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Dogger's Garage Band: Let's Play Together Book Review

8/30/2013

Dogger's Garage Band: Let's Play Together
~Written by Richard Frank

Book Synopsis

A rockin' story for kids, that parents will love reading, too. With four fun bandmates as its stars, Dogger's Garage Band: Let's Play Together is a comical, musical tale about sharing and friendship that'll make kids cheer for encores! But grown-ups are invited to the party, too, thanks to the hidden (and not-so-hidden) clues, nods, and tributes to '70s, '80s, and '90s music that make the book as fun to read for Mom and Dad as it is for children.

Book Review

Dogger's Garage Band is a lively story of friendship, sharing, and teamwork.

When Dogger and his friends are given a musical assignment from their music teacher they can wait to get started. But, when Dogger takes over all of the instruments his gang hits the road. Dogger must learn to be a true friend if he wants to save the band

I really like the message the book conveys. Through humorous lyrical rhyme it teaches children to think of others' feelings before they act and that real friends can admit their mistakes and go on being friends.

The illustrations are entertaining and vibrant. Young readers will love the original characters which makes the story all the more fun to read.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Dogger's Garage Band: Let's Play Together. Available at Amazon.com.

How Bees Came to Make Chili Book Review & Giveaway

8/27/2013

How Bees Came to Make Chili
~Written by Terry Bradley
~Illustrated by Patrick Siwik

Book Synopsis

How Bees Came To Make Chili is a children’s book that you don’t want to miss. It is just so cute that kids, parents and grandparents love it. Lots of life lessons to educate your young reader. It shows children that when life throws them a curve, they can still succeed! Life is ever-changing and the lessons learned can change the way we all see each other. Inspirational message about what we can do with the hope and belief of a better tomorrow. It instills a motto of “Dream Big”.

Book Review

How Bees Came to Make Chili is a cleverly written tale about overcoming difficult situations and finding the special talent within yourself.

When Nubbiebee injures his wing and is no longer able to fly he thinks he has nothing to offer the hive. Nubbiebee knows that all bees are good at something and he believes flying is all he can do. The other bees rally to support him and encourage him to try new things. Reluctantly, Nubbiebee gives cooking a try and after much trial and error he uncovers something exceptional within himself.

How Bees Came to Make Chili is entertaining with a bit of humor creating a fun story children will love to read. The illustrations are also bright and engaging. I like how the bees are depicted with large eyes and outfits to match their rolls in the hive.

I recommend picking up a copy of How Bees Came to Make Chili. Available on Amazon.com.

Watch the Book Trailer

How Bees Came to Make Chili
Book Giveaway

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Sage's Song Editorial Book Review

8/26/2013

Sage's Song
~Written by Karen Kilpatrick
~Illustrated by Mathew Wilson

Book Synopsis~

Dance to the beat of Sage's Song!

Find out what listening is really worth as Sage makes music from the sounds of the earth. Banging away on her drum, Sage can really make a racket! Stopping to listen to the world around her, Sage learns that music surrounds her in the simplest of sounds. This sensory exploration teaches the value of listening and inspires an awareness of the beautiful music nature creates.

From the Pumpkinheads series, teaching messages that parents care about through books that children love!

Book Review

Sage's Song is an energetic fun-filled story of a darling little girl's ability to find music all around her.

The sing-songy rhyme, in which the story is told, creates a musical rhythm that encourages young readers to get moving. Motion words like bang, clap, and stomp entice children to feel the sounds around them. Sage also teaches children to take time to listen for birds, dogs and bees whose musical sounds are often overlooked.

The illustrations vividly construct the world as seen and heard by Sage. From the noisy drums to the tiny bees, she observes and listens to everything. Sage is bubbly toddler and fits perfectly into the family of precious Pumpkinheads.

Often in our busy lives we forget to slowdown and take notice of the world around us. I love that Sage's Song reminds children and parents to stop and enjoy the little things life offers.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Sage's Song. Available from KiteReaders on Amazon.com.

Watch the Book Trailer

Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway Hop

8/26/2013

Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway Hop
Hosted by
Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews

Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt Book Review and Giveaway
~Written by Anna Church
~Illustrated by Nicole Taylor and Anna Church

Book Synopsis

Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt. Will this cute little fuzzy character, Hug-A-Bug, find a new friend to hug while on his travel in Egypt? Throughout the story the reader will learn simple Arabic phrases while on his travel to the famous Egyptian pyramids and other interesting places in Egypt. Teach your kids that reading is fun and see them grow! Visit www.HugABugTravels.com for more reading fun and activities.

Book Review

Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt is a wonderfully creative story that takes young readers on a grand adventure across Egypt. Their tour guide, Hug-A-Bug, is an adorable puffy blue bug that loves to explore and learn new things. He discovers many new Arabic words while traveling and uses repetition to help readers learn the words too.

