Pages

Friday, May 16, 2014

Review and Interview: Find the Cutes- Playtime? by Vincent and Celestial Noot



We received this book to give an honest review.

I have to say this was enjoyable. The file I received I had to double click the pictures to make them bigger so we could see to find the cutes. It reminded me of Where is Waldo and I loved looking for him. So with Find The Cutes you not only get a story line you get colorful pictures and the fun of finding certain items and people. On the side of the picture is a list of what you should be looking for. It took me and K a few minutes to start finding everything and we had a blast. 

And if you need the answers at the end of the story it tells you where everything is at so you can make sure you found everything.
Perfect for those that like finding items within a book. 




INTERVIEW:
Reasons to buy this book
The world market is flooded with numerous children’s books, so if we wanted to make it big, we knew our book had to stand out. It had to have that extra something that makes you want it and be impressed with it, so that you recommend it to others personally and in reviews. You need to feel your money was worth it. So why buy “Find the Cutes - Playtime?” Because it’s not a regular children’s book.

- It keeps you and your children entertained for hours.
- The illustrations look beautiful.
- It’s cute and funny.
- It’s educational.
What is “Find the Cutes - Playtime” all about?
Children are creative. They have a huge imagination. In society today, despite all the technology and opportunities, the greatest happiness is often found in the home. Children give families that extra enthusiastic energy. “Find the Cutes - Playtime” is based on that concept. It sparks the imagination, stimulates dialogue without words, educates, entertains, and inspires.
Who are the Cutes?
The Cutes are a family. Their last name is “Cute” and all the kids’ names start with a “C”: Carissa, Chaz, Cade, Cammy, and Cindy. The story is based on the “second-mom” phenomenon: As the oldest daughter you sometimes get to babysit your younger siblings a lot. That’s how it can work in bigger families. In every illustration I tried to show their innocence and playfulness.
What inspired you as an illustrator?
As a child, I was much intrigued by search books. I spent hours looking for the right characters and objects on every page. But I discovered there weren’t that many different ones out there. Over the years, I developed a unique cartoon style that I was able to use for several companies and assignments. Together with my ideas and the concept of a search book, my wife (then girlfriend) and I came up with a search book and a fun family as the main characters.
How did you come up with each page, and how long did it take to draw them?
Before each page, I brainstorm about as many creative, funny things that could happen. For example, I divided the Birthday Party page into section of balloons, ball pit, presents, etc. Children can be very silly. So I think of what they'd do with a balloon, like rubbing it over their hair, letting it go into the air, binding it to their ears, popping it, etc. Each page took almost 100 hours to sketch, draw, color on the computer, etc. Each person is hand-drawn and colored in Photoshop. My wife, Celestial, did most of the storytelling. The whole book took 1 year to finish. Some drawings are based on real events. Sometimes something funny that happened in our lives, comes back in the drawings. For instance, when I was dating my wife, we both took a bite of the same huge hotdog at the same time. So in the Swimming Pool page, I drew a boy and a girl eating a hotdog at the same time.
Who is the book for?
Children ages 3 and up. Adults could enjoy it too. With 12 pages of things to search for, kids could be entertained for hours. Not only are we going to make a book, but we are planning on making it a tablet game for the ipad, kindle, and other devices. That will be a stretch goal if we make it.
Are you on social media?
We have a website, www.findthecutes.com, which will be the means of selling our book once it’s updated with a payment system. We are also on Facebook, Google Plus, Pinterest, Twitter, and Tumblr. Feel free to look us up and follow us.
Are you going to make a sequel?
Yes. We are planning on an entire series of 10 books The next book will be called “Find the Cutes - Festival Fun” and will have fun search pages about Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, but also about the Tomato Festival in Spain, Songkran in Thailand, and Sinterklaas in the Netherlands. It will also have 12 pages and a storyline. We already started working on it.

When will it be available?
The book is completed, so we now have a kickstarter campaign from March 1st until March 31st. This is the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/92560380/find-the-cutes-playtime?ref=discovery. You can sponsor/back our project in those 30 days and get discounts that way. We are getting the website www.findthecutes.com ready for ordering, so we are in the process of getting the book printed and attaching a payment system to the website. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at findthecutes@gmail.com or personally to my account at vincentnoot@gmail.com.


Find them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindtheCutes/info

Or their website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/92560380/find-the-cutes-playtime



Review: Squirrels by Jordan McGill

14578245


K picked this book up from his school library.

Quite informational on squirrels. And it is also short about 23 pages long. At the end of the book you get more fun facts that you may or may not known before. Such as squirrels have diseases that can make people sick, I thought maybe they could only get rabies's I didn't know they had other things as well. The pictures go along with the story being told and are done beautifully. 

