BRIGHTNESS SAILORS by CLAUDINE GUEH & CRUEL HASH BROWNS ~ Giveaway

Brightness Sailors, 
Bit by Bit

About a child releasing Brightness and trusting Love.

"There's a fickle stream in Grandma's head ..."

En's grandma is losing her hold on clear thoughts and memories. It is a scary and lonely place. So En sails out to bring Brightness from their past and releases them to relight Grandma's world. Will Grandma remember them?

Available at $1.99 USD on

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CarryUsOff Books

We are a small house. Extremely not-big. In fact, we are just a wooden desk set in front of a window, looking out to the bright, green tops of sturdy rain trees. And really, you got me ~ we are also mainly me.

We Me: Gueh Yanting {Claudine}, writing and producing stories with a bunch of wonderful artists from Singapore and Malaysia. We dream of making beautiful books of stories and art, books with characters who inspire a spirit of personal heroism. 

Personal Heroism. What on earth? 

A gust of gusto. I think it begins with self-honesty, and goes on with stepping out.  Climb out your bedroom window ~ My Clearest Me.  Push your boat out into a fickle stream ~ Brightness Sailors, Bit by Bit. {If there's something good you really want, just go and take that step. I'll be thrilled for you.}

We are a small publishing house and we are still taking our next step. Please help us spread the word and cheer us on to our next book, our next story, our next mad dream! {We are not able to accept manuscripts for now, but we are always happy to make a new fellow writer/reader/blogger friend.}

Thank you very much! Fly free, be kind and stay bright always.

Website: www.carryusoffbooks.com
Twitter: @CarryUsOffBooks

~ Gueh Yanting, Claudine
    Singapore

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Brightness Sailors, Bit by Bit

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Ends April 18th, 2013

Winner announced on April 19th, 2013

My Thoughts

This is a beautiful rhyming story of a child trying to understand what is happening to her Grandma. The little girl, En notices that her grandma does not remember many of the stories she use to share with her and her family. What can she do to bring her grandma's memories back.  She sets out in her small boat to light a lantern over the water to find answers of her grandma's memory.  

This story brought me to tears.  My dad suffered from dementia.  I could feel En's pain, her wanting her grandmother to have her memory back.  All we can do is remember the stories they have shared with us  along with the days we have spent with them and pass those memories on to others.  Sometimes if you talk to the person with memory loss you can see a spark of memory that then fades away like a light fading slowly waiting to go out.

Carry Their Memories With You!

I applaud my friend and author, Claudine Gueh in writing such a wonderful endearing story.  This story will help children and adults to endure with patience any adult with memory loss. You may even learn something very important about their past "That fickle stream within their head...", I did with my father.

I highly recommend this book!!

I rated this book a 5+ out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from CarryUsOffBooks/Claudine Gueh for review.  I was in no compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

TOM T's HAT RACK ~ A STORY ABOUT PAYING IT FORWARD ~ written by MICHELE SPRY, illustrated by Peggy A. Guest ~ Giveaway

About Book

Shelby Summers has a zest for life that can't be tamed... Tom Tucker has a dream of helping others who are facing the challenges he faced not too long ago. Join Shelby and Mr.T as they join forces to give back to their community, and be challenged to do the same for yours!

• ISBN-13: 9780988778238
• Publisher: Spry Publishing LLC
• Publication date: 1/2/2013
• Pages: 106
• Dimensions: 6.00 (w) x 9.00 (h) x 0.22 (d)

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes& Noble

New middle-grade book tells a tale of “Paying It Forward.”

Columbia, MO – Acts of kindness are often inspired by someone we know or something we witness by a complete stranger. This is better known today as “Paying It Forward.” Michele Spry, who lives her life by paying it forward whenever possible, became inspired when a good friend was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May 2012. Tom Trabue would soon become an inspiration to many.

Tom Trabue and Michele Spry at a signing.

