K&A's Children's Book Reviews: 2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Lobo's Howliday by C.L. Murphy

Title: Lobo's Howliday (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) Author: C.L. Murphy
Publication Date: Dec. 1, 2013
Publisher: Independent - Peanut Butter Prose
Number of pages: 32
Recommended age: 3+

Summary

It's almost Christmas and Santa finds himself in quite the predicament due to unintended consequences as a result of trying something new. Lobo, and his raven sidekick, Roxy, travel to the North Pole to help the jolly ole' one and are guided by the Arctic animals. The colors of the season delight along the way and make for a howling good holiday. Can you howl Ho Ho Ho?

Book Blitz Review and Giveaway: The Colourblind Chameleon by Laura Kantor

Title: The Colourblind Chameleon
Author: Laura Kantor
Illustrator: Sarah Ray
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Publisher: Independent - Squidgy Face Books
Number of pages: 32
Recommended age: 2 to 7

Summary

Once there was a very special chameleon... The Colourblind Chameleon is the debut title from up and coming author/illustrator duo Laura Kantor and Sarah Ray. This is a colourful and imaginative tale of a chameleon who doesn't fit in with the rest. He realises that it's not just good to be different... it's a lot more fun! Delight in the rhyming verses, vibrant colours and hilarious drawings as you are taken on a wonderful journey with a special little chameleon (wearing fabulous pants).

Book Blast: Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly Stowe McClure Review and GIVEAWAY

Title: Tumbleweed Christmas
Author: Beverly Stowe McClure
Publication Date: July 20, 2013 (original pub. date - August 28, 2011)
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
Number of pages: 24
Recommended age: 3+
Summary (Back Cover): Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes a child must make her own miracle and one for her siblings.

Purchase

Amazon | 4RV Publishing Bookstore | Barnes and Noble

Review: Shelby Loves Candy by RyAnn Adams Hall

This book tells the story of how Shelby absolutely loves candy! If mommy would let her, she would eat candy all day, every day! She would have to take good care of her teeth to eat all that candy! In the end, Shelby realizes that fruit is just as sweet as candy! It is a perfect little book for preschool age children!

Have you ever wished for a fairy best friend, of your very own? When Purplena rescues Alexis from the school bully, the girls instantly become great friends. But Alexis soon realizes that Purplena isn't like other girls... Neither are Belle and Daisy. Why do strange things keep happening when Purplena and her friends are around? How can Purplena keep Alexis from finding out the truth? Can a "real girl" and a "fairy" ever be best friends? When fantasy and reality collide... sparkles are sure to fly! The Adventures of Purplena & Friends - Book 1 - My Best Friend is a Fairy!

It's Christmas Eve and Santa Claus is sick. Dr. Yeti has ordered him to stay in bed, but what about Christmas? Who will deliver the presents to the children?

Review: Billy and The Monster Who Loved to Fart

Monster loves to Fart...and everyone blames Billy for it!

Will Monster make Billy the un-coolest kid at school? Will Monster cause an irreparable hole in the Ozone layer? Will Monster and Billy both learn how to behave properly in a social environment?
This book deals with friendship, doing things in moderation and behaving properly in social situations. This funny book for kids of all ages will be a delightful addition to your library.

Billy loves Monster and Monster loves Billy. They play together. They have a bath together.They even go to school together. There's just one thing that threatens to spoil their friendship.

Book Blitz The Shadow of the Unicorn The Legacy by Suzanne de Montigny and GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Title: The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy (The Shadow of the Unicorn, Book #1) Author: Suzanne de Montigny Publication Date: December 4, 2012 Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing Number of pages: 157 Recommended age: 9+

Summary

A loud, hissing sound filled the air. The unicorns looked up, their eyes filled with horror. Azaria, a unicorn colt, is intrigued when the young clairvoyant dinosaur, Darius, foresees a terrifying change in the world. When a giant fireball smashes into the earth, the unicorns struggle to survive the hurricanes and starvation that follow. Danger of a more sinister nature threatens when the creatures-that-walk-on-two-legs settle in the valley and their leader, Ishmael, discovers the healing power of the unicorns’ horns. Azaria, now a young stallion, must use his wits to save the herd from complete extinction.