This book is also good for those learning to read as the words are big and not hard to read out loud. The book is easy to understand for the younger kids.









Review: Ten Busy Brownies by Talia Haven

20914393 Count the Brownies from one to ten as they go about their night time chores.

Review: Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold

1026979
Chip Block, the hero of Parts, is back, and still worried about falling apart based on the things he hears. This time he’s made a list of all the strange, crazy things he’s heard people say: “I lost my head.” “My nose is running.” “I sang my heart out. . . .” It’s scary stuff, but he has a plan for making sure he doesn’t accidentally leave any of his parts behind. A hilarious sequel to the wildly popular Parts and More Parts.

Review: Reptiles by Bev Harvey


1. In this series, readers learn the distinguishing features of six major classes of animals. Each book contains many examples of animals, and short chapters provide more detailed information on a specific wild animal, domesticated pet, and endangered species from the group.2. Life cycle information is illustrated through a photographic diagram; the final page contains a diagram showing how the six classes in the series relate, as well as the distinguishing features of the group featured in the particular book.
3. Interiors feature photographs or simple diagrams on every page, plus an easy-to-read font that mimics the letterforms that early elementary students are taught to print. Increased spacing between words supports early readers' recognition of word units; in addition, increased spacing between lines helps new readers keep their place.

Review: Outside Your Window by Terri Kelley

17444314
This wonderful story encourages children to look beyond their home to see what is going on in the world. The story follows a young girl as she realizes that there is a whole world of activity taking place just outside her window. Written in lyrical rhyme, this story is coupled with fabulous illustrations and is sure to become a favorite story for children of all ages. Read this book with your favorite child and then check out what's happening outside your own window.

Review: Three Hungry Spiders and One Fat Fly! [With 3 Rubber Spiders] by Dawn Bentley

7283569
Three hungry spiders went out one day.
Three hungry spiders weren't out to play.
Those three hungry spiders
just wanted a meal!
And they know just what that might be...one little fly. One little fly who's always just beyond the reach of their sticky webs and grasping spider limbs. One little fly who leads those spiders on a merry romp over gloppy pizza and through sugary donuts. Our little fly grows fatter and fatter...but will she become a meal?
Stre-e-etch those rubbery spiders and find out!

Review: Dino Tracks by: Rhonda Lucas Donald


17723106
Step back in time and follow dinosaur tracks around the world. Whether made by a few dinosaurs or large groups, these tracks provide clues to the movement and behavior of these lovable ancient creatures. What dinosaurs made the tracks and what do scientists think they were doing when they made them? The author tells the story in rhythmic rhyme that may be sung to the tune of Over the River and Through the Woods.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Review: Come Fly with Me! by Terri Kelley

Come Fly With Me!
Traveling by plane can be a confusing and scary experience for children (and for some adults as well). This story is narrated by a young boy who is taking his first plane trip with his family. He observes everything that happens and explains it so that readers will appreciate their own trips. This is a great book to give to a child who is about to travel on an airplane.

Review: Thank You, Shadow by Terri Kelley


19513712
Having a pet is a wonderful and memorable experience for kids. However, pets don't live forever and children and parents are heartbroken when their beloved pet passes away. In this story, a young boy wakes up in the morning, expecting his best-friend, his dog, Shadow, to be next to him. He discovers that Shadow is missing. Soon, he finds out from his parents that Shadow passed away in the night. The boy experiences grief and goes into mourning. He shares his memories of Shadow and comes to realize that even though it's hard to lose someone you love, it is worth the investment in loving them.

Review: If you were me and lived in... South Korea: A Child's Introduction to Cultures around the World by Carole P. Roman

18123767
Carole P. Roman takes you on a journey this time to Asia, landing in South Korea. Once again, children can learn how life is like for young people on the other side of the globe. From food to famous landmarks, they will learn that's it's easy to find something in common with people in different countries.
BOOK AWARDS
Rebecca’s Reads Readers Choice Awards 2013
Childrens Books
Honorable Mention
If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea.

Review: Sofa Boy by Scott Langteau

6270963
A young boy discovers that lounging on his favorite sofa playing videogames around the clock is not all it's cracked up to be. His lack of attention to life's basics such as bathing, good food, fresh air, sunlight, and old fashioned exercise wreaks havoc on his young body, and before long our little lad finds himself a prisoner of his own designing, as well as the fascination of many an onlooker as he becomes literally joined at the hip with his increasingly disgusting environment. Sofa Boy is a humorous and beautifully illustrated lesson-learned about moderation - a lesson that can clearly speak to all ages, and goes down easily with a warm and hearty chuckle.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Review: Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch by Anne Isaacs

14823541
When Widow Tulip Jones of Bore, England, inherits a ranch in By-Golly Gully, Texas, and moves in with two trunks of tea, twelve pet tortoises, and three servants, hilarity ensues. The peaceful life suits the wealthy widow fine until word gets out and every unmarried man in Texas lines up to marry her. Widow Tulip and her small staff of three can't possibly run the farm and manage all the suitors, so she devises a plan—and it just might work. This story filled with giant tortoises, 1,000 brides, bad guys, a smart widow, and even a little romance is sure to get kids laughing.

