Jake's 100th Day of School by Lester L. Laminack, illustrated by Judy Love ~ Giveaway

About Book

What will Jake do when he forgets to bring the special collection he's going to share at the celebration of the 100th day of school?

Jake and his fellow students are getting ready for a celebration. Tomorrow is the 100th day of school and everyone is going to share their collections of 100 things.

The day of the celebration arrives. Jake's friend Henry brings 100 bottle caps and Emily brings 100 paper clips. But Jake forgets the 100 family pictures he has glued into a special memory book at home. Disaster!

The problem is solved thanks to Jake's ingenuity and the sensitivity of his wonderful principal, Mrs. Wadsworth. He does have a collection to display that day… and something special to share with the class on the 101st day of school.

Lester Laminack's well-crafted story shows schools in their best light and Judy Love's charming illustrations brightly capture the excitement of a busy school day.

ISBN-13: 9781561453559
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
Publication date: 2/28/2006
Pages: 32
Age range: 4 - 8 Years
Product dimensions: 9.18 (w) x 11.78 (h) x 0.39 (d)

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children's literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina.

You can visit Lester L. Laminack’s website here.

About Illustrator

Judy Love is the illustrator of several books for children, including The Witch Who Wanted to Be a Princess, a 2003 IRA/CBC Children's Choice; Jake's 100th Day of School; Kelvin and the Not-Laughing Lessons; First Grade Jitters; and First Day Jitters. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in Massachusetts

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Jake's 100th Day of School

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Winner announced on March 16th, 2013

My Thoughts

Today is a special day for Jake and the rest of his classmates. They will celebrate their 100th day of school, each student creating a collection  that add up to 100 objects to bring to display in class.  Jake was in such a rush to get out the door and on the bus, headed for school, that he left something very important behind.  When he saw his friends with there projects he knew he did not grab his backpack which had his album of 100 memorable photos.  His grandmother is suppose to bring a surprise to his class but it would be too late to get her to bring his backpack.  He thought this would not be a fun day for him.

When he arrived at school the principal noticed that Jake was in tears.  He explained his problem and then she took him to her office and they created a new collection.  He was so relieved and they headed to his classroom to put his collection on display. The day was a big success and  all the collections were very inventive and imaginative on behalf of the students.  Will he get to share his photo collection he forgot at home?  He went to a lot of work, but he enjoyable experience.  It all worked out in the end.

The author writes a fun story of celebrating the 100th day of school.  The story teaches the children camaraderie, a math lesson in counting, imagination, and how to have fun while learning.  Also, to never give up, always persevere! The illustrator took the author's story and created some very cute characters. Two of the character illustrations that I really thought stood out were, the little girl with 100 beads in her hair and Aunt Lula,  they were so endearing! This is a book I know children will enjoy to read over and over again.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 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.  It is my honest opinion.

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

Prairie Chicken Little by Jackie Mims Hopkins, illustrated by Henry Cole ~ Giveaway

About Book

When Mary McBlicken the prairie chicken hears a rumblin' and a grumblin', she sets off to warn her friends in this prairie-style twist on Chicken Little.

Mary McBlicken is sure a stampede's a comin'! She hurries to the ranch, gathering up her friends-a prairie dog, a jack rabbit, and a meadowlark-along the way. Before the fine feathered and furry folks get to their destination, they encounter a coyote who says he knows a shortcut. Should they trust him? Will they find Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan in time? And where is that rumbling coming from anyway?

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: March 2013
ISBN: 978-1561456-949
Ages: 4-7

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Jackie Mims Hopkins is a storyteller, a school librarian and a former teacher. She is the author of several children's books, including The Three Armadillies Tuff and The Gold Miner's Daughter. She lives in Texas. You can visit Jackie Mims Hopkins’s website here.

About Illustrator

Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun's Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, and Oink!, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack's Garden. He lives in Florida.  You can visit Henry Cole’s website here.

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Winner announced on March 16th, 2013

My Thoughts 

Mary McBlicken a prairie chicken fears a stampede and rushes to the ranch to warn her friends Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan.  They will surely know what to do.  On the way she rounds up some of her furry and feathered friends.  They too want to know what Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan have to say about the rumblin' and tumblin' Mary heard.  Before they got to the ranch a coyote offers to show them a shortcut to the ranch.  But is this a trick? Can the coyote be trusted? He sure had a big grin on his face. Why would anyone be happy about a stampede?  Will they get to Stan and Dan in time to stop the stampede?