Spry is excited to announce the release of her new children’s chapter book, Tom T’s Hat Rack – A Story About Paying it Forward. When Shelby Summers’ 4th-grade teacher asks her students to write an essay about something unforgettable they did over the summer that would forever change their lives for the better, Shelby wasn’t sure what she would write about during her summer break but she would be spending time with two of her favorite people, her neighbors Mrs. and Mr. T. But suddenly, the uneventful and ordinary summer she had expected becomes one she will never forget.

The story follows the journey of 10-year-old Shelby during summer break. Her perspective is forever changed for the better when her retired neighbor Mr. T, who has been battling cancer, recruits her to help him with a special project and Mr. T refuses to tell Shelby what their secret project is until it is finished. Patiently, she returns each day, as she is excited to spend the summer with her friends while her parents are at work.

Tom T’s Hat Rack is written for children between the ages of 7 and 12 years, but parents and many pre-schoolers have also given it great reviews. The full color 104-page book with 17 short chapters and almost 30 illustrations make for an easy read that keeps the reader engaged. Spry touches very lightly on the cancer in chapter 4 to explain the reason behind the hat rack.

As a Partner in Education, Spry remains heavily involved in her community in a variety of ways. An aspiring author for several years, she was finally convinced to write about Trabue and his inspiring behavior during a very difficult time in his life. Trabue has been cancer- free since Christmas 2012.

About Michele Spry

Michele Spry is a native of Columbia, Missouri and is proud to call mid-Missouri her home. Michele and her husband Brandon own their own business.

Michele espouses the spirit of “Paying it Forward” within her community by being actively involved in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Network, a Partner in Education with Midway Heights Elementary School, as well as being involved in several other great organizations throughout the community.

Michele has been honored with the following awards: 2009 Ambassador of the Year, 2011 Debin Benish Outstanding Business Woman of the Year, 2011 Women in Business – Business Woman of the Year and is a 2010 Leadership Columbia graduate, 2011 20-under- 40 classmate, and a 2012 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge graduate.

Michele tries to donate her time when she can. She is often referred to as “Waldo” because you never know where you’re going to see her! Michele enjoys spending time with her husband traveling or spending time with their friends/family. Tom T’s Hat Rack is her first children’s book.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SPRYPublishing

Twitter: ms_spry

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102593405488658425080/102593405488658425080/posts

Website: www.michelespry.com

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TOM T's HAT RACK

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Winner announced on April 13th, 2013

My Thoughts

Shelby Summer is so excited school is about to let out for the summer.  When school starts up again she will be in the 5th grade and her teacher will be the same teacher she had for 4th grade.  At the end of each school year Shelby went around to all her teachers from kindergarten and up to tell them goodbye and how much she would miss them.  

On the last day of school as the teacher is saying goodbye to her students she shocks them all by asking them to write an essay over the summer.  This was strange, who gives homework for summer vacation?  When the teacher explained she wanted them to write an essay about something they did over the summer that changed their life forever, the kids were somewhat relieved about the assignment. Some of the kids had plans to go somewhere on vacation and could write about that.  Now with Shelby she was planning on staying right in her neighborhood which was fine with her.  She was going to be staying with the two best people in the whole world, Mr. T and Mrs. T.  They have taken care of her ever since she was a baby so her parents could go to work.  She loved them like they were family almost like they were her grandparents.  

When she got off the bus she couldn't wait to tell Mr. and Mrs. T about her day and the assignment the teacher gave them for homework over the summer.  Mr. T would think that was funny, he was her best friend, they did everything together and when he was sick she made him feel better. 

Mr. and Mrs. T think that Shelby is a bright and friendly young girl and are always happy to see her.  Mr. T decided he wanted Shelby to help him with a special project over the summer.  They were going to build something and she would help.  She would also help him deliver whatever they have built, but he wants it to be a surprise to her as to what the  project is until it is finished.  

I would be way too anxious to know what they going to build!  Will you be able to wait patiently for the project to be revealed?  You will have to wait just like I did!  Haaa!  Haa!  I will tell you it is well worth the wait.  I will give you some of hints. They have to buy 4 x 4s, nails, paint, sandpaper and wood glue.  It will be very useful item!  

