leaf she made a cape and with a blade of grass she fashioned a mask. 

Now all she needed to do was find someone to rescue.  She attempted a few rescues but the victims were not wanting to be rescued.  She was so upset she was too small to be of any help to anyone.  He flew back to his nest so his mother could comfort him.  She held him as he cried and gave him some motherly advice.

Do you think Honey is capable of becoming a real hero?  What does it take to be a hero?  

The author has written a fun story about a darling little parakeet bird that is trying to find himself.  You get to see several animals that live in the outback.  Like a kangaroo, a wallaby, an anteater, a koala bear and a dingo.  It is fun seeing the animals.  

Are you familiar with any of these animals? The illustrator created some amazing and colorful images of these Australian Outback animals and their habitats.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free digital copy of this book from Innovative Online Tour/Evolved Publishing for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

HAFREN: A FANTASY FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART by CRAIG DRESSLER

The back cover reads: "The invasion of Hafren has begun. Two youths are thrown into the fray attempting to thwart the evil. At times their efforts even turn humorous. The outcome remains uncertain as the two head directly for the trouble's source."

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1478150327
• ISBN-13: 978-1478150329
• 
  

Where to buy: Amazon

About Craig Dressler

I spent many years searching for peace and only found it once I made Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Since then I have taught overseas and in Christian institutions in the U.S. In addition  I have written several books including Heart of Terror, Never Fail: Success Strategies, a Western entitled Standing Elk as well as Hafren: A Fantasy for the Young at Heart and Character Concert, two works for teens. Lastly, some years ago a started Unreached Peoples' Missions, a nonprofit organization, which mainly supplies Bibles to national ministries in Southeast Asia. 

Want to find more about this author: http://christianbook2.webs.com/ ,
Christian Viewpoint Blog

My Thoughts

Shuh and Ufh, two youths set out on a quest for the good of all.  The Horroh are planning on attacking surrounding lands.  The two youth from Huhland must warn the others.  Each place they went they were held as captives until the message they delivered  is proven to be true.  It is a harrowing adventure with much danger  to self along treacherous terrain.  There is also a creature called a Garrow that comes up from the sea and burrows tunnels and destroys and kills everything that gets in it's way. 

Along their journey pride tends to foil their intentions and the evil they seek to destroy gets a stronghold whenever pride is evident.  

In this book the author teaches that  becoming prideful can lead us into temptation.  But if we present ourselves with humility it leads us to righteousness.  Asking God for forgiveness will restore humility and help us to defeat evil within us and in the world.  

We must trust in God and endure our trials and tribulations with patience and prayer.  God is there every step of the way.

Okay young people let's put on the Armor of God and battle the temptations of evil at every turn!   Reading this book will help you find the way.

How would you describe your Happily Ever After? 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.  Only because I had a hard time getting past the first few pages. So don't   make the same mistake I did by assuming the whole book would not be interesting.  As I continued to read I found it to be an enjoyable read with an inspiring message. I would very much have liked some colorful illustrations depicting the characters and there surroundings.  I had a hard time getting an image of the characters in my mind.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Dina's Tea Time written by Julia Dweck, Illustrated by Patricia Saco

About Book

Dina waits for her guests to arrive for dino tea. Readers will delight at the many interesting dinosaur friends who show up for tea. There’s just one problem: There is no tea. What will Dina do? The clock is ticking and the tea is about to begin. Take your place at the head of the table for this fast-paced dinosaur rhyming adventure.

You will find recipes in the back of the book for your Dina Tea Time.

• File Size: 3050 KB
• Print Length: 26 pages
• Publisher: KiteReaders (September 7, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0097L9BHQ

Where to buy: Only .99 Amazon Kindle (If you do not have a Kindle then download Kindle Cloud and enjoy reading children's book on your computer)

About Julia Dweck 

Julia writes children’s stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Julia’s background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read about and what makes them giggle. Julia collaborates with some of the leading artists in the world of children’s literature. Julia is also a designer of educational adjuncts for children’s literature, and has worked with such notable publishing houses as Penguin Young Readers.