This is one of the most enjoyable and funny books I have read in a long while.  It had a cute repetitive rhythmic sing song to the story.  Loved the western accent the characters had with the common slang of the wild west.  The illustration told the story with the funny characters in their rustic old west colors of the creatures and their habitat.  The ending was a real hoot!  Love it! Love it!  I am still smiling.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 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.  It is my honest opinion.

PEACHTREE PUB TOUR for PRAIRIE CHICKEN LITTLE

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BEEWITCHED by Julia Dweek is FREE MARCH 7th-8th at the AMAZON KINDLE STORE

About the Book

Have you ever wondered about the secret life of bees? Step inside the magical world of Beewitched, where all of your questions will soon “bee” answered. Beetrice is an ordinary girl with one simple wish: she dreams of bee-coming a bee. Beetrice reads about bees, acts like a bee, dresses like a bee, and is even a B-student in school. Then one day, a mysterious hive, with the word Bee-ware, beckons her near with one golden drop of honey. This is a bee-witching tale full of excitement and fun. Enter its pages to bee-gin the adventure. Published by KiteReader

BEEWITCHED is FREE MARCH 7th-8th at the AMAZON KINDLE STORE 

About Julia

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.   Julia Dweck on Facebook

Read my review here.

Fairy May Virtual Book Tour ~ Interview with Author Jo Linsdell and Review of Fairy May

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination Fairy May prepares for her test. Will she realize her dream and become a tooth fairy?

Release Date: 1st February 2013

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1481951424
• ISBN-13: 978-1481951425
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• 
  
• Purchasing links (print):
• Amazon.com
• Amazon.it
• Amazon.co.uk

CreateSpace.com

Purchasing links (kindle):

Amazon.com

Amazon.it

Amazon.co.uk

click on image for  tour schedule

About Jo Linsdell

Jo Linsdell is a best selling author and illustrator, award winning blogger and freelance writer.  Originally from the UK, she now lives in Rome, Italy with her husband and their two young sons.

Author website: http://www.jolinsdell.com/index.html

Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Interview with Jo Linsdell

1) Please tell us a bit about Fairy May.

Fairy May is a rhyming children's picture story book about a fairy called May

that dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy. She struggles at school and

always seems to get things wrong but with hard work and determination she

prepares for her tooth fairy exam.

2) What lessons does this book carry for the reader?

The story carries two main lessons for the reader;

A. To follow your dreams. Just because it isn't easy doesn't mean it can't be

achieved.

" But Fairy May tried and tried for she had a special dream;

one day she'd be a tooth fairy, the best you've ever seen."

B. The importance of dental hygiene. The text subtly introduces the reader to

how to take care of their teeth correctly.

"She learnt how to brush and keep teeth clean

and how to floss right in between."

3) What was your inspiration for this book?

This book is dedicated to my niece who, after seeing that my last book Out and

About at the Zoo was dedicated to my two sons, asked if I'd write a book for

her too.

It needed to have fairies in it and so I brainstormed on ideas and came up with

Fairy May. I wanted her to be a little girl fairy and to show that it's OK to not

be perfect. I wanted young children to be able to relate to her and to

encourage them to go after their dreams.

The tooth fairy part came about because several of my 5 year old's friends

have recently lost their first tooth and he has been full of questions on the

subject. My 17 month old is also teething at the moment and so the topic of

dental hygiene comes up a lot in our house at the moment.

4) What did you learn while writing Fairy May?

The importance of having the right direction for my story not just a good text.

In the original version the text worked fine as a story and rhymed nicely but

the overall message wasn't as strong. After rewriting the last part I was much

happier with the focus of the story. Simple changes can make a big difference.

5) What projects are you working on now?

I'm busy with several projects at the moment. "The Bedtime Book" which is

another rhyming children's picture book. "The Writers and Authors Guide to

Social Media" and "Virtual Book Tours" which are two non-fiction books. 

2013 is going to be a busy year for me as I have lots of other ideas too.

