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Monday, December 21, 2015

Review: The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! Book 1 Series 1 by Roe De Pinto

27111223Title: The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba (Book 1)
Author: Roe De Pinto
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Published: Oct. 6, 2015
Pages: 24
Genre: Children ages 3 up to 6
Review: Paperback provided by author
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 



The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba A New Life Begins Book 1 Series 1 A very special welcome to a beautiful, baby girl bright-eyed, little seal pup, that is! When adorable, little Zealy is born, Whubba couldn t be more excited! The latest in his line of powerful orcas, he s the protector around here and now, he s also going to keep Zealy safe in her new marine environment, and doing so with tender, loving care! With its bright and cheery illustrations, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba, a New Life Begins, the first in a series, is appropriate for infants through age five. As Zealy grows up under Whubba s watchful gaze, the two adventurous babies teach readers that growing with love, caring and sharing are the most important parts of family life, as they melt your heart with their precious innocence. Roe De Pinto is a graduate of a three-year program in children s literature from the Institute of Children s Literature. Though she started working on the Zealy and Whubba series as a legacy for her children and grandchildren, sharing the characters infectious smiles with children all around the world is her ultimate goal! Experience the fun and educate your children through their little escapades!"

Review: Baby Penguin Slips and Slides by Michael Teitelbaum

7696991Title: Baby Penguin Slips and Slides
Author: Michael Teitelbaum
Published: June 1, 2009
Publisher: Treasure Bay
Pages: 24
Genre: Children ages 3 on up
Review: library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 



Photo Adventure books include interactive text and fun facts about baby animals. This series is a non-fiction / fiction hybrid, blending a fictional adventure with fun facts and featuring spectacular photography of the baby animals in their natural habitat. Baby Penguin Slips and Slides:
Meet the baby penguins as they slip and slide and learn to fend for themselves in a world of snow and ice. Book includes "Fact Stops" with cool info on penguins and how they live in such a cold environment.

Review: Barbie and the Three Musketeers (Barbie Step into Reading) by Mary Man-Kong

6422999Title: Barbie and the Three Musketeers
Author: Mary Man-Kong
Published: Aug. 11, 2009
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 32
Genre: Children ages 3 on up
Review: library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 



“All for one and one for all!” Barbie stars as Corinne, a young French girl who dreams of one day becoming a royal Musketeer. Join Corinne and her friends as they practice their fencing skills and try to protect the prince from an evil plot in this exciting Step 2 reader based on the latest Barbie direct-to-DVD movie.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Selah's Sweet Dreams by Susan Count

shastings-selahs-cover-promo-web-lge

Title: Selah's Sweet Dream                                               Author: Susan Count                                             Publication Date: December 15, 2015                               Publisher: Hastings Creations Group                             Pages: 196                                                       Recommended Ages: 8+

Twelve-Year-Old SELAH (Say-la) aspires to be an equestrian superstar. That would require a horse. HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses. THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope. DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams. FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back. BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire. MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother. HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah. FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first. LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility. NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?

Amazon * Goodreads

 

The Early Buzz About the Book

"An engaging horse tale with a lot of heart... The story also has plenty of suspenseful passages to keep readers engaged." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Never a dull moment…" ~ 5 Star Review, Readers' Favorite
"A delightful read for anyone who enjoys a wholesome page turner!" ~ Cathymar, Amazon
"I loved this book! The author is a master story-teller and also taught me a great deal about horses in the book and clearly demonstrated how devoted one person can be to her horse." ~ S. Baggett, Amazon
"This story details hopes, determination, family values and best of all, a magnificent horse with a good bloodline ... A perfect book for horse lovers and all thing 'horse!' " ~ D. Fisher, Amazon
 


headshotAs a young girl, I was captivated by The Black Stallion series. Ownership of a real horse was beyond my grasp, so I consumed horse books. I am still a devoted student of equine training techniques of all disciplines and an avid equestrian. Now caretaker of three equine blessings, I consider them a gift of His unmerited favor. The only thing more fun than riding horses is writing stories about them. Pinterest fulfills my desire to have a horse of every color. Ride along: https://www.pinterest.com/susancount/

Website * Facebook

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Susan Count and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.


