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Zombie-Kids Book Review

10/31/2013

Zombie-Kids
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Mark Draisey

Book Synopsis

The Zombie-Kids have arrived in this original bestselling title ranked #1 among Amazon's Bestsellers in Children's Color Picture Books and hand selected by the editors at Amazon for the prestigious, "Kindle Daily Deal." Don't miss out on this hilarious bestselling adventure that put Zombie-Kids on the map to rave customer reviews.

Join the zombie-kids as they bowl, dance, skate, and go to the movies in their unique zombie-way. You'll have an eerily good time.

And don't miss the sequel, Zombie Kids Go Green, also available on Kindle store. (Amazon)

Zombie-Kids is a hair-raising rhyme that give readers a glimpse into the startling and comical life of zombie kids.
After all, "Zombies are people that have feelings too. They liked to be loved just like me and like you."

At night when the rest of us are fast asleep the zombies come out to roam, including the kids. One little boy likes to sneak out after dark in order to play with his zombie friends. They play tag and baseball and even do a little shopping all under the cover of darkness to ensure they don't give humans a fright. "When the sun rises, the zombies are gripped by a sudden desire to head to their crypt." So if your out after dark be certain to look for them, you might just make a new friend.

Readers will have a haunting good time reading Zombie-Kids which will tickle their funny bone and have them howling for more. The illustrations are sure to bring a cackle or two as the zombies shake their bones with old Frankenstein and play a round of eyeball golf.

I highly recommend picking up Zombie-Kids. Available from KiteReaders on Amazon.com.

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Twignibble Book Review

10/29/2013

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Twignibble
~Written by Henry, Josh & Harrison Herz
~Illustrated by Debi Pickler

Book Synopsis

Twignibble is a fantasy easy reader for 5-8 year-olds.

Twignibble is a very smart and mechanically adept sloth, with animal friends all over the world. When he learns that his friends are in danger from pollution and poaching, he builds a helicopter to visit them. Twignibble helps each friend by making them a special gadget.

Kids love the cute animals and funny inventions; parents appreciate a book that promotes friendship, empathy, and protecting the environment. (Amazon)

Book Review

Twignibble is an inspiring a book about a not so slothful sloth that is determined to help his animal friends whose habitats are being invaded and ruined by humans.

Twignibble is a very intelligent sloth and, with the aid of his trusty computer, has become quite an accomplished inventor. Just as Twignibble is settling in to share his latest creation with his friends, several cries for help come across his video chat. Twignibble springs into action and builds a helicopter so he can travel quickly from place to place rendering assistance. Along the way Twignibble learns that humans are to blame for the problems he encounters, but he wastes no time finding solutions. After a long busy day Twignibble needs a nap!

Twignibble is a creative story that uses action and adventure to teach children the importance of protecting the environment. Twignibble enlightens children about oil spills that threaten sea life, fires started by careless humans that destroy forests and jungles, poaching that senselessly takes the life of an animal for fur or tusks, and much more. The beautiful and vibrant illustrations are inviting and children have fun while they learn.

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

Watch the Book Video Trailer

Twignibble

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Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery Book Review

10/29/2013

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Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery
~Written by Andrew Cotto

Book Synopsis

A beautiful young French girl walks into a bar, nervously lights a cigarette, and begs the bartender for help in finding her missing artist brother. In a moment of weakness, the bartender—a lone wolf named Caesar Stiles with a chip on his shoulder and a Sicilian family curse hanging over him—agrees. What follows is a stylish literary mystery set in Brooklyn on the dawn of gentrification.

While Caesar is initially trying to earn an honest living at the neighborhood watering hole, his world quickly unravels. In addition to being haunted by his past, including a brother who is intent on settling an old family score, Caesar is being hunted down by a mysterious nemesis known as The Orange Man. Adding to this combustible mix, Caesar is a white man living in a deep-rooted African American community with decidedly mixed feelings about his presence. In the course of his search for the French girl's missing brother, Caesar tumbles headlong into the shadowy depths of his newly adopted neighborhood, where he ultimately uncovers some of its most sinister secrets.

Taking place over the course of a single week, Outerborough Blues is a tightly paced and gritty urban noir saturated with the rough and tumble atmosphere of early 1990s Brooklyn. (Amazon)

Book Review

Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery is an intriguing story that grasps readers and pulls them into the obscure life of Caesar Stiles. A plot rich with mysterious twists compels you to continue reading and leaves you yearning for more.

Caesar Stiles has ended up in Brooklyn after a somewhat shady and very momentous past. Now, he's just trying to survive in a neighborhood where he's anything but welcome. A dark figure seems to lurk in the shadows near Caesar's home and he is certain someone is after him. A young French girl enters the pictures and begs Caesar to help her search for her missing brother. Unknown to Caesar, his seeming act of kindness will lead to the discovery of evil plans that have been set in motion. Caesar must be cunning if he has any hopes of surviving.

Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery is truly a suspense that will keep you on edge. The author is skilled in storytelling which is evident in his ability to lead readers into the believable world he creates through ample detail and fascinating story line.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery. Available at Amazon.com.

About the Author

Andrew Cotto is a writer and teacher who lives in Brooklyn, NY. He is the author of two novels: "The Domino Effect" - winner of the 2012 Readers Favorite Silver Medal - is a coming of age story about a kid from Queens with a damaged past and a complicated present at a boarding school in rural New Jersey; "Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery" is an unconventional noir about a drifter seeking a missing person and a remedy to his family's curse on the dawn of urban gentrification. His novels are represented by Dunow, Carlson and Lerner Literary Agency. Andrew's articles have appeared in many national journals, including the New York Times, Men's Journal, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, Deadspin, the Good Men Project and Teachers & Writers Magazine. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. (Amazon)

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Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve Book Review

10/25/2013

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Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve
~Written by Jannifer Powelson
~Illustrated by Kalpart

Book Synopsis

Rachel and Sammy team up for another adventure as they learn to conserve! On the last day of school, Rachel, Sammy, and their classmates take turns showcasing conservation practices they've installed around the school for their science projects. Whose project will Mrs. Doe, Doc Opossum, and Principal Bear choose to be the winner? Children will discover that everyone wins when they conserve the earth's natural resources. Join in the fun and learn all about planting trees and native plants, soil, water, and energy conservation, wildlife habitats, recycling, and more!

Beautifully illustrated by Kalpart, and full of colorful photos taken by the author, Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve will teach children easy ways to use natural resources wisely at home and at school.

Book Review

Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve teaches children the importance of conserving Earth's resources in order for future generations of to enjoy them.

It's the last day of school for the animals and they have each prepared a special presentation on things they can to do help conserve. Rachel Raccoon told how she planted many different kinds of trees around the school yard. Some of the trees provided shade while others produced fruit and nuts for others to eat. Sammy Skunk planted a small garden with a variety of native plants. Native plants are used to the climate in the area and require less care other plants and provide wildlife habitats for the creatures who live in the area. The students continued to share different techniques that can be used to conserve water and electricity as well as how recycling cuts down on waste that goes into landfills. The class is excited about learning to be green and sharing their knowledge with others.

Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve is such a wonderful story. It is written in simple terms that make conservation concepts easy for young readers to understand. The author also uses actual pictures of plants, insects, recyclable material, and other sources of energy. The photos help children make real life connections as they learn. I believe it is imperative for each of us to do our part to protect our natural resources and if children learn from a young age it will become a habit that will benefit us all.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve and be sure to check out all of the other books in the Rachel and Sammy series. Available on Amazon.com.

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I Am Twee' Book Review

10/24/2013

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I Am Twee'
~Written by Susie E. Caron
~Illustrated by Joe Eckstein

Book Synopsis

Do your children complain about the things they don't have? Do they believe they are not as smart, athletic, talented, or 'cool' as other kids? Twee' does! Do you ever wish your children understood how being different makes them unique and special, with their own gifts to share? Twee' does! Read "I am Twee'" together and share the discovery! Twee' is a bit older now, but is she wiser? In this second picture book-allegory from Susie's "Between You And Me" series, this young pine tree feels useless because she has nothing to share. Twee' notices the apple trees in the valley offer many gifts, which draw children and adults to visit them. However, the people don't even see Twee', and she begins to wish she were an apple tree. After many seasons, Twee' is ready to give up, when an unusual event changes her mind. Join Twee' as she journeys to discover that by being herself and different she has something special to contribute.

Book Review

Twee' has changed a lot since she was a young pine tree. She spends her days enjoying the beautiful valley below with her dear friend Rock. Life has become very happy for Twee' until one day she notices how much attention the apples trees receive. They have lovely flowers in the spring, children play on their branches in the summer, and pick their delicious apples in the fall. Twee' becomes very sad and wishes she had something special to share with others. Will Twee' ever learn just how extraordinary she really is?

Many times we long for the characteristics of others like their hair color, clothes, or friends. We end of feeling jealous instead of looking at all the unique and wonderful qualities we possess. Once we accept ourselves for who we are and learn to embrace our individuality something truly magical happens.

I Am Twee' shows young readers that everyone has something special to offer if they just take a moment and discover what it is instead of being envious of others.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of I Am Twee', the second book in the Between You and Me Series. Available at Amazon.com.

Connect with the author, Susie Caron on Facebook, Twitter, and her website www.susiecaron.com.

