Tuesday 26 March 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #12: Post Office Book Review #3


Welcome to back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #12
  
Well, to explain the title of this post, for anyone who didn't link in last hop, I have a confession. Sometimes I buy cheap books for Gigi from our local post office. They aren't exactly literary genius and occasionally the stories don't make any sense at all. Now that I am a permanent hostess on the hop, I was joking with Renee our illustrious CEO and master of all that is blog hop, that if we get desperate to make it to our target 100 links I may be forced to do a Post Office Book Review.

 So, don't say I didn't warn you, and you know what, maybe we won't reach 100 this hop, but I will forgive you all, it is spring break for you after all.

Well, this one is another jem brought to you by Ollie Bollie Books.




 Once again, no author, but pure and simple, it imparts to the reader all the things that they can do, and you know what, I am pretty happy if she takes every word to heart.

Her favourite page is the last and she loves to yell, "I CAN READ" around the house. Clearly she can't at 21 months of course, but who knows how long it will be, she loves books and I am one happy mum about that. I can only hope her love grows. Check it out.














But that's not all folks, apparently our hop has been nominated for a Gargie.


GASP!

Thank you Bruce, we are honoured.


Welcome to the 12th Kid Lit Blog Hop. We did it! We hit 100 links once again! Thanks to all of YOU, we are developing a thriving community of bloggers and authors who love to share their favorite kids books. Last time, there were so many links to fantastic posts about children's books, literacy, and favorites lists. Lots of variety! As you can see from our header, we are taking some time off for our Spring Break. That means that all the posts, tweets, and shares you see or have seen since mid-March are all automatically being posted. I will be responding to emails and comments upon my return at the start of April. But, just because WE are on break, doesn't mean the rest of our wonderful KidLit community can't connect once more for the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!
Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Suggestions For How to Participate:

1. Although not mandatory, we ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. 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 will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Our Co-Hostess for This Week:
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. Check out some other books. Don't be a stranger, go see what books other families are checking out, 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!







 

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #12 Review: Kurt Chambers: Truth Teller




 Welcome back folks, great to be on another hop.
Today I would like to share with you a book by a fellow independent publishing friend, Kurt Chambers and his book. 


Book Description: 
How could a modern day girl like Charlotte ever envisage that magic really exists? Even with her own vivid imagination, the place for other realms belonged in a child’s fairy tale. Or so she thought, until she stumbled across a hidden curio shop and an even stranger shopkeeper. He gives her a gift that resembles an antique snow dome, but this is not an ordinary globe. The world Charlotte has always known disappears as she’s spirited away into a mystical land.

This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship that changes Charlotte’s life forever. Discovered by a young elf alone in the forest, she embarks on a journey in search of a group of travelling Entertainers. She encounters heart-stopping dangers and real life monsters, but a far greater threat shadows her every move. Even the strength and skill of her new found companions cannot protect her against a ruthless druid assassin. But in this realm, Charlotte is not the vulnerable little girl she thought she was.

 My Review: 
Truth Teller is a dark and mysterious tale about a young girl named Charlotte who comes upon a seemingly harmless snow dome in a little junk shop during her holidays. Little does she know, the old man named Goffer who gave her the dome at no charge, hides many secrets behind his old eyes. Charlotte is unwittingly transported to a dark forest in another realm. A realm with Elves and Druids and Beasts that roam the forest and Charlotte finds herself in grave danger. Thankfully a young Elf named Elderfield comes to her aid. Together with Elder's father Middleton, they embark on a quest to find the mysterious Goffer, to seek his help to return Charlotte to her own realm. Dangers lurk at every turn and Elder becomes a true friend and protector to Charlotte as the mystery of the Truth Teller is revealed.

This was a rich and intricate story with dark fantasy elements, some violence and very real and endearing characters. I enjoyed this first book which I believe has set the scene for the further adventures of Charlotte and Elder when she returns to the realm.

I would recommend this to older middle grade ages 10-13 due to its dark elements and vivid descriptions.

I was given a copy of this book by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

About Kurt: 

 I live in the UK in the county of Hertfordshire, have done all my life. I’m married with three children and three grandchildren. I’ve known my wife since we went to infant school. We used to walk home together at about the age of eight and have been together as a couple for over twenty eight years. It’s the ultimate childhood romance story. My wife is, and always has been my best friend, and the one person in the world I trust the most. Aww, I hear you say, and I guess you’re right. Life is hard, and having a life-long friend to share it with does make it much easier. I’m a young granddad, which is great fun. I absolutely adore children. So much so, that I worked as a volunteer for about six years helping to run the Stevenage 17th Brownie pack. I’m still a member of the Girl Guiding Association, though not an active member at any more. Kids are cool. They can teach us adults so much if only we would take the time to listen to them. Working with children is what inspired me to start writing in the first place. Kids books obviously. I haven’t always been a writer. I spent most of my life working in the building trade as a carpenter. I actually wrote most of my first fantasy series, Truth Teller, whilst at work at the side of the road in a builder’s van. It was the only place I could get piece and quiet from my crazy household. And believe me, my house is a crazy place to live.