Review: Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler

13641433
The Greenblades and the Redscales face off in the Mega-Bowl! Sacks and hand-offs. Touchdowns and interceptions. When dinos don shoulder pads, the action is sure to be epic. But as the clock ticks down, will the Scales make a goal-line stand or will the Blades break through for the winning TD?

Review: Can You Tell a Frog from a Toad? (Lightning Bolt Books: Animal Look-Alikes) by Buffy Silverman

11450120
Something small and green hops through the wet grass. It watches with big, round eyes. Then its long tongue shoots out from its mouth. It caught an insect!
Did you just see a frog? Or was it a toad? These animals look very similar, but they are different. Read this book to become an expert at telling these look-alikes apart!
Learn the fascinating differences between similar animals in the Animal Look-Alikes series--part of the Lightning Bolt Books(tm) collection. With high-energy designs, exciting photos, and fun text, Lightning Bolt Books(tm) bring nonfiction topics to life!

Review: If you were me and lived in... Mexico: by Carole Roman

19043170
"If You Were Me and Lived in ...Mexico-A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" is the first entry in an exciting new children's series that focuses on learning and appreciating the many cultures that make up our small planet. Perfect for children from Pre-K to age 8, this book is a groundbreaking new experience in elementary education. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Review: If You Were Me and Lived In...India: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World by Carole P. Roman

20712371
Let's travel to India! Land of bright colors and delicious spices, If You Were Me and Lived in...India, takes young readers on a road trip to learn about this interesting place. Children will learn how to say mommy and daddy, what type of currency is used, games that youngsters play and a lot of interesting facts about the beautiful land of India. If You Were Me and Lived in...India adds this ethnically diverse country to the growing, award winning series that is out to cover the entire globe, teaching children about culture and customs all over the world. The ForeWord Review, Clarion Review gave "If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya" a coveted five star ranking. The first book in the series, If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Nonfiction 2012.

Review: If You Were Me and Lived In... Turkey: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World by Carole P. Roman

19329403
Number four in a series of world culture, If You Were Me and Lived in... Turkey, explores cultural differences through a child's understanding. A respectful and lively treatment of the subtle differences of the people from different parts of the globe we share. Join Carole P.Roman as she travels to learn out the people, culture, and customs of the people Turkey.

Review: The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition by Joanne Cole

110967
It's the 20th Anniversary of The Magic School Bus! Celebrate this groundbreaking series with the Friz's class as they meet some of history's greatest minds and learn what it takes to be a scientist.
What do Galileo, Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur, and Albert Einstein have in common? They've all ridden on the Magic School Bus, of course!
Ms. Frizzle is back in action and she has a mission: her students need science fair projects - and fast. What better way to get ideas than to learn from some of the all-time greats? The class heads to the Walkerville Science Museum to see the exhibit on GREAT SCIENTISTS THROUGH THE AGES, where, suddenly, Galileo comes to life! He is about to make a great discovery, but he needs a ride home. Thank goodness Ms. Frizzle knows the way! (cont.)

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Faery Swap by Susan Kaye Quinn

Faery Swap by Susan Kaye Quinn

Title: Faery Swap
Author: Susan Kaye Quinn
 Publication Date: December 19, 2013
Publisher: Independent 
Pages: 281
Recommended Ages: 10+
Summary: Warrior faery princes can be very stubborn. Especially when they possess your body. Fourteen-year-old Finn just wants to keep his little sister out of Child Protective Services--an epic challenge with their parentally-missing-in-action dad moving them to England, near the famous Stonehenge rocks. Warrior faery Prince Zaneyr just wants to escape his father's reckless plan to repair the Rift--a catastrophe that ripped the faery realm from Earth 4,000 years ago and set it adrift in an alternate, timeless dimension. When Zaneyr tricks Finn into swapping places, Finn becomes a bodiless soul stuck in the Otherworld, and Zaneyr uses Finn's body to fight off his father's seekers on Earth. Between them, they have two souls and only one body... and both worlds to save before the dimensional window between them slams shut. Faery Swap is an action and druid-magic filled portal fantasy, told by both a runaway faery prince and the boy he's tricked into taking his place. This Prince and the Pauper meets Warrior Faeries tale is suitable for all ages.