* #1 in the Animals in their World list on Goodreads Listopia *

* #1 in the Christmas Stocking Stuffers list on Goodreads Listopia *

Mother Daughter and Son Book Reviews Presents: Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show by Melissa Moraja Spotlight and GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Title: Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show (Madison and GA - My Guardian Angel)
Author: Melissa Perry Moraja
Publication Date: November 15, 2013
Publisher: Independent - Melissa Productions Inc.
Number of pages: 156
Recommended age: 6-12

Summary

Madison Wunderkind is a sweet, honest girl, who always seems to find herself in trouble with the principal. But this time she's not alone. It all started three days earlier, when Sophia, the most popular fifth-grade girl at Gator Elementary, asked Madison to hang out and plan this year's talent show. Instantly, Madison had become Little Miss Popular. But what Madison soon discovered was that being Little Miss Popular wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Her best friends were ignoring her. Her brothers were angry at her. And her guardian angel, GA, was irritated by her snobbish attitude. And if things couldn't get more messed up for Madison, everything that could go wrong at the talent show did, sparking Principal Dimples to find out why! Find out what happens at Gator Elementary's Talent Show. Will GA be able to help Madison? Or will Madison become Little Miss Lonely? Also, try and find one of GA's feathers in each picture!

Review: Secret Santa Squirrels by Hazel Nutt

We received this book via Story Cartel to give an honest review.

Umm what can I say about this book. First it was cute, but the idea of poop being turned into presents was a bit out there I would say. Now the squirrels helping out that is a new twist on the story.

I also had a loading problem with the format for nook being as it would only load half the page then I would have to go back for it to load again.

We have squirrels who pretty much deliver the presents. Now what got me is there is a part that says "the squirrels sneak the presents in stockings or under the tree." Then it turns around and says it leaves Santa free to visit the really good girls and boys. Well wait I can see the squirrels helping deliver the presents but I always though Santa left the presents under the tree himself, and he didn't just visit the really good children he visited all of them. So that little part made me drop my rating to a 4.

K's favorite parts are the ending where the children are making Christmas wishes. And where the squirrels you never see are leaving presents under the tree.

I think this is a decent little funny read for kids who want to know who might be delivering the presents.

My son has decided we now need to leave not only cookies out for Santa, but carrots for the deer and nuts for the squirrels.

About the author:
Hazel Nutt is a baby who is nutty about nature, especially squirrels, whom she often has a good natter with. They tell her their secrets and her parents help her write them down to share with the world, as picture books.

Loving nature is really important to her and Hazel Nutt hopes to make sure that lots of other kids get nutty about nature as well.

She also likes to blog about her observations on life and teach other toddlers how to train their parents.

Review: I Will Never Not Ever Eat A Tomato by Lauren Child

The critically acclaimed Charlie and Lola books -- now an animated series on television!
Lola is a fussy eater. A very fussy eater. She won’t eat her carrots (until her brother Charlie reveals that they’re orange twiglets from Jupiter). She won’t eat her mashed potatoes (until Charlie explains that they’re cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji). There are many things Lola won’t eat, including - and especially - tomatoes. Or will she? Two endearing siblings star in a witty story about the triumph of imagination over proclivity.
"Youngsters will never - not ever - pass up a second helping." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

A gorilla war? Car pools? Playing the piano by ear? It's no wonder a little girl is confused by some of the strange things she overhears her mommy and daddy saying. With his hilarious wordplay and zany illustrations, Fred Gwynne keeps children of all ages in stitches!

Juniper Grove Solutions Presents: The Funny Adventures of Little Nani by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa and GIVEAWAY

Title: The Funny Adventures of Little Nani
Author: Cinta Garcia de la Rosa
Published: September 2012
Word Count: 17,000
Genre: Children's Book
Recommended Age: 6 - 12
Synopsis:
Little Nani is a little girl who likes helping people. However, when she helps people the results can be a bit unexpected. Why is that? Little Nani is a witch! Or at least she wants to be a witch. With her magic wand, she will try to cast different spells to help her friends, but she won't be successful all the time.