One of my favorite aspects of the book are the illustrations. Real pictures are used while Hug-A-Bug is in Egypt which gives children a realistic idea of the people and places they would see if they too traveled too Egypt.

Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt uses a unique and entertaining approach to make learning fun. I highly recommend picking up a copy. Available at Amazon.com.

Enter my giveaway below for a chance to win your very own copy of Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt and be sure to check out the other blogs in the Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway Hop for more great giveaways.

Hug-A-Bug Travels to Egypt Book Giveaway

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Mary had a Sleepy Sheep Book Review

8/24/2013

Mary had a Sleepy Sheep
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Wilson Williams, Jr.

Book Synopsis

“Young Mary had a little lamb.
His name was Sheppard sheep,
And everywhere that Mary went
That sheep was sure to sleep.”This is not your average Mother Goose nursery rhyme. In this hilarious parody, poor Mary has one very sleepy, slumbering, snoozing sheep named Sheppard and Mary’s mom is not happy.

Can Mary can keep her sleepy sheep awake?

Young readers will laugh along at Mary’s zany attempts, as she tries everything from spicy-hot fiestas to water fights. The humor is fast and fun in this easy to read rhyming adventure.

Book Review

Mary had a Sleepy Sheep will have young readers, and their parents, in stitches. I laughed all the way through this charming and modern day original take on Mary Had a Little Lamb. Mary tries with all her might to creatively wake her sheep, Sheppard, but all he wants to do is catch some Zzzzzz's. I love her taco fiesta (as pictured above) where her sheep can be found taking a siesta. The fun antics continue right up to the end when Mary finally figures out the secret to keeping Sheppard awake, but is that a good thing?

The story is told in rhyme, which according to several studies, can help children to become better readers as well as make it easier for them to differentiate between individual sounds. As I've said many times before, Julia Dweck is a gifted author with an incredible talent for rhyme and Mary had a Sleepy Sheep is no exception.

The illustrations by the late Wilson Williams, Jr are amazing to say the least. His clever creations add to the humor on each page and the hidden mouse make discovering all the story has to offer that much more entertaining.

I love this story and highly recommend picking up a copy. You can pre-order yours today on Amazon.com and will be released on September 5, 2013.

About the Author

Julia Dweck writes children's stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Check out her newest eBook, "Blucy," a colorful romp and rhyming cat tale. Fun cat facts and a Blucy activity are included in this playful adventure.

Julia's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read and what makes them giggle. She's collaborated with leading artists in the world of children's literature to produce over 20 Amazon eBooks. Her titles have garnered placement on Amazon's bestsellers in children's color picture books multiple times with two #1 bestsellers: PIE-RITS and Zombie-Kids. These titles have been chosen by Amazon Editors for the prestigious "Kindle Daily Deal." Many of Julia's titles have earned placement on Amazon's top ranked lists based on customer review. In her spare time, Julia is a designer of educational adjuncts for children's literature, and has worked with such notable publishing houses as Penguin Young Readers. She presented at the 2011 National Center for Family Literacy for her creative use of technology in the classroom. (Amazon.com)

About the Illustrator

Born and raised on the East coast of Florida, Wilson has always had a passion for imaginary worlds and creatures. Luckily his pens, pencils and paintbrushes have given him the means to catalog his journeys to these magical places. According to his Mother, who would know best, Wilson has been drawing fervently from the moment he could hold a crayon in his hand. The right hand to be exact. His earliest interests started in Comic books, Saturday morning cartoons and the Kids section of the local public library. While some things have evolved since then, his enthusiasm and youthful spirit still remains.

In high-school Wilson decided to pursue Art as his life long career. He attended Ringling School of Art and Design where he received his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration. He's been a successful commercial artist and designer for the past twelve years. And he still dedicates a considerable amount of time to comic books, cartoons and the local public library. (Amazon.com)

Sadly, Mr. Williams passed away before this book's official release.

What's that in Mom's Belly Review & Giveaway

8/20/2013

What's that in Mom's Belly?
~Written by Sabrina & Brigett Scott
~Illustrated by Danielle Durocher

What's that in Mom's Belly? by Sabrina and Brigett Scott is a whimsical story that addresses some of the feelings children have when they learn mom's having another baby.

Finding out you're going to be a big sister can be overwhelming. For one little girl it's down right scary! She even suggests sending the new baby back or maybe giving "it to a nearby wolf pack." Her parents are not too happy with this suggestion, but soon realize their little girl fears they will no longer love her once the new baby arrives. They assure her that they will always love her and that they have enough love to go around. Feeling a little better with these reassuring words she waits with grandma as her parents head to the hospital. However, the biggest surprise is yet to come!