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Twee' Book Review

10/24/2013

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Twee'
~Written by Susie E Caron
~Illustrated by Joe Eckstein

Book Synopsis

Do your children complain that you stop them without reason? Do they realize your goal is to keep them safe and provide for their future? Twee' does! Have you ever felt caught between a rock and a hard place? Have you experienced something difficult only to discover later, it helped you grow? Twee' does! Read Twee' together and enjoy the journey. Twee is an adorable character in the first allegorical picture book from Susie's "Between You And Me Series." She is a little pine tree who believes everything belongs to her - including the right to complain. When a boulder drops down unexpectedly in front of her and blocks her view, she is more than frustrated - she is stuck! Later a violent storm alters her thinking and her feelings begin to change. Join Twee' as she makes this inward journey to learn about herself and how to relate to another who is different and separate but who has purpose, no matter how humble.

Book Review

Twee' is a spirited tale of a selfish little pine tree who believes the world revolves around her. She spends a lot of time complaining about everything. It's too hot, too cold, too wet, or too windy for Twee'. Nothing seems to satisfy her and when a giant boulder tumbles down the hillside and comes to rest directly in front of her she find plenty more to gripe about. Will Twee' ever learn to be thankful?

The illustrations are eye-catching and depict Twee as an adorable pine tree, even if she tends to be grumpy most of the time. I like the simplicity of the images because they keep readers focused on the story's moral and Twee's journey towards discovering gratitude.

In life it's often easy to find things to complain about, but life offers so much more if we are willing to open our hearts. Twee' teaches us to find joy and contentment in the life we have and to share love with those around us.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Twee'. Available on Amazon.com.

Connect with the author, Susie Caron on Facebook, Twitter, and her website www.susiecaron.com.

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Bye Bye, Boogeyman! Editorial Review

10/23/2013

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Bye Bye Boogeyman!
~Written by Donna Davies
~Illustrated by Rob Peters

Book Synopsis

Does your child fear the creatures of night? Well, here’s a little girl who is up for a boogeyman fight! This rip-roaring fun story will transform any child who is spooked by monsters in the closet or under the bed into rulers of their rooms. After taking a few lessons from little LeAnne, they will never fear that nasty boogeyman again.

Book Review

"Leanne hides under her covers at night. Anxiously awaiting a Boogeyman fight." But, when the Boogeyman finally comes to give Leanne a scare, he is in for a spine-chilling surprise. Leanne springs in to action, attacking the Boogeyman with a bat and a special concoction of Magical Monster Mist she brewed just for the occasion. With the Boogeyman under her spell, Leanne performs some frightening tricks of her own. Will Leanne defeat the Boogeyman forever?

Bye Bye, Boogeyman! is such a clever story designed to help children overcome their fear of monsters that lurk in the shadows at bedtime. Children will find Leanne's cunning pranks hysterical.

The illustrations by Rob Peters are worth howling about and the Magical Monster Mist is a brilliant idea (recipe included). Definitely something I'll have to make for my teenagers after they watch scary movies with their friends.

Bye Bye, Boogeyman! is a magical make-believe that is sure to be a Halloween favorite with children as well as parents. I highly recommend picking up a copy. Available from KiteReaders at Amazon.com.

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Night of the Candy Creepers Editorial Review

10/22/2013

3 Comments

Night of the Candy Creepers
~Written by Donna Davies
~Illustrated by Rob Peters

Book Synopsis

★ This picture eBook title features vivid, full-color layouts with Kindle Text Pop-Ups★

It’s Halloween and you’re out for the night,
Not quite realizing you’re in for a fright.
The candy creepers have come to town,
And they will gobble your candy down.

The candy creepers are masters of disguise, but boy are they in for a big surprise.

Book Review

It's Halloween night and a little boy dressed as Dracula has ventured out on his quest to collect candy. Suddenly, he gets the eerie feeling that he's not alone. Afraid that sneaky Creepers are after his loot he makes a break for home and hides safely inside. But, is his candy really safe?

Told in ghostly rhyme, Night of the Candy Creepers is a perfect hair-raising tale for little readers and parents and children will cackle with delight when the identities' of the Creepers are revealed, although some parents (myself included) will identify with the candy thieves and feel a bit guilty. My favorite part is when the little boy stomps off with his candy in hand..."They hand your candy back, but that's no fun at all... 'Cause now you know the Creepers live just two steps down the hall."

This is such a fun tantalizing Halloween tale for children. The illustrations are colorfully creepy and give the story a playfully haunting feel.

I found Night of the Candy Creepers to be a thrilling fight night tale and highly recommend picking up a copy. Available from KiteReaders at Amazon.com.