Follow Little Nani in her funny adventures and meet her extraordinary friends. Funny ostriches, horses that love reading, super-fast turtles, grumpy zombies... Little Nani has lots of friends! You can also draw your own characters!

Little Nani is willing to become a good witch. Will she manage to do it? Who knows? Read the stories and discover what happens next!

Review and Spotlight: The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse

About the Book

Title: The Christmas Owl Author: Angela Muse Illustrator: Helen H. Wu Publication Date: November, 2013 Publisher: Independent - 4eyesbooks Number of pages: 36 Recommended age: 3+

Summary

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.

Mother Daughter Book Reviews Presents: The SockKids Meet Lincoln review and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Title: The SockKids™ Meet Lincoln

Authors: Michael John Sullivan and Susan Petrone

Illustrator: SugarSnail

Publication Date: August 14, 2013

Publisher: Independent

Pages: 40 (print)

Recommended Age: 3 to 8

Summary (Amazon):

Where do our missing socks go? Readers find out in our children’s series, The SOCKKIDS. We follow the Socker family through many adventures; from encountering the slobbery mouth of the family dog to meeting Santa as he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to helping a fireman save a baby to the most shy Socker going to the school dance for the first time. Thanks to the time-travel opportunities afforded by the spin cycle of the washer, they learn about some of the most important humans in the world. Children two and up and their parents will be drawn to the diversity of the family and the universal and timeless lessons they teach: don’t be afraid of new experiences; treat others as you would like to be treated, and of course, beware of the spin cycle!

Review: Rainbow Fish Spike and the Substitute Text by Leslie Goldman

Spike was angry when Miss Cuttle took away his special coral. He wished he had a new teacher -- and his wish came true But Spike soon discovers that a substitute teacher is no substitute for his own Miss Cuttle.

Rainbow Fish and his school friends have been warned never to leave the safety of their Shipwrecked playground. But fish will be fish, and one day at lunchtime, Rainbow Fish and friends decide to explore new waters. Before he can swim very far, Rainbow Fish finds out why little fish are told never to swim into the dangerous deep.

It's summer, school is out, and the five little monkeys are bored. "There is nothing to do!" they tell Mama. "Oh yes, there is," says Mama. "Grandma Bessie is coming for lunch, and the house must be neat and clean." Well-meaning as ever, the five little monkeys clean their room and go on to sweep the floors, scrub the bathroom, and pick berries for dessert. But then . . . Children will welcome the return of the five little monkeys, who make the same kinds of messes they do.

While their mother takes a nap, five mischievous monkeys discover that it is unwise to tease Mr. Crocodile.

The five little monkeys and Mama are eager to get a new car. The five little monkeys clean and paint their old car until it sparkles like new. But who will buy it? Perhaps those clever monkeys can convince their cranky crocodile neighbors that what they really need is . . . yes, a car! Children will love predicting how the five little monkeys will deal with each new challenge, making this a perfect story for interactive reading. Lively verse and Eileen Christelow's inimitably comic illustrations put the five little monkeys in the driver's seat in more ways than one.

The newest animated feature from DreamWorks features major voice talent, gorgeous artwork, and an underwater comedy that's leagues away from anything else.
Shark Tale tells the story of Oscar (played by Will Smith), a fast-talking little fish who finds himself in hot water when he is mistaken for a hero. At first, his fellow fish swallow Oscar's story hook, line, and sinker, and he's showered with fame and fortune. It's all going along swimmingly, until it starts to become clear that Oscar's tale about being a great hero sounds a little fishy. Now Oscar has to tread water until he can get the scales to tip back in his favor again.
CONCEPT AND TITLE PENDING LICENSOR APPROVAL.

How can a leaf become a fish? Join two young children and their dads to find out, as they observe life in and around a stream. Energetic collage art and simple, lyrical text depict the ways plants and animals are connected in the food web. Back matter provides information about the trout life cycle as well as conservation efforts that kids can do themselves.