This adorable little brown-eyed girl is beautifully depicted in the illustrations by Danielle Durocher.

What's that in Mom's Belly? reassures children that it's okay to feel apprehensive about becoming a big sister or brother, but that their parents will always have room in their hearts to love them too.

I recommend reading What's that in Mom's Belly? which is available at www.amazon.com.

Kid Lit Blog Hop

What's That In Mom's Belly? Book Giveaway

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Kid Lit Blog Hop #22

8/20/2013

Welcome to the 22nd Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. Please join me in welcoming back our co-hosts for this Hop, Bruce from The Bookshelf Gargoyle, Victoria Simcox - author of The Magic Warble and The Black Shard, Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. A big, big welcome to all of you! Please be sure to give each of our hosts a visit to say a quick hello and we'll be sure to visit you right back!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop

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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules Please Read

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Sue @ Kid Lit Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Co-Hosts:

Bruce @ The Bookshelf Gargoyle Goodreads * Facebook

Victoria Simcox, Author Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

A Gangster's Garden Book Review

8/14/2013

A Gangster's Garden
~Written by Marc Cortez

Book Synopsis

Deep in the heart of Denver’s Five Points varrio, an innocent teenage boy is killed in a gang-related shooting.

The intended target, gang-leader Benicio de los Santos, assembles his Latin Disciples into a Denver basement to plot their revenge. Does it matter that the hit planned for him killed an innocent boy? No. What matters is how careless his main enemy, the Sureño Daggers, have become. His cholo brethren demand the bloody removal of their enemy's chief, King Diaz, and the quick takeover of Sureño drug turf. But Santos recalls a lesson from Sun Tzu - that true generalship destroys rather than counters enemy plans - and so commands his soldados to do nothing. He’ll avenge his wife and son’s murder on his terms, when he decides.

Across town, a family struggles to come to terms with their son's murder. Businessman Miguel Rodriguez wonders what led his son down to the varrio in the first place, the very streets he’d fought so hard to overcome. He’d renamed his son precisely to distance him from their varrio past, despite the repeated protests of his wife Carmela. Wouldn’t life as a white Julian Ross, mingling with Denver’s elite, offer more than a brown Julio Rodriguez? They’d fought about the name change for years. And now, with Julian gone, Miguel realizes that the only way to find his lost son is to return to his childhood streets.

A GANGSTER’S GARDEN is a story of murder and redemption, set in Denver's Five Points varrio. (Amazon.com)

Book Review

A Gangster's Garden is an awe-inspiring story of death, life, and salvation. When Julian, a teenage boy, dies in a gang related incident his parents are faced with the realization that they really didn't know their son. In searching for the truth about their son, they discover a great deal about themselves and now in order to overcome their grief Julian's parents must make life altering decisions.

The leader of the Latin Disciples is also facing the heartbreaking loss of a child and has begun to question his reasons for continuing to lead the gang. Seeking forgiveness and the desire to someday join his wife and child in heaven he too makes a life changing choice.

A Gangster's Garden is deeply touching and that author's ability for story telling pulled me in. The author skillfully develops his characters, but I was most intrigued by Benicio de los Santos, leader of the Latin Disciples. This character has done some unspeakable things in his lifetime, yet I found myself drawn to his hope for forgiveness and desire for a second chance. Benicio seeks what we all want, peace in the choices we've made, good or bad, and the opportunity to experience happiness.

I cannot give A Gangster's Garden enough praise. The story was so much more than I thought it would be. Yes, there's gang violence and death, but the new life that is born out of the mayhem makes the story an inspiring read.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of A Gangster's Garden. Available at Amazon.com.

Watch the Book Trailer

$100 Book Blast Giveaway ~ Blucy by Julia Dweck

8/13/2013

~$100 Book Blast Giveaway ~ & ~Where's Blucy Contest~
Sponsored by Author Julia Dweck and Xist Publishing

Title: Blucy
Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Erika LeBarre
Year published: 2013
Publisher: Xist Publishing
Number of pages: 21
Recommended age: 3+
Summary (Amazon): Once in a blue moon, a special pet comes along. When Mandy adopts the best cat at the shelter, she doesn't realize it has a big secret and an even bigger personality. Features full screen images and pop-up text.

Blucy Facebook Page * Blucy Pinterest Page * Goodreads

Purchase & Special Offer
Xist Publishing is pleased to offer you a special Buy One Get One FREE (BOGO) offer when you purchase Blucy by Julia Dweck. The Deal? If you purchase Blucy (e-book) through Amazon, you will receive a FREE electronic copy of Julia Dweck's newest book, Mary Had a Sleepy Sheep (released September 5, 2013). All you have to do is forward your purchase confirmation email to sales@xistpublishing.com and Xist Publishing will send you a complimentary copy of Mary Had a Sleepy Sheep. Don't wait to take advantage of this great deal!