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Friday, December 11, 2015

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Young Knights of the Round Table and Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend by Cheryl Carpinello

Arthurian Legend Collage


 


The King's Ransom by Cheryl CarpinelloTitle: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt
Publication Date: May, 2012
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Pages: 120
Recommended Ages: 7 to 12

Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest. Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions. In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

iTunes * MuseItUp * Goodreads

Awards
2014 Gold Award Winner for Juvenile Fiction from Global eBook Awards. 2013 EVVY Finalist & EVVY Merit Award for Juvenile/Young Adult, Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc. 2013 Ariana Cover Finalist 2012 Silver Award Recipient for YA Fiction, Children's Literary Classics & CLC's 2012 Seal of Approval 2012 Finalist E-Book Children from USA 2012 Best Book Awards
   



Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend by Cheryl CarpinelloTitle: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt; Rita Toews 
Publication Date: March, 2009
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 122
Recommended Age: 7 to 12

Finalist Pre-Teen Literature: Dan Poynter's 2011 Global Ebook Awards At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England's history. She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted--all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage. For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits? However, the wizard Merlyn--her teacher and friend--knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

iTunes * Shelfari * Goodreads

 

Excerpts From Reviews

The King's Ransom:
"Cheryl Carpinello's middle grade adventure novel, featuring a visit from King Arthur and a few of his knights, is a wonderful introduction ~ to King Arthur, and to the lives of knights and others in a castle."
"I do wish the story had been a little longer, but as this book is aimed at a younger reader with a shorter attention span, I can understand why it was not."
"It's a great story about loyalty, friendship and overcoming obstacles."
"This was a delightful rollercoaster of a read, taking us on a journey with each of the characters. There were moments of great sadness, where I felt so wholeheartedly for the characters and their situations."
Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend:
I read this book to my son and daughter and they both loved it. It was a fast-paced book with a lot of excitement.”
“Will appeal to middle school aged readers, especially girls but boys too, who can relate to the idea of wanting independence yet struggling with the obligations that come with it.”
“Wizards, unicorns, and dragons are a few of the mythical creatures you will encounter in this enchanting book.”
“It is interesting and filled with enough Arthurian legend to keep young readers entertained. The questions at the end are great for comprehension and give the readers a chance to discuss their own take on the story.”
 


Cheryl Carpinello AuthorI am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds. Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello's Writing Pages where I interview children's/MG/Tween/YA authors; my home website Beyond Today Educator, and The Quest Books where I've teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

Beyond the Educator * Carpinello's Writing Pages

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter * Pinterest * Google+

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 24, 11:59 pm, 2015
 Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
 Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Cheryl Carpinello and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.


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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Hestia the Invisible by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Goddess Girls - Hestia collage



Goddess Girls 18 Hestia the Invisible Joan Holub Suzanne Williams Aladdin Simon & Schuster imageTitle: Hestia the Invisible (Goddess Girls #18)
Authors: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Publisher: Aladdin / Simon & Schuster
Pages: 256
Recommended Ages: 7 to 12 


 Set at Mount Olympus Academy where Zeus is principal, the Goddess Girls series (ages 8-12) puts a middle school spin on Greek mythology. Hestia, the 12-year-old goddess of the hearth, struggles to create a symbol or logo for herself in Crafts-ology class and realizes she wants to make herself more visible. Because most MOA students don’t even seem to notice she’s around!  

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Goodreads | Indiebound | iBook | Kobo

 

Goddess Girls Boxed Sets

Goddess Girls boxed set books 1-4 Holub WilliamsGoddess Girls Boxed Set: Books 1-4 (Charm Bracelet Inside!)

The Goddess Girls at Mount Olympus Academy—Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis—give ancient Greek myths present-day personality! This deluxe box set includes the first four volumes of the popular series, along with a coordinating charm bracelet, and is ideal for new and old fans alike. Athena the Brain, Persephone the Phony, Aphrodite the Beauty, and Artemis the Brave.

Set 1-4 Buy links

 

Goddess Girls boxed set books 5-8 Holub Williams.jpgGoddess Girls Boxed Set: The Glittering Collection Books 5-8 (Charm Bracelet Inside!)

Join Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis as they navigate the halls of Mount Olympus Academy—where friendships and adventures abound! This boxed set comes complete with a rhinestone “G” charm bracelet and includes Athena the Wise, Aphrodite the Diva, Artemis the Loyal, and Medusa the Mean.

Set 5-8 Buy Links

 

Goddess Girls boxed set books 9-12 Holub Williams.jpgGoddess Girls Boxed Set: A Charming Collection Books 9-12 (Charm Bracelet Inside!)

Continue the mega amazing Goddess Girls adventures with Pandora the Curious, Pheme the Gossip, Persephone the Daring, and Cassandra the Lucky!