Pump Up Your Book Presents: Sky Girl And The Superheroic Adventures by Joe Sergi and GIVEAWAY

About the book:
Being a teenage girl is hard enough, but for DeDe Christopher, it is proving impossible.
In addition to cliques, books, and boys, she has to worry about capes, apes, and aliens. Last year, DeDe discovered that she possessed fantastic abilities that were strangely similar to those of a comic book character named SkyBoy.
With the help of her best friend Jason, a self-professed comic geek, DeDe accepted her legacy and became Sky Girl. Now, DeDe must learn what it means to be a heroine as Sky Girl faces the all too real enemies and allies of SkyBoy, including the clever Quizmaster, the beautiful Penny Pound, the enigmatic Jersey Devil, and the magical MissTick.
DeDe must also face personal challenges as she discovers the secrets of her late father and his connection to Skyboy--secrets that will affect Sky Girl’s destiny.

Review: Almond Eyes by: Terri Kelley

Sometimes, the things that a child hears about himself or herself is confusing to him or her. That is the case with the young boy in Almond Eyes. As a young child, he is constantly told that he has "beautiful Almond Eyes." He doesn't understand what this means until he asks his mother. She explains that his eyes are shaped like almonds because he is Korean. The boy then notices the different eye shapes of all of his friends. This is a wonderful book about celebrating the differences among friends.

Analee doesnt want to leave her home on the maple tree. She cannot hold on forever, though, and must face the inevitable change that comes when she is The Last Leaf to Fall. A story for all ages and brilliantly illustrated by Donna Maske, children and adults can learn together that change is a natural part of life and not something to fear.
This is an eLIVE book, meaning each printed copy contains a special code redeemable for the free download of the audio version of the book.

Review: First Graders From Mars Episode 2: The Problem with Pelly by Shana Corey

A stellar new story in Shana Corey and Mark Teague's irresistible Martina chronicles--perfect for beginning readers.
A special visitor is coming to Pod 1! Everyone is excited. Except for Pelly...she may have been normal on her native Phobus, but now that her family lives on Mars, she's feeling desperately different. Why does she have to have fluffernobbin when all her Martian podmates have tentacles? And what in the galaxy will the special visitor think of her?
With their signature wit and warmth, Shana Corey and Mark Teague remind anyone who's ever felt like an alien that their differences can also make them special.

Horus is exited about starting first grade. That is, until he discovers there are no slime tables, no snooze mats, and no snacks; and he gets put in the Beta reading group instead of the Alpha, and finds himself longing for the good old days of Martiangarten.

Gregory, the Terrible Eater, wants orange juice and eggs for breakfast. His parents are terribly upset!Why can't Gregory eat striped ties and violins, like the rest of the goats?
Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey have entered into the spirit of Mitchell Sharmat's upside-down, turned-around world with bold, wacky, expressive illustrations. The trio's exuberant collaboration provokes healthy laughter and even includes a colorful chart which gives fresh meaning to the concept of "junk food."

Review: Don't Eat The Bluebonnets by Ellen Leventhal and Ellen Rotheberg

Sue Ellen, a sassy cow, loves to smell, lick and eat the bluebonnets although everyone warns her not to. "The bluebonnets will not come back next year if you eat them," Max the Longhorn tells her. When she can no longer stand the temptation of the tasty bluebonnets-having a mind of her own-she eats them all. The next spring the bluebonnets don't come back. Now Sue Ellen must solve the problem of getting the bluebonnets back in her favorite pasture.

Review: Have you Seen George's Glasses? by Richard Huber

This book is targeted towards children between 3-6 years of age. The story line is about a Giraffe that has glasses on his head but just can’t find them! George’s little adventure takes him around the world and asks individual animals ‘HAVE YOU SEEN MY GLASSES?’ The animals are all too busy and answer ‘NO’. George finally asks his sister GRACE who is slightly taller than him: ‘HAVE YOU SEEN MY GLASSES’ and she replies ‘THEY’RE ON TOP OF YOUR HEAD SILLY!’. As a father with two girls Amelia and Daisy (8 and 5 years of age) I enjoy reading books to them. They appreciate simplicity and repetitiveness. These are the thoughts behind the book and I threw the kangaroo in because I’m Australian and moved to the UK in 2002.