My Thoughts on FAIRY MAY

Fairy May is a darling little fairy that is going to school to become a Tooth Fairy.

Her teacher is very frustrated with Fairy May because she keeps getting all the spells and magic wrong.

Fairy May is determined to do her best and prove to her teacher she can be the best Tooth Fairy.

She studies hard and reads all about the spells and magic so she will pass her final test.

Jo Linsdell has written a very cute rhyming tale about a Tooth Fairy student.

Children will enjoy the fact that even a Tooth Fairy has to study and take test.

This story shows it takes hard-work, determination and confidence in oneself 

to get an education even as a Tooth Fairy. 

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

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 honest opinion.

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

ABOUT MARSUPIALS ~ A GUIDE FOR CHILDREN by Cathryn sill, illustrated by John Sill ~ GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what marsupials are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.

In this latest book in the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what marsupials are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. Illustrator John Sill introduces readers to a variety of marsupials, from the well-known koala and kangaroo to the less familiar cuscus and quoll. An afterword provides details on the animals featured and inspires young readers to learn more.

• ISBN-13: 9781561453580
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
• Publication date: 3/28/2006
• Series: About... Series
• Pages: 48
• Age range: 3 - 8 Years
• Product dimensions: 10.40 (w) x 8.60 (h) x 0.50 (d)

About Author

Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.

About Illustrator

John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina.

You can visit John Sill’s website here. 

• GIVEAWAY ~ U.S. residents only
  Provided by  Peachtree Publishers

  Win a HARDCOVER Copy of 

  ABOUT MARSUPIALS
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  Ends March 10th, 2013

  Winner announced on March 11th, 2013
  
  

  
  

My Thoughts on ABOUT MARSUPIALS

About Marsupials is not just a book to entertain a child it will awaken their minds and educate them about marsupials. It will definitely be entertaining, there are so many unusual looking animals. Most of the marsupials are found in Australia.  We are familiar with the Kangaroo and the Koala   Some marsupials may have upward facing pouches and others have pouches that face their back legs in order to safely carry their babies as they grow.  Red-neck Wallaby babies stay in the pouch popping in and out for as long as eight months. 

One marsupial is very common her in the southern part of the United States and that is the Virginia Opossum.  In fact have to bring in the cat food every evening because there is a family of opossums that eat right along with my cats. But they have to beware of my dogs. My dogs scare the opossum so bad the opposum falls over playing possum, that means they pretend they are dead, which really confuses their attackers.

I find it sad to say that some marsupials are extinct and some on the endangered species.  Their habitats being destroyed by humanity.

The author provides information about the characteristics of the marsupials and their habitats.  She also gives facts on what they eat and whether they hunt food during the day, night, or maybe even both.  The author and illustrator put this series together in a way that young children and even adults will enjoy and learn, looking at creatures in a whole new way. The illustrators paintings are so life like I thought they were photo images.  

I highly recommend all of the books in the About ... series.

I rated this book a 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.  It is my honest opinion.

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

New Release: Beewitched by Julia Dweck, illustrated by Aida Sofia Barba

About the Book

Have you ever wondered about the secret life of bees? Step inside the magical world of Beewitched, where all of your questions will soon “bee” answered. Beetrice is an ordinary girl with one simple wish: she dreams of bee-coming a bee. Beetrice reads about bees, acts like a bee, dresses like a bee, and is even a B-student in school. Then one day, a mysterious hive, with the word Bee-ware, beckons her near with one golden drop of honey. This is a bee-witching tale full of excitement and fun. Enter its pages to bee-gin the adventure. Published by KiteReaders

Where to buy: Amazon 

About Julia

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.   Julia Dweck on Facebook

My Thoughts on BEEWITCHED

Beetrice loves everything about bees. She even looks like a bee with her yellow and black stripe shirt. She uses bees wax in her hair. Beetrice thinks honey on her waffles is beelicious! She wants to be a bee expert. She ignored her friends most of the time while she is busy watching and studying bees while she was on a picnic with her classmates. As she is watching a bee hive that has a sign saying, BEEWARE, she stands under the hive and a drop of honey drops on her and something magical happens. She thought her dream had come true but as she soon figured out a bee life wasn't at all what she had expected it to bee.