How to connect with Kurt: 


Twitter: emailmanROCKS
Where to find his book:  http://amzn.com/B006TI8JLY



He has the second book in the series due out soon and quite a few other Middle Grade books in the works so, be sure to stop by his blog and say hi.

But wait, there's more...

Kurt has kindly offered a copy of Truth Teller from Smashwords to one of my blog visitors.



a Rafflecopter giveaway




Catch you on the hop folks, and be prepared, we have another jem for Post Office Book Review, brought to you again by desperate to reach 100 links, stay tuned folks........

Julie  



Welcome to the 12th Kid Lit Blog Hop. We did it! We hit 100 links once again! Thanks to all of YOU, we are developing a thriving community of bloggers and authors who love to share their favorite kids books. Last time, there were so many links to fantastic posts about children's books, literacy, and favorites lists. Lots of variety! As you can see from our header, we are taking some time off for our Spring Break. That means that all the posts, tweets, and shares you see or have seen since mid-March are all automatically being posted. I will be responding to emails and comments upon my return at the start of April. But, just because WE are on break, doesn't mean the rest of our wonderful KidLit community can't connect once more for the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!
Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Suggestions For How to Participate:

1. Although not mandatory, we ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. 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 will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Our Co-Hostess for This Week:
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. Check out some other books. Don't be a stranger, go see what books other families are checking out, 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!







 

Saturday 9 March 2013

Kidlit Blog Hop #11 Post Office Book Review #2

Welcome to back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #11
  
Well, to explain the title of this post, for anyone who didn't link in last hop, I have a confession. Sometimes I buy cheap books for Gigi from our local post office. They aren't exactly literary genius and occasionally the stories don't make any sense at all. Now that I am a permanent hostess on the hop, I was joking with Renee our illustrious CEO and master of all that is blog hop, that if we get desperate to make it to our target 100 links I may be forced to do a Post Office Book Review.


 So, don't say I didn't warn you.

You forced me to do this folks at 95 links


This one is pure literary genius, so genius in fact, it doesn't even have an authors name.LOL I will however preface this post with the fact that Gigi, LOVES, LOVES, LOVES this book.

A DAY AT THE PARK
BY ollie bollie BOOKS.
Hahoom, there is no website either, but I do know it was printed in China... so here we go, 5 scintillating pages.




I am not sure if you can read the text so summary: We played on the slide and the swings, we had fun.


We saw Johnny riding his bike, he was brave for riding a TWO WHEELER






Birds singing, butterflies zigging, ladybugs crawling


Ants stealing their lunch



Boys flying high in the skate park.

 It was a great day at the park.

But wait, there is more. If you liked a day in the park, don't miss.
A day at the Beach
A day at the Circus and 
A day at the farm.
I can only imagine the pearls of wisdom that they hold.

Ha hoom, so there you have it, Post Office Book Review #2.

Come on folks, I can taste 100 links, don't make me pull another one out of the post office box.

Catch you on the hop folks.


Welcome to the 11th Kid Lit Blog Hop. Last time, we were just 3 links short of an even 100! Let's see if we can hit that magic number once again. I know we can do it! There were so many links to fantastic posts about children's books, literacy, favorites lists. Lots of variety! I managed once again to visit every link, comment on every link (if possible), and tweet something from each participating blog or author. I am so excited for all the wonderful books and articles that were linked in the last Hop and once again, I look forward to hopping around through the links this week. A big thank you to everybody who linked into the last Hop and I hope you will join us all again this week. Enjoy the Hop!
Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Suggestions For How to Participate:

1. Although not mandatory, we ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. 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 will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Our Co-Hostess for This Week:
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. Check out some other books. Don't be a stranger, go see what books other families are checking out, 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!

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #11 Diary of a Wombat + a Surprise at the end




Welcome back folks to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #11


Today I am going to review a very Aussie picture book for you. Yes I know it was inevitable, we do publish books here too lol. Gigi was given Baby Wombat's Week by Jackie French which is actually called Diary of  a Baby Wombat on Amazon for the international audience. 
It is the second book, Diary of A Wombat was the first, where we follow the hilarious antics of Mothball the wombat. These books have been a huge success in Australia and also internationally, so what is all the hooey about.

 Well, I guess Wombats are native to Australia, along with the Kangaroo's and Koala's so yes we do have quite unique animals I grant you, but we get a bit immune to them. Not that there are wombats on every street or everywhere I go or anything, lol.