Review: Nojoe's Circus Dreams by: Joey Thurmond

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, Step Right Up, Step Right In, ...Join NOJOE as he discovers how his dreams of the circus can come to life in this inspiring and true story of each and every childs dream to run away and join the circus.

Review: Little Green by Arnold Rudnick

Little Green Frog hops out of the swamp, asking "Isn't it possible?" on his search for a way to be special.

“The Duck Princess” is the wonderful story of a duck named Juniper, a monster and a bear wizard. Juniper faces a problem she thinks she can’t overcome but finds out the solution was within her the whole time.

Review: Fluffy Meets the Dinosaurs

When Fluffy the guinea pig learns that the class is visiting a dinosaur museum, he sneaks into Wade's lunch bag and joins the fun.

When Ms. Day's class has a party to celebrate the 100th day of school, Fluffy finds out how rowdy but fun parties can be. The winner of the seed-eating contest and a 100-inch dash, Fluffy is one indomitable guinea pig.

Fluffy LOVES apples! And in this new adventure, he discovers just how far he'll go to have an apple of his own!
Ms. Day's class is going to an apple orchard, where Fluffy learns there will be hundreds of thousands of delicious apples. He can't wait! But when Kiss sleeps over in his cage the night before the trip, Fluffy has a horrible dream--Kiss is an apple-eating machine! There are no apples left for Fluffy! Luckily, it is just a dream, and the next morning Fluffy arrives at the orchard with a hungry tummy. But he soon realizes apple picking is not as easy as it sounds! Fluffy is not to be outdone, however, and he finds a way to enjoy his favorite fruit.

Fluffy the class guinea pig must deal with the unwanted attention of two cats, a visit to the hair salon, and a trip to the airport when he goes home with Emma for spring break.

When Jasmine forgets to bring Fluffy home with her for the weekend, the fun begins. On a school bus to Jasmine's house, Fluffy discovers purple goo, lollipops, and glitter, becoming Rock Star Fluffy! He even saves the day when the bus breaks down. By the time Fluffy arrives at Jasmine's doorstep, he's ready for dinner ... and a bath!

Review: Wash Your Hands by Margaret McNamara

The first-grade class at Robin Hill School learns the best way to get rid of germs in this all-new story of the best-selling series!

Review: Robot Rampage by Scott Nickel

A robot built for the school science

fair goes haywire, and Jimmy comes

up with a plan to stop it.

Written in graphic-novel format

The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.

DK's classic look at rocks and minerals, now reissued with a CD and wall chart.

Who needs to be tucked in? Turn each page until all baby animals—and little readers—are cozy and ready for sleep in this irresistible bedtime ritual.

The stars are out. The moon is rising. All the baby animals, from peacocks to pigs to zebras, are ready for bed. Will you tuck them in and say good night? Just turn the pages and the big inviting flaps that serve as blankets cover each little creature up to its chin. This simple but endlessly satisfying novelty, with its array of goggle-eyed baby animals, bold patterns, and vibrant colors, is sure to be the book of choice for little ones everywhere, night after night.

We picked up this book from our public library.

Loved all the pictures and fun facts about different kinds of fish under the sea. My son kept saying to me "mom do not be scared they are not real." And of course I had to tell him well yes they are. They all live under the ocean some further down than most. The pictures were so real it is hard to imagine that those type of animals actually live in the sea. Makes you wonder what is really under the sea that we haven't discovered yet. My son liked all of the fish and I am surprised he knew what some of them were I think that has to do with him watching Wild Kratts and other educational shows. If you enjoy fish but rather look at them from a distance then this is the book for you.

Pages

Monday, December 16, 2013

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Friday, December 13, 2013

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Purchase

Amazon | 4RV Publishing Bookstore | Barnes and Noble

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Thursday, December 5, 2013

About the Book

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Monday, November 25, 2013

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Monday, November 18, 2013

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

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Saturday, November 9, 2013

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Friday, October 25, 2013

Friday, October 11, 2013

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Monday, September 9, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013