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Donuts Review

11/30/2012

Donuts
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Adam Duff

The fun and clever rhyme continue in the delicious tale, Donuts by Julia Dweck. Donuts is an inspirational story about a sweet and determined squirrel named Merl and his BIG wish.

Julia Dweck

Merl lived in a forest all alone after his friends "scurried on out of this far end of town, 'cause all of their trees had been cut to the ground." Merl looked high and low until one day he discovered one tiny acorn. He "wished for a tree and he held his eyes shut, as he made this big wish on a very small nut." Now, as a lot of wishes do, Merl's came true and a large tree grew. Merl was disappointed, though, when he discovered the tree didn't produce any nuts. However, he still cared for and loved the tree all the same. One day a man gave, a very hungry, Merl a donut. Merl scurried to his tree to enjoy his sweet treat and that's when the most magical thing of all happened.

Adam Duff

Donuts is scrumptiously illustrated by Adam Duff who uses his creativity and talents to bring life to Merl's enchanting adventure.

Join Merl on his quest to restore his home and discover how his really big wish leads to an even bigger lesson in friendship.

I recommend picking up a copy of Donuts. Available at www.amazon.com.

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Tucker the Tricky Green Tractor Review

11/15/2012

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Tucker the Tricky Green Tractor
~Written and Illustrated by Lynn Darby

Tucker the Tricky Green Tractor by Lynn Darby creatively encourages children to be active and undertake new adventures.

Tucker is a rusted and broken down tractor, who sits alone in a field. Tucker longs to have someone to love. One day Tucker is caught in a terrible lightning storm. Feeling frightened Tucker yells for help, but no one hears his cries. However, this was no ordinary storm, this was a magic storm and Tucker is transformed into a beautiful shiny green tractor with a new engine. He can hardly wait to explore the farm and meet the new family that lives in the farmhouse.

Children will join Tucker as he learns new tricks from several different farm animals. They will also delight in Tucker's happiness as he rides off into the sunset with his new friends. Has Tucker finally found someone to love?

Lynn Darby does a wonderful job of incorporating the benefits of physical activity into a fun story line children will enjoy. Her upbeat illustrations add to the adventure and children will want to read Tucker the Tricky Green Tractor again and again.

I recommend picking up a copy at www.etsy.com/shop/baycrestpublishing.

You can find out more about Tucker by visiting him on Facebook www.facebook.com/TuckerTheTrickyGreenTractor.

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A Bug Who Needs a Hug Review

11/14/2012

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A Bug Who Needs a Hug
~Written by Anna Church
~Illustrated by Anna Church and Nicole Taylor

Everyone needs a hug now and then, but Hug-A-Bug can't seem to find anyone who wants to hug him back. A Bug Who Needs a Hug by Anna Church is a sweet story about an adorable little bug who is looking for someone to hug.

Hug-A-Bug is feeling sad and lonely so he decides to go for a walk in search of a friend. He encounters many forest critters on his journey like a caterpillar who is more interested in his lunch than a hug, a turtle who can't seemed to be bothered and a frog with other things to do.

Hug-A-Bug is heartbroken. Will he ever find a friend that needs a hug as much as he does?

Anna Church's imagination and creativity shine through in her writing as well as her lovable main character, Hug-A-Bug.

The illustrations by Nicole Taylor and Anna Church use vibrant colors that help to capture the attention of young readers.

I recommend picking up a copy of A Bug Who Needs a Hug. It's a book children will love to hear again and again.

Available at www.amazon.com.

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Queen Rider Review

11/12/2012

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Queen Rider
~Written by Alan Davidson

Queen Rider by Alan Davidson is a middle grade story about an intolerable girl named Bonnie Wyndham who will, unknowingly, be faced with decisions that will alter her life forever.

Bonnie Wyndham has been expelled from her last three schools for her unruly behavior. Now, she is given the opportunity of a lifetime to attend Almonside, a school with a top notch riding program. Bonnie may struggle in the classroom and among her peers, but she excels at riding.

In the past Bonnie has been able to get her way with teachers and students through her unpleasant and domineering attitude, but she has never met anyone like Ms. Ruth Caradon, her soft-spoken riding instructor. Ms. Caradon refuses to acknowledge Bonnie's unpleasantness, which infuriates Bonnie all the more. The two stubborn, yet talented riders are about to go head-to-head in an important competition, but who will learn the bigger lesson, student or instructor?

Young readers will be able to identify with Bonnie's schoolmates as they are forced to deal with Bonnie's selfish and spoiled mannerisms. However, when Ms. Caradon's true motives are revealed, reader's will find themselves cheering for Bonnie as she attempts to defeat Ms. Caradon and win the Lazard Trophy.

Lessons of compassion, honesty and second chances are found throughout the story as several lives are enhanced by the challenges and life lessons they are confronted with.

I recommend picking up a copy of Queen Rider. Available at www.amazon.com.

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Cat or Dog for President Review

11/2/2012

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Cat or Dog for President
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Bill Bruning

The Presidential Election is just around the corner, however this is no ordinary race and these are no ordinary candidates! Hit the campaign trail with Julia Dweck as she highlights the ins and outs of this extraordinary run off.

Cat or Dog for President by Julia Dweck takes a unique approach in introducing children to the upcoming election. The story unfolds through the eyes of a child who learns "two men will run." Which he replies, "A Race? Why that sounds like fun. Who is quicker" Who will be last? My cat and dog are pretty fast" and so begins the debate as to who is the best man, or pet in this case, for the job. Cat is pretty good at capturing thieves and rats and dog would make sure everyone had plenty to eat. The candidates are in a dead heat and the choice will be tough, but unfortunately the election takes a turn and we find Cat and Dog out to get one another with dirty tricks. Will Cat and Dog realize it's best for everyone, including the country, if they find away to compromise?

Bill Bruning does an amazing job illustrating the story. His brilliant images bring emphasis as the dramatic race for the presidency unfolds.

Julia Dweck does it again with her skillful rhyme. Her timely tale teaches children about democracy while reminding them, even though candidates don't see eye to eye, their utmost goal should be to do what's right.

Be sure to pick up the ebook Cat and Dog for President. Available at www.amazon.com.

Check out this titillating "Campaign Video" and then visit your nearest polling location at www.facebook.com/kitereaders to cast your vote. Voting ends Election Day, November 6, 2012

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Kindle Fire Giveaway Hosted by Author Crystal Marcos

11/1/2012

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Award winning author Crystal Marcos is hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway which includes some pretty incredible prizes! The contest runs through December 15, 2012.

Enter here for your chance to win:

1st Place winner will receive a Kindle Fire or $150 Amazon e-gift card

2nd Place will receive e-copy of Bellyache plus too other ebooks

The amazing books by Crystal Marcos

BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale by Crystal Marcos is an entertaining story kids will sink their teeth into! Crystal Marcos uses her incredible imagination to create a world of candy people called Candonites who enjoy eating an unthinkable dessert. Despite their oddities the Candonites teach Peter a very important lesson in forgiveness and that overindulgence is never a good thing.

Read my full review of Bellyache: A Delicious Tale.

In HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE, Crystal Marcos once again lures readers with her imagination and creativity.

Peter and Lina's adventure with the Candonites continues only this time the Candonite children, Joe and Angela, have been transported to Peter's world.

A gripping tale that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Read my full review of Headache: The Hair-Raising Sequel to Bellyache.

Be sure to enter the giveaway on Crystal's website www.crystalmarcos.com. Wait for the Rafflecopter to load and follow the instructions. While you're there check out all the cool treats. Good luck!!

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