Set 9-12 Buy Links

   


Joan HolubJoan Holub and Suzanne Williams are co-authors of three series: "Goddess Girls" (for ages 8-12, Greek mythology with a middle school twist), "Grimmtastic Girls" (for ages 8-12, fairy tale adventure with a middle school twist), and "Heroes in Training" (ages 6-11, Greek mythology adventure chapter books).   Joan Holub is also the author of 140+ books for children including the acclaimed picture books Little Red Writing, The Knights Before Christmas, and the New York Times bestseller Mighty Dads, as well as This Little President, a board book for toddlers (January 2016).


Website | Author Blog | Pinterest | Goodreads

Twitter | Facebook | Facebook (Goddess Girls)


Suzanne Williams is also the author of over 40 books for children. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children’s choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.

Website | Blog

     

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 22, 11:59 pm, 2015
 Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
MDBR Book Promotion ServicesTerms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.




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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Review: Snowmen at Christmas (snowmen) by Caralyn Buehner,

698159Title: Snowmen at Christmas
Author: Caralyn Buehner
Published: Sept. 15, 2005
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 32
Genre: Children Ages 4 on up
Review: library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 


Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now’s your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they’re celebrating Christmas—the snowman way!This snappy and entertaining companion to the New York Times bestsellerSnowmen at Night depicts all the best parts of the holiday, replete with icy treats and a snowman Kris Kringle.Told in the same bouncy verse as the original, Snowmen at Christmas is perfect for a snowy evening read-aloud

Review: Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

819667Title: Snowmen At Night
Author: Caralyn Buehner
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: Sept. 23, 2012
Pages: 32
Genre: Children ages 4 on up
Review: library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 




Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner's witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner's roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny's Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Book Blast and GIVEAWAY: Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle by Elsa Takaoka

 Grab a copy of "Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle" and "Goo and Spot in the Great Zoo Escape for FREE, December 8 and 9, 2015.

freebook  


Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle RiddleTitle: Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle
Author: Elsa Takaoka
Illustrator: Catherine Toennisson
Publication Date: February, 2014
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 38
Ages: 3 to 8

4.4 out of 5 stars with over 100 customer reviews. Two time #1 Amazon Best Seller in Manners. Illustratated by former DreamWorks Big Idea storyboardist Catherine Toennisson. Funny, silly and sweet, Goo and Spot teaches the importance of good listening skills. This amusing riddle educates without sounding like lessons and lectures. Instead, it has a fun and imaginative style. This book about Goo and Spot’s amazing and colorful adventures will definitely hit a child’s funny bone, with a valuable lesson learned along the way!

Get it Now Amazon button

Goo and Spot in the Great Zoo Escape  

A *NEW* "Goo and Spot" Book Coming Soon!!

gooandspotorange copy  

The Buzz About the Book

"How cute and clever was this book. It was like Dr. Seuss has found a friend." ~ Grafixsus, Amazon
"This would be the perfect book to read to a group of wriggly kindergartners. " ~ Anon, Anon, Amazon
"Both the text and the illustrations are rich and dynamic and evoke in both adults and children alike a desire to interact with the text and the images both creatively and consistently." ~ Margot V., Amazon
"The story makes my sons giggle with glee and they gave me a big hug at the ending. Thumbs up!" ~ Torres, Amazon
"The words come to life to young readers through the bright and fresh artwork making this a wonderful rhyming book that kids will want to read over and over!" ~ April M., Amazon
 


DSC_8068-EditBudding author Elsa Takaoka puts her pen to paper and creates a fun and heart-warming story. Spinning words with natural creativity, Elsa discovered her love of language at a very early age. She then pursued a career in Speech Language Pathology and English as a Second Language until the birth of her first daughter. Reading to her own little girls sparked her whimsical journey through children’s literature. Her dream to write and publish a picture book was achieved with Goo and Spot and The Do Not Wiggle Riddle, the first in the Goo and Spot book series. Currently, Elsa lives in Fukuoka, Japan with her sources of inspiration- her loving husband and their two adorable little girls.

Author Website * Facebook * Twitter * Google+

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 20, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
MDBR Book Promotion ServicesTerms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Elsa Takaoka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.





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Saturday, December 5, 2015

Review: Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

897296Title: Too Many Tamales
Author: Gary Soto
Published: Aug. 8, 1996
Publisher: Puffin Books
Pages: 32
Genre: Children
Review: library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk 





Christmas Eve started out so perfectly for Maria. Snow had fallen and the streets glittered. Maria's favorite cousins were coming over and she got to help make the tamales for Christmas dinner. It was almost too good to be true when her mother left the kitchen for a moment and Maria got to try on her beautiful diamond ring . . .
This is the story of a treasure thought to be lost in a batch of tamales; of a desperate and funny attempt by Maria and her cousins to eat their way out of trouble; and the warm way a family pulls together to make it a perfect Christmas after all.