Would you like to know what happened? Hurry and get a copy of the BEEWITCHED and find out what happened when that honey changed her life for a day!

The author never fails to entertain and amaze me with the stories she writes for our children to devour. Her creation of the character Beetrice is not only entertaining, fun, and adventurous it is educational. She teaches the child the different stages of becoming a bee. She also explores the inside of the the bee hive and what the bees actually are doing in order to make the honey as we know it to bee. Which like Beetrice says is beelicious.

I highly recommend this book to parents, grandparents, educators and librarian. Oh, let's not forget the children.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

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

Ripple's Effect by Shawn Achor and Amy Blankson, illustrated by Cecilia Rebora ~ Giveaway

Ripple's Effect

It takes big actions to make big changes. Or does it? In Ripple’s Effect, residents of an aquarium learn that sometimes a smile is all it takes to make a world of difference. Awash with charming illustrations, this delightful tale will show children that happiness is a choice they get to make for themselves.  

Age Group: K-3rd grade

Educate: Ripple's Effect Lesson Plans 

Where to buy: Little Pickle Press,Amazon, 

Kindle,B&N Nook

About the Authors

Shawn Achor is the author of the national bestseller, The Happiness Advantage. He spent over a decade at Harvard University studying happiness. After graduating magna cum laude, he earned a master’s degree in Christian and Buddhist ethics, and won more than a dozen distinguished teaching awards for his work. To bridge the gap between what he and others had learned in research on happiness and what most people were utilizing in their daily lives, Shawn founded Good Think, Inc. He has traveled to 49 countries researching how happiness affects success rates.

Although Shawn’s work has been widely published, the research findings had never been shared with children. He decided to partner with his sister, Amy Blankson, to get this valuable information into kids’ hands early, so that a generation of children could be raised with the happiness advantage.

Amy Blankson has consulted for over 15 years with businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations around the country about how to create positive and productive leaders. A “serial entrepreneur,” she brings both passion and practicality to her work as Chief Operating Officer of Good Think, Inc. Amy received her B.A. from Harvard and an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management and was appointed by President Clinton to serve on the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National Service (which oversees AmeriCorps), and was named a Point of Light by Presidents Bush and Clinton.

Amy has devoted her career to teaching to teaching individuals of all ages to be positive, contributing members of society through civic engagement, philanthropy, and the professional spheres. As a mother of three, she hopes Ripple’s Effect will inspire young people to make a positive difference in their world.

Illustrated by Cecilia Rebora Cecilia Rebora belongs to a creative family of painters, and a wood carver. Cecilia discovered what she enjoyed most in life was telling stories with pictures. She studied for three years at the Josep Serra I Abella School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, and it was there that she truly fell in love with the profession. She has since published around thirty children's books worldwide. When not illustrating, she enjoys sipping a hot cappuccino and faking in the sun on a chilly morning, but what she loves the most is to spend time with her two kids, Mateo, four, and Ines, three.

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RIPPLE'S EFFECT

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Ends March 7th, 2013

Winner announced on March 8th, 2013

My Thoughts on RIPPLE'S EFFECT
Ripple, a dolphin, has a new home, and as she enters the water she sees there are many other creatures in and around the tank. She is so excited that she swims around only to come beak to snout with a very mean looking shark. After he informs her she was not to play in the tank or else she would have to deal with him.  This really frighten her. The other creatures told her they never get to play because of Snark the shark.  How depressing this was for Ripple.
The trainer calls to Ripple and notices how sad she looks. She gave her some very good advice and made Ripple smile again. Ripple decided right then and there that she was not going to allow Snark to control her. She was going to play and maybe even make friends with him and his gang. 
I downloaded and read the lesson plan that was provided for educators on activities and more for this book. I was very impressed with all the activities and information that was available to teach and share with the children about this story. 
The authors have created a very sweet character in Ripple the dolphin and a very grouchy bully shark named Snark. In the two main characters they will teach a lesson in maintaining happiness within ones life and a positive attitude even in the face of a bully shark. The illustrator depicted the story in vibrant colors of the ocean and the marine creatures that live there, even if they do live in a tank.
I highly recommend this book to parents, grandparents, educators, and librarians.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Little Pickle Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.
I you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.