Website: http://juleloves2write.com/
Julia Dweck Books on Facebook
Twitter Julia Dweck Books@juleloves2write


About Illustrator

Patricia Saco is a young children's illustrator who enjoys have tea while she paints with her beloved watercolors. Sometimes even the other way round...

My Thoughts

Dina has invited several of her friends to Tea Time.  She readies herself for the get together and waits anxiously for her guest.  On the hour for several hours a guest would arrive with a special treat for Tea Time. 

She could not seem to shake the feeling that something was missing.  Already they had Dina's Cherry-Filled Cupcakes, Mastodon Bone Scones, Choco-Chip Pteranodon Cookies,  Sweet Saltopus Eclairs, Triceratops' Fingers (Lady Fingers) and Stegosaurus Brownies topped with dates.   

What else could they possibly need for Tea Time?  Who is missing from the party?   Then there is a knock at the door and guess what they brought for Tea Time?

The author is truly gifted with rhyming tales to be told.  It gives the book a more sing-song feel of fun and laughter as we read-along.  This is a special rhyming tale of not just friends but dependable friends without prejudice or discrimination of one another and their differences.  

The illustrations of the many different characters left no guessing as to what kind of dinosaur was arriving to attend Dina's Tea Time.  They were dressed gaily and appropriately for such a special occasion.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure 
I received a free copy of this book for review from the author.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.  

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

GIVEAWAY! PENGUIN'S HIDDEN TALENT written and illustrated by Alex Latimer

About Book

The talent show is coming up and Penguin doesn't have a special skill to showcase - or does he?

All of Penguin's friends are excited about the upcoming talent show, but Penguin can't seem to figure out what he can do. He tries juggling appliances with Bear, doing magic tricks with Rabbit, and burping the alphabet with Fox, but he doesn't seem to be good at any of it.

Stuck behind the scenes organizing, Penguin leaves the contest saddened, the only one who hasn't received a medal. His friends decide to throw him a party to make him feel better, but their festivities fizzle. That's when Penguin discovers he might have some special skills after all as he sets to work planning the best party ever.

• Age  4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561456292
• ISBN-13: 978-1561456291
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.4 x 0.5 inches

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon

About Author & Illustrator

Alex Latimer lives near the border of a national park so when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. The Boy Who Cried Ninja is his first book for children. He lives in South Africa. Africa.

You can visit Alex Latimer’s website here.

GIVEAWAY

Win a Hardcover Copy of 

PENGUIN'S HIDDEN TALENT

Provided by Peachtree Publishers

 1 Winner

Just leave a comment with your email.

(I need your email to contact you if you are the winner)

Ends January 6th, 2013

Winner announced on Jan. 7th, 2013

My Thoughts

Penguin was just as excited as his friends about the Talent Show.  All of his friends have a talent and are entering the Talent Show.  Penguin thought and thought and could not come up with a talent.  He discussed this with his friends and they tried to teach Penguin their talent but there was no use, Penguin in his opinion was untalented. 

Penguin told his friends it was okay he would plan the Talent Show.  He busied himself on the phone, making posters and many other things for the show.  

His friends were amazed at the wonderful job Penguin did arranging everything.  The Talent Show was a big success and his friends won many prizes.  It made him sad that he had not been able to enter the Talent Show.  His friends watched him leave and they felt so sorry for Penguin.  They wondered what could they do to show their thanks for all the work he did to arrange the talent show.  So they gave him a party which was the worst party anyone had ever arranged.  

Surely Penguin had a talent.  Do you think he was jealous of his friends talent? What do you think was Penguin's talent?  What did he do for the Talent Show?

Be sure to grab a copy of this book and find out what was Penguin's talent.  

The author points out that everyone has a talent only if they believe in themselves and are persistent in searching deep within for that hidden talent.  I remember hearing my grandmother say, "An ear should not be jealous of the nose or a hand be jealous of the foot. They are all very important so when we say we are not as pretty or talented as someone else, we are very wrong because we are each important in many ways."   This works both ways for you or someone else.  We each have a purpose!

The illustrations depict the story of the characters and their surroundings.  Way too cute!  Many things for the child to find and point out and name with the encouragement of the story teller.  

I recommend this book for children ages 4-8!

I rated this book a 4 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.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.