The author writes this story with her friend Tom Trabue in mind.  I found the story to be slow at first, but it is to give you some insight into Shelby Summer's character and the people most important in her life.  I felt this to be necessary to understand the story.  As you are pulled into the project it becomes a real mystery as what the project is, as it gets closer and closer to being finished.  This teaches not only patience but when working with wood and building things you get the opportunity to hone your math skills.  This also calls for accuracy in the calculations.  The companionship in doing the project with someone else is a major plus.  

Lessons learned were kindness, paying it forward and serving the community.  This book has definitely made an impression on me and I will do my best to put what I have learned to work in my life and my community.

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, Michele Spry for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is review is my honest opinion.  

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

Monkey and Elephant Get Better, written by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Galia Bernstein ~ Giveaway!

About Book

Monkey and Elephant are very good friends who have a lot in common. They both like morning time. They both like shiny rocks. And they both like to hear their own voices: "TAH. TAH. TAH." But Monkey is Monkey and Elephant is Elephant. They are not exactly the same. So when Elephant starts to sneeze -- achoo! -- Monkey has her own ideas of what will make him feel better. And when Monkey gets the sniffles, Elephant has his own ideas of what will make her feel better. Maybe there’s more than one way to enjoy a soft pile of hay, some fresh water, and a bit of entertainment!

When two friends who are not exactly alike come down with colds, figuring out what will make each other feel better can be a surprising endeavor!

• ISBN-13: 9780763648411
• Publisher: Candlewick Press 
• Publication date: 3/26/2013
• Pages: 48
• Age range: 5 - 9 Years
• Product dimensions: 9.10 (w) x 6.00 (h) x 0.60 (d)

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Carole Lexa Schaefer

Carole Lexa Schaefer is an award winning children's book author.  She has over twenty picture books and easy readers published with four major publishing companies, and several more titles under contract for publication. 

As an educator, as well as an author, Carole is comfortable and experienced in giving presentations of her books and related topics to both children and adults.  In addition to many classroom visits, she has presented to the American Library Association, the Association of American English Teachers, the Conference of Whole Language Teachers, and the International Reading Association.

Visit Carole's website here.

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Monkey and Elephant Get Betty

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Winner announced on April 13th, 2013

My Thoughts

Monkey and Elephant are best friends and like spending time together.  Monkey can juggle rocks so Elephant wanted to juggle rocks.  They both liked to make sounds because the liked to hear their voices.  But Monkey got defensive and asked Elephant to stop copying him.  Elephant was not even aware he was copying Monkey he was just playing. Monkey sneezed and then Elephant sneezed Monkey thought he was copying him again.  But then he realized Elephant was really sick. Monkey decided he would take care of Elephant.  But how could he take care of Elephant if he did not know what made an him feel better or how would Elephant take care of Monkey when he got sick?  They do things their own special way.

This story will make a child aware that it is okay to be different and is even okay to have friends that like to do things different.   It is a way of learning new things or just enjoying others talents.  It is nice to have a caring friend, too.  The illustrations depicts the emotional feelings when the characters are playing and when they are sick by capturing their expressions.  Monkey and Elephant are just too cute! 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.




Disclosure:  I received a free book from Candlewick Press 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.

Peachtree Publishers Presents!!! CLAUDE IN THE CITY, written by ALEX T. SMITH ~ Giveaway!

About Book

This first book in an adorable new series will have young readers in stitches.

Claude and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock (who is both a sock and very bobbly), go to the city for the very first time. They go shopping, visit a museum, foil a robbery, and heal an entire hospital waiting room full of patients. All in all, a most satisfactory day for this delightful duo.

