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What Squirrels Do: Just For Fun Review

5/31/2013

What Squirrels Do: Just For Fun
~By Hazel Nutt

Hazel Nutt is a toddler who is nutty about nature and seems to have a knack for communicating with squirrels. In her book, What Squirrels Do: Just For Fun, she reveals some of the things she has learned about squirrels.

The use of cheerful and humorous rhyme create a whimsical image of squirrels frolicking through life as "they swing high between the trees, trying hard not to bang their knees." Squirrels can also be seen using flowers as pom poms or taking relaxing rides on the backs of swans. But, be careful not tell anyone the things you find out. The squirrels don't seem to like that much.

Hazel Nutt educates children and adults alike about communing with nature. You can learn about all it has to offer when you just pay attention.

I recommend picking up a copy of What Squirrels Do: Just For Fun. Available at Amazon.com.

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The Three Little Pigs Editorial Review

5/30/2013

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The Three Little Pigs
~Written by Roberto Piumini
~Illustrated by Nicoletta Costa

Who doesn't love the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs? Roberto Piumini and Nicoletta Costa team up with KiteReaders to bring new life to this old favorite. The Three Little Pigs is a story with a timeless message that hard work and ingenuity are the key to succeed.

Pombo, Golli, and Fonfon have grown and now must set out to find their own way in the world. The little pigs are frightened by the mysterious forest they encounter in the darkness, but they walk on. After days of walking they each come across materials that can be used to build shelter. Golli spies a pile of straw and builds her new home. Fonfon finds some wood and decides this will make a nice house. Pombo discovers some discarded bricks and decides bricks will make the perfect place to live. But, lurking in the shadows is a mean and hungry wolf.

Humorous scenes like when the three pigs leave home and "it was raining, the wind was howling, and it was snowing, all at the same time" will bring laughter to young readers.

The traditional "I'll huff and I'll puff" have been replaced with "Hey you, open up!" This modern twist is comical, but also helps portray the wolf as the rude bully he is meant to be.

The author also uses a clever play on words, such as, "wolfish place" and "wolfish silence" to imply that the wolf is not far behind.

Nicoletta Costa is an exceptionally gifted illustrator and her images will amuse readers. Her spirited pigs and cunning wolf bring so much to the story.

I recommend picking up a copy of The Three Little Pigs available at Amazon.com.

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The World of Happy "A Star is Born" Review

5/28/2013

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The World of Happy "A Star is Born"
~Written and Illustrated by Camy De Mario

The World of Happy "A Star is Born" by Camy De Mario teaches children that all it takes is one person to inspire change.

Happy and his friends Milo and Cooly are spending the day surfing off the coast of Southern California when Happy discovers a sea turtle who is trapped in a plastic bag. He and his friends rush to the rescue, but after saving the turtle Happy wants to do more. Noticing the trash on the beach Happy and his friends come up with a plan to clean up the beach and protect their sea friends. Happy and his friends are heroes and their good deeds have positively impacted the community. Happy's story is an inspiration to all and encourages children to take small steps in making a big difference.

Camy De Mario is also the talented illustrated behind the bright and engaging illustrations. Her images depict Happy and his friends cleaning up the beach and influencing others to do the same.

I recommend picking up a copy of The World of Happy "A Star is Born" which is available at Amazon.com.

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Children's Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop

5/13/2013

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The Blue Daisy: A Lesson in Gratitude Autographed Copy
plus $5 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

In honor of Children's Book Week 2013 and The Kid Lit Giveaway Hop hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews I am giving away an autographed copy of my children's book The Blue Daisy: A Lesson in Gratitude and a $5 Amazon Gift Card.

Book Description:
The bright sun warms a field of daisies, but all the blue daisy does is complain. Can she learn to be grateful before she loses all her petals? Find out in this whimsical tale that teaches children to appreciate what they have.

"This is the sweetest little book. Children will absolutely love it" ~M. Mitchell

"Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing this wonderful rhyming tale with young readers." ~Kristi's Book Nook

The giveaway also includes a $5 Amazon gift card.

Leave a comment below to be entered into the giveaway for your chance to receive your very own autographed copy of The Blue Daisy: A Lesson in Gratitude and a $5 Amazon Gift Card.

A winner will be chosen at random. Email addresses are never shared and are for the sole purpose of contacting the winner.

Contest runs from May 13, 2013 - May 19, 2013. The winner will be announced May 20, 2013.

Be sure to follow the links below for more great Kid Lit Blog Hop Giveaways.

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The Zebra Said Shhh Review

5/9/2013

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The Zebra Said Shhh
~Written by M.R. Nelson
~Illustrated by Tamia Sheldon

It's bedtime at the zoo in The Zebra Said Shhh by M.R. Nelson, but the only animal ready to get some shut eye is the zebra. Will all his shushing be enough to calm the other animals so he can get some sleep?

M.R. Nelson creates an adorable bedtime story using popular zoo animals and their animal sounds to capture the attention of young readers. Children will also find humor in the zebra's desire to sleep as the noisy animals keep him awake.

The peaceful animal scenes and calming colors help to set the sleepy time mood. Tamia Sheldon's talent as an illustrated shines through on each page.

I recommend picking up The Zebra Said Shhh which is sure to become a favorite at bedtime or anytime. Available at Amazon.com.

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When I Turn 6 Review

5/8/2013

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When I Turn 6
~Written and Illustrated by Margaret Bucklew

When I Turn 6 by Margaret Bucklew is a delightful picture book about all the new and exciting experiences that lie ahead for a 6 year old.

"When I turn 6 I'll learn new things, like tying my shoes, and spreading my wings" and "Help bring in the groceries from the car, for sure I'll do that, if it's not too far" are just a couple examples of the engaging rhyming text children will encounter while reading this story. The illustrations are colorful and add to the thrill little ones will feel as they discover all the "big kid" adventures that are coming there way.

I recommend picking up a copy of When I Turn 6. Available on Amazon.com.

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Last First Kiss Review

5/1/2013

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Last First Kiss Book 2 (La Fleur de Love)
~Written by Lori Leger

Last First Kiss is the second book in the La Fleur de Love Series by Lori Leger and is a passionate story about loss, love, and second chances.

When Giselle loses her husband in a tragic car accident she falls into a deep depression. She's unable to care for her two small daughters and often wishes it was she that would have died instead. Jackson Broussard losses his wife in the same accident, however her cruel treatment of him, even in death, makes grieving for her difficult. Jackson's main focus is to help Giselle and her girls deal with their loss. Jackson soon realizes he is in love with Giselle and adores her daughters, but her outward feelings towards him are cold. Will Giselle ever be able to love again? Find out in this captivating story that teaches readers how far the heart will go to love.

Lori Leger's ability as a writer shines through in Last First Kiss. This well written and compelling story about healing and learning to love again will pull at your heartstrings.

I recommend picking up a copy of Last First Kiss available on Amazon.com.

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