The Early Buzz
"Julia Dweck scores another winner Blucy! This book is beautifully illustrated, features solid rhyming verse, has a most unusual main character in Blucy the cat, and will surely be loved and appreciated by all cat-lovers! I would recommend this wonderful picture book to children who love cats and for their grown-ups who will recognize their own cat's behavior in this funny story. ." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Ms Dweck and Ms Lebarre have created a delightfully humorous read that will no doubt capture the attention of every little mischief maker. The rhythm and rhyme are wonderful and flow so beautifully throughout the book. The illustrations are absolutely exquisite. I honestly wish I could purchase every one of them to put upon my toddlers walls." ~WhenIgrowupIwannawriteakidsbook

"The illustrations are amazing and beautiful and the story pulls you in and had Dino telling Mandy and Blucy what to do and got upset when they didn’t listen to him. He was hysterical with some of Blucy’s antics and wanted to know if Balboa could do that to. Really and truly a cute book and one that Dino will keep reading, especially now that he think he’s a catosaurous." ~ Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

A blue cat? I love color - lots of color and these illustrations are exactly that. The rythmic method used by Julia is perfect for all ages and the content is entertaining for all - including adults. My daughter loves mood rings so she found this book particularly interesting - what about a "mood cat". I am also a firm believer and supporter of pet adoptions - so another plus for this story...That Blucy is quite a mischievous cat. Blucy has special facts at the end of the story as well as a game for the kids to keep them thinking. I love this book as I have all of Julia's books and so do my kids. ~ The Stuff of Success

A Phenomenal Children's Classic. Children & Adults will love and cherish this beloved tale. Julia Dweck has always amazed me with her talent at writing children's books and Blucy is by far my favorite one yet. I laughed and giggled my way through the whole book and had to read it again several times for the pure joy of the story. The illustrations are fabulous and very colorful and I found myself staring at each page as I read and just loved the details in the illustrations. This is a RECOMMENDED MUST read story that adults and their children will fall in love with. This book will become the best bedtime story that children will want to hear over and over again. ~ Back Words, White Pages

Julia Dweck's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read and what makes them giggle. She's collaborated with leading artists in the world of children's literature to produce over 20 Amazon eBooks. Her titles have garnered placement on Amazon's bestsellers in children's color picture books multiple times with two #1 bestsellers: PIE-RITS and Zombie-Kids. These titles have been chosen by Amazon Editors for the prestigious "Kindle Daily Deal." Many of Julia's titles have earned placement on Amazon's top ranked lists based on customer review. In her spare time, Julia is a designer of educational adjuncts for children's literature, and has worked with such notable publishing houses as Penguin Young Readers. She presented at the 2011 National Center for Family Literacy for her creative use of technology in the classroom. For more information about Julia Dweck and her books, please visit her website, Jule Loves 2 Write.

Twitter * Facebook

* Where's Blucy? Contest *
Before we get to the $100 Book Blast Giveaway, we have a special treat for you. If you head on over to Julia Dweck's Facebook Fan Page, you will find the "Where's Blucy?" Contest. Julia Dweck fans are invited to post suggestions of "blue" places Blucy could be hiding, (e.g., near Elvis' blue suede shoes). The most creative answer will win a print of the Blucy cover by the artist, Erika LeBarre. Head on over to Julia Dweck's Facebook Fan Page to enter and if you enter the contest before August 20, 2013, you gain 5 entries in the $100 Book Blast Giveaway below!

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)
Contest runs: August 13 to September 15, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: A randomly drawn winner will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send us an email!

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Pinocchio Book Review

8/9/2013

Pinocchio
~Retold by Roberto Piumini
~Illustrated by Lucia Salemi

Book Synopsis

One of the most well-known characters in children's literature, Pinocchio, is brought to life in this new retelling by award-winning teacher-turned-author Roberto Piumini. The story follows the adventures of the living puppet, Pinocchio, who must prove himself worthy to become a real boy. This child-friendly adaptation is part of a special classics collection that has sold over 1 million print copies worldwide, and is now brought into vivid full color on your tablet!

Book Review

The story of Pinocchio is one that I cherished as a child and even shared with my own children so I was anxious to read the story as retold by Roberto Piumini. It was just as delightful as I remember with the timeless message that honesty is always the best policy. The retold story is a more condensed version making it perfect for young children who can sometimes lose interest in long stories.

The vibrant and detailed illustrations are incredible adding to the joy of reading this unforgettable classic.

I recommend picking up a copy of Pinocchio. Available at Amazon.com.