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• ISBN-13: 9781561456970
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
• Publication date: 4/1/2013
• Pages: 96
• Age range: 5 - 9 Years
• Lexile: 680L (what's this?)
• Product dimensions: 5.30 (w) x 7.20 (h) x 0.60 (d)

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Alex

After briefly considering careers in space travel, cookery, and being a rabbit, Alex T. Smith finally decided to become an illustrator. He graduated from Coventry University with a degree in illustration and won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children's Illustration. He lives in England under the constant supervision of his canine companions - two very tiny, very naughty Chihuahuas and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier.

You can visit Alex T. Smith’s website here.

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CLAUDE in the CITY

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Winner announced on April 13th, 2013

My Thoughts

Claude decides to take his best friend Sir Bobblysock and tour the city.  They had never been to the city before and it was indeed an adventure.  They saw buildings so tall  they touched the sky and so many people rushing here and there.  They found a wonderful place to stop and have a drink.  Then he discovered shops, many shops and one he really had to visit where he ended up buying a new beret, well a few berets.  He decided to enter a building that reminded him of yummy bones, it was a museum.  So many things to see and do in the city.  It had literally been a rewarding day.

Claude and Sir Bobblysock slept soundly that night.  When Claude woke up Sir Bobblysock did not wake up, something was terribly wrong with Bobblysock!  What should he do?!!  Bobblysock did not look well!
Could he be ill?!!

This was a fun book with lots of surprises with the adventurous character, Claude the dog, that the author has created.  What a great imagination!  The author I mean!  Who would have thought of a sock as a character?  Alex T. Smith of course!  You, along with your children will want to read this fun book.  Get ready to smile!

I wonder where Claude will go on his next outing?  Maybe the Circus or the Beach!  Sounds like more fun with Claude coming our way.

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/World of Peachtree 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.

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob by Brooks Olbrys, illustrated by Kevin Keele

About Book

Despite his idyllic island life, young Bob yearns for a greater sense of fulfillment. With his guardian, Xena the hummingbird, at his side, Bob sets out to seek guidance from the wise and happy creatures of the sea. 

From the joyful secrets of Al the dolphin to the insightful advice of Doc the turtle, Earl the clam, and Wallace the walrus, Bob uncovers great wisdom. But to complete his journey, he’ll need to overcome his fears - and Xena’s doubts - and prove himself to Mary Marine, the Island of Roses’s leading marine biologist.

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Journey Begins is the first episode of a colorful, early chapter book series that provides children with an introduction to timeless principles of achievement derived from the teachings of Bob Proctor, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Wallace D. Wattles, and others.

ISBN-13: 9780982961346

Publisher: Children's Success Unlimited

Publication date: 3/12/2013

Pages: 56

Product dimensions: 7.20 (w) x 9.60 (h) x 0.40 (d)

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

Author Brooks Olbrys

As a lifelong student of achievement philosophies, Brooks Olbrys was inspired by his young son to make these philosophies accessible to children. With encouragement from best-selling author and personal development coach Bob Proctor, Brooks created the children’s book series, The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob.

A graduate of Stanford University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, and the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, Brooks is the founder of Children’s Success Unlimited and a managing director at investment bank Ion Partners. He lives with his wife and son in New York City and greatly enjoys escapes to the North and South American coastlines.

About the Origins of The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob

 Illustrator Kevin Keele

From a young age, Kevin Keele has enjoyed creating artwork in many forms: drawing, oil painting, digital painting, even stained glass. His work has been featured in numerous picture books, magazines, board games, and video games. Though he lives far from any coastlines, he has always been fascinated by the ocean and enjoys illustrating its various creatures.

Kevin is currently an artist for Disney Interactive Studios. He lives in Utah with his wife and two sons. They’re the caretakers of one grouchy cat, three chickens, and thousands of Italian honeybees.

My Thoughts

As Bob walks along the beach with his guardian, Xena, a beautiful hummingbird, he contemplates the lack of purpose in his life.  What could he do to make his like more fulfilling?  Who could he ask for advice?  

First he asked Al, the dolphin and Al suggested he speak with with an elderly turtle whose name is Doc.  Doc is very wise, his advice to Bob was to visualize what he sees in his future and his interest.  As he contemplates Doc's advice, he goes in search of his purpose to care for all creature and life in the sea. 