Wombats are pretty slow moving, lazy like animals, so when I read this book, I thought, kind of funny. Basically a Wombat scratching around, digging holes, playing with the humans. but Gigi absolutely loves it and asks for it over and over and over.
The illustrations are beautiful and if you ever get all the way down under, it is of course a must to see these lovable creatures especially at Australia Zoo ( only an hours drive from my parents house in Brisbane lol) but if you never make it down here, Diary of a Wombat is a fine substitute.

So there you have it folks. Happy Hopping and stay tuned for "POST OFFICE BOOK REVIEW," brought to you by desperate to make 100 links.

But wait, I mentioned a surprise...My Sci fi Middle Grade book


"Escape From The Forbidden Planet"
is FREE on Kindle March 6-7 (US Time Zone) click on the link to grab a copy.

http://amzn.com/B009FXC42A



Check out my latest review from Reader's Favorite

http://readersfavorite.com/review/8467

But that's still not all

Also FREE ON KINDLE TODAY 6 March
http://amzn.com/B00B0MN89C 



This is super cute read, by a super talented 10 year old author.

Check out my Goodreads review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/509011757


Okay, almost done, but not before you grab your copy of
( 3-9 March FREE on Smashwords)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112021



Check out my Goodreads review
Welcome to the 11th Kid Lit Blog Hop. Last time, we were just 3 links short of an even 100! Let's see if we can hit that magic number once again. I know we can do it! There were so many links to fantastic posts about children's books, literacy, favorites lists. Lots of variety! I managed once again to visit every link, comment on every link (if possible), and tweet something from each participating blog or author. I am so excited for all the wonderful books and articles that were linked in the last Hop and once again, I look forward to hopping around through the links this week. A big thank you to everybody who linked into the last Hop and I hope you will join us all again this week. Enjoy the Hop!
Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Suggestions For How to Participate:

1. Although not mandatory, we ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. 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 will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Our Co-Hostess for This Week:
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. Check out some other books. Don't be a stranger, go see what books other families are checking out, 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!

Review: Tom T's Hat Rack by Michelle Spry

Hi Folks, I have a lovely book to share with you today.
 


Story Summary : Tom T's Hat Rack is a delightful story about a lovely little girl called Shelby. Shelby's parents work in the local hospital, so as a result her wonderful neighbours Mr. and Mrs. T adopt her like she is their grandchild. Shelby, loves Mr. and Mrs.T so when Mr.T finds out he has cancer, Shelby is right by his side. She visits with Mr.T, accompanies him on medical appointments and does her best to keep him in good spirits. Summer is approaching and Shelby's teacher knows that she will be teaching Shelby and her friends again the next year so she gives them a little homework assignment. To write a story about something they did during the summer that will change their lives for the better. While Shelby's school friends are taking trips and visiting relatives, Shelby is excited to stay home, as she will be be spending her days with Mr and Mrs T. Mr.T decides to ask Shelby to help him with a little project over summer so they set to work. Buying the supplies from the hardware, sanding the wood and painting it and all the while Shelby works very hard without complaint. It comes time to put the project together and Mr T. explains that when he was having his cancer treatment, all his hair fell out and he wished he had a hat to cover it. They put their project together and Shelby realises that they have built 12 hat racks for the hospital for people to borrow hat's during their treatment. They present the hat racks to the hospital and Shelby hits on an even better idea. She decides that hats are mainly for boys, so her and Mr T. set about to build a rack of scalves for the girls. She even donates her pocket money to help buy some scarves to put on the rack. Summer draws to an end and Shelby returns to school to submit her homework. She writes about her time with Mr and Mrs T. and their project for the patients in the cancer ward at the hospital. Her teacher is delighted and Shelby's homework it given pride of place on the school noticeboard, with a message to all the kids to try to think of something each day that will help other's, a wonderful example of "Paying It Forward."

I enjoyed this story for many reasons. I loved the relationship that Shelby develops with Mr and Mrs T. My own parents function as adoptive grandparents to a family close to us, and I have watched how wonderful this reciprocal relationship has been over the years. It's hard for working parents but I believe Ms Spry has really shown how much Shelby's parents love her inspite of their busy working lives. I love that Ms Spry has tackled the topic of when a loved one is sick and how we can do our best to help them along during their treatment. Shelby is a kind and caring and selfless little girl who shows great character as she helps her community and learns how good it can be to "Pay It Forward" with no hope of a return.

The illustrations in the book are absolutely beautiful. I think they add so much to the story by showing this lovely little girl and how she impacts everyone around her.I felt extremely moved by the story as I read and I believe this book would be very suitable for children aged 6-9 but I think that adults and children alike will enjoy this.

The conclusion of the book has some wonderful ideas on how we can all do our part in "Paying It Forward," including a beautiful illustration of how we can make a hat rack just tike Mr T's.

In the foreword, Ms Spry states that proceeds of the book will be donated to cancer charities, just another example of her commitment to "Paying It Forward."

Note: I was given a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. 
 If you wish to know more about the Author, please visit www.michelespry.com

See you in the bloggosphere, Julie Anne Grasso