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Faux Paw: A Bear's Story Book Review

10/21/2013

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Faux Paw: A Bear's Story
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Walter Carzon

Book Synopsis

Waldon Bear is a little boy who wants to be a bear.
“That’s impossible,” says his teacher, Mrs. Hunter. “Human children grow up to be human adults, not animals!” But Waldon refuses to listen. Can Waldon make it as a bear in school?

Will Waldon convince the other children and Mrs. Hunter that he’s truly meant to be a bear? This humorous look at childhood will charm parents and delight young readers. At its heart, this story carries an inspirational message to believe in yourself and your dreams and for parents to believe in their children, too. And for those who can bearly wait to learn more about bears, the book ends with Mrs. Dweck’s fun facts about bears from around the world.

Book Review

Faux Paw: A Bear's Story is a wonderfully written story with a timeless message that reminds us all that we can be or do anything we set our minds to. When Mrs. Hunter ask her students what they want to be when they grow up she is unprepared for Walden's answer. When he declares he wants to be a bear, Mrs. Hunter becomes upset and instead of encouraging Walden to follow his dreams she uses words to destroy them. Walden's mom comes to the rescue, she restores his faith in himself and helps him achieve his dream.

I love this story. Many times in life we face people who are quick to criticize our ides, but Walden proves that no matter what others think we should never give up on aspirations. Parents and teachers are also reminded that they play a key role in helping their children succeed in all they do.

The playful illustrations are alluring with brightly detailed animal costumes and comical antics. I also like the clever names of the characters like Janic Katz, Bradley Wolf, Mrs. Hunter.

I highly recommend picking up Faux Paw: A Bear's Story. Available on Amazon.com.

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The Shadow of Atlantis Blog Tour & Book Review

10/16/2013

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View The Shadow of Atlantis Blog Tour Schedule

About the Book

Title: The Shadow of Atlantis (Shadows From the Past, Book 1)
Author: Wendy Leighton-Porter
Year Published: 2012
Publisher: Mauve Square Publishing
Pages: 196
Recommended Age: 8+

Book Synopsis

Ten-year-old twins Joe and Jemima Lancelot have no idea why their parents have disappeared, but a mysterious old book which had belonged to their father holds the answer… and so begins an unusual quest to discover the truth.

Together with Max, their remarkable Tonkinese cat, and Charlie from next door, the children embark on an epic adventure, travelling back in time to the lost city of Atlantis. Once there, however, they soon run into problems.

Can they save the people of Atlantis from the disaster which is about to destroy their land forever?

And will they find their way back to the safety of their own time before it’s too late? (Amazon)

My Book Review

The Shadow of Atlantis is a thrilling adventure with hidden clues and a magical book that takes Joe, Jemima, Charlie and their cat, Max on a wild ride to the Lost City of Atlantis. Readers will be captivated by the vivid detail of the lost city and moved by the children's quest to save the people of Atlantis before disaster strikes.

Joe and Jemima live with their uncle after their parents vanished under mysterious circumstances. One day while exploring their parents possessions they find an old book. They remember how much their father treasured the book and decide to look inside. The children are unaware that their actions will catapult them into a different time, where they'll uncover information about their parents, try to save lives, and end up fearing for their own. The simple act of opening the book will change their lives forever.

The story is well written and brimming with activity. I was hooked from page one and felt myself being instantly drawn in. I was anxious to discover all that awaited the children on their quest and feared for their safety with evil lurking in the shadows.

I highly recommend picking up The Shadow of Atlantis as well as the rest of the books in the series. You will not be disappointed. Available at Amazon.com.

Purchase Info

Amazon U.S. * Amazon Canada * Amazon U.K. * Book Depository

Great Deal!!*** You can buy the all 6 books (electronic copies) in the series (The Shadow of Atlantis, The Shadow of the Minotaur, The Shadow of the Trojan Horse, The Shadow of the Pyramid, The Shadow of the Volcano,and The Shadow of Camelot) for only 99 cents each from Amazon between October 14 and 28, 2013.

About The Author, Wendy Leighton-Porter

Dividing my time between homes in England and South-West France, I live with my husband Simon and our two beautiful Tonkinese cats. I spent 20 years as a teacher of French, Latin and Classical studies, but now write books for children instead of teaching them. The Shadow of Atlantis is the first book in a series of 15 planned time-travel stories, featuring 3 children and, unsurprisingly, a rather special Tonkinese cat. Having recently completed number #7, The Shadow of the Norman Arrow (coming soon!), I’m currently working on the eighth book in the series.As I take my young readers on a magical mystery tour through the past, I’m also hoping that my love of history, myth and legend will rub off on them too. Personally, I’m enjoying the journey so much, I don’t ever want it to end! Why not come along with me for the ride?

Website * Facebook * Goodreads

The Shadow of Atlantis Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash
Contest runs: October 14 to November 5, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: WW
How to enter: 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 author Paul Hewlett 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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