Then he came upon a friendly looking clam named Earl. Earl sent him on an errand which Bob readily charted his course.  His errand brings him to Miss Mary Marine whose job is in marine science.  Just what Bob wants to do!  So after a nice visit with her Bob gets in his small boat to think of how he is to ask Mary to be his mentor and teach him what she had learned about marine science.  When he returned to speak with Mary, she thought this a wonderful idea but first his must pass a test.  

Now each time he set out to get advice from someone Xena would try to discourage him.  She had much fear and concern over Bob's change in his attitude and persistence.  Why would Xena discourage him?

Read Bob's story as he sails the Blue Ocean on a voyage to discover his purpose, vision and goals along with the right attitude and persistence to succeed..

The author maps out a course for our children to envision their purpose and to set goals for their future.  To have the attitude that they can succeed as long a they are persistent. Try and try again!  If all else fails try harder!  Kudos to this author for giving our children this insight to discovering their own visions.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Author/Bostick Communication 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.

The Night Horses by Anaka Jones, 12 year-old Author

About Book

12-year-old author Anaka Jones imagines the life of a herd of horses as they work, chow, play and turn a farm into their own three-ring circus in The Night Horses

ANN ARBOR, MI – In The Night Horses, Anaka Jones creates a playful children’s book that imagines the secret lives of barn horses who chatter, chow, play and work all while their owners are away. Though she is only in sixth grade, Jones has produced a lively book that mixes reality and fantasy to showcase the playful and humorous side of rural life. She invites readers to accompany her to a secret barn party where these animals will play as hard as they work.

The Night Horses follows the animals’ daily lives. Each morning, the horse herd takes their breakfast at the hay feeder. Mulling around, they exchange gossip and share their plans for the day. There’s May, an old mare whose giddy-up spirit fuels her energetic personality. She wants to challenge Cloud to a race even though she is three times his age. Frisco and Bella are an inseparable married couple, and plenty of young foals timidly hide behind their mothers’ legs amongst the group.

After a long day of work, the horses clean up, head to their stalls for dinner, and wait in the barn until their owners head back to the house. With humans out of the picture, the horses get busy creating their own rural night life, effectively turning the farm into their own little three-ring circus.

The whimsical nature of Jones’ children’s book allows young readers to tap into their imagination and picture what goes on inside the heads of the animals around them. A perfect story for children who love animals, The Night Horses depicts the world of love and companionship to be found among horses and humans.

ISBN: 978-1452882789
Publisher: CreateSpace
Date of publish: February 2013
Pages: 28
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Anaka Jones

Anaka Jones is a 12-year-old girl in the sixth grade who was born and raised in the rural area outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she lives with her parents, two older brothers, two dogs, a lizard and a frog. Riding, grooming and maintaining horses is one of her favorite pastimes.

Facebook Fan Page here

My Thoughts

A day in the life of horses.  They wake up ready to eat and afterwards the young and old like to run and play together.  The mothers and mothers-to-be visit each other.  Then there are those that have such a bond they do everything together.  As the day comes to an end they enjoy getting a shower and then head for their stalls.  

But when the humans have gone to bed the horses pull out their disco ball.  They will play cards, enjoy spa time polishing their hooves and braiding their manes and tails.  One horse in particular is a regular comedian causing his friends to roll on the floor laughing.  Sometimes the barn cat will turn on the radio and all of them will dance under the glittering disco ball.  When they tire of all the fun they will huddle up together and go to sleep so they can start fresh the next day.

Who would have thought horses had so much fun without us?  I would have liked to peeked in the barns window to watch horses dance.  

I am amazed that a twelve year old wrote this fun and entertaining story.  She gives us a realistic look in a day with the horses and then an imaginative look at the night life of horses.  The illustrations depicted the characters and their surrounding in warm colors.  I could almost smell the hay, leather and hear the music. 

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/Bostick Communications/CreateSpace 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.