Sunday 19 May 2013

Kid Lit blog Hop #16: Post Office Book Review #7:Twinkle


Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #16

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.

Here we are again folks, not quite to 100 links, so I am forced with one arm tied behind my back do another Post Office Book Review. Well, truth be told there is no forcing, we love it as you may have figured out.

Today's jem is TWINKLE by Nick Bland

Penny Pasketti gazes out her window each night at the stars until one night something very strange happens. A little star falls and she makes a new friend.

My favourite line is
"Together they chased the quietness away and filled the night with giggle and bounce."
But soon Little Star had to go, so Penny and Little Star have to find a way home. Penny hits on a plan and all is well in the world

I thought Gigi wouldn't take to this book initially because there is not alot of colour in the illustrations, even thought they are beautiful. However, as per usual she proves me wrong, and Twinkle is requested every night now. It is such a sweet story, we love it and its one you don't get sick of reading it, but you can decide for yourself.

Twinkle, by Nick Bland read aloud............


  
But wait!
There is just one more thing. My sequel will be released on July 17 so I am running a goodreads competition to win some Advanced Reader Copies of "Return To Cardamom".  Click on the goodreads button below to hop on over and enter.


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Return To Cardamom by Julie Anne Grasso

Return To Cardamom

by Julie Anne Grasso

Giveaway ends June 17, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win
Hope you enjoy the hop.


Welcome to the 16th 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. Before we get on with the Hop I want to make sure that you are all aware of the on-going Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, co-hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews. The Kid Lit Giveaway Hop is taking place to honor Children's Book Week (May 13 to 19, 2013). For the Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, children's book or teen literature bloggers, authors, publishers, or publicists are sharing copies of fabulous children/teen's books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes. What better way to celebrate Children's Book Week? Click on the poster below to go to the Kid Lit Giveaway Hop. kidlit book giveaway 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>
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *NEW*:

1. *NEW* 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 we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
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. *NEW* Please visit 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!

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #16 Cover Reveal + Giveaway

Welcome to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #16

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>

We are so happy to be back on the hop. We have a very exciting cover reveal for you today. 

DA DA DAHHHHHHHHHH


"Return To Cardamom"
Description:

Life is sweet for Caramel and things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for a telepathic elf who can train trees and control computers, but she soon finds life on Cardamom is not all cupcakes and apple cider. A saboteur is hiding in the rainforest canopy, and the elves’ precious cardamom export has been wiped out. Caramel is certain it’s another trick of Alexander222 and her Aunt Isabel, but no one will believe her, and the clock is ticking. She must expose the saboteur in time to save the crop or the Elves of Cardamom will lose their livelihood.Caramel won’t rest until her theory is proven. While she is on the hunt, she makes a shocking discovery, one that will change everything.

So for anyone visiting for the first time, this is actually my sequel to


http://amzn.com/B009FXC42A 

We are running  a great competition as part of the Kid Lit Book Week giveaway hop, so you can enter here or pop on over to http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/kid-lit-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-open/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Hopping Folks 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *NEW*:

1. *NEW* 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 we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
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. *NEW* Please visit 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!

Monday 13 May 2013

Book Week: Cover Reveal + Giveaway



Hi Folks, Welcome to Book Week
Kid Lit Giveaway Hop Sign-Ups
Hosted by Renee at  http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/
and  Katie at http://youthlitreviews.com/

We are so happy to be here.


For anyone who has been following my progress, in September 2012 I released my first independently published book on Amazon 



I have had so much fun promoting and interacting with people who have enjoyed my book so now and I am pee pants excited to tell the world, Da Da Dahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the sequel.

"Return To Cardamom"
Description:

Life is sweet for Caramel and things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for a telepathic elf who can train trees and control computers, but she soon finds life on Cardamom is not all cupcakes and apple cider. A saboteur is hiding in the rainforest canopy, and the elves’ precious cardamom export has been wiped out. Caramel is certain it’s another trick of Alexander222 and her Aunt Isabel, but no one will believe her, and the clock is ticking. She must expose the saboteur in time to save the crop or the Elves of Cardamom will lose their livelihood.Caramel won’t rest until her theory is proven. While she is on the hunt, she makes a shocking discovery, one that will change everything. 

Now just before I reveal it to you, I think you should ponder on my complete and utter lack of talent in drawing, to understand the gravity of how great Dave Blackwell of http://drawshootmove.com  
is. I also told him, "Don't be afraid to make it SHIMMER". He was very afraid after that.

My Version:
Dave's Version:



So there it is folks. Which one do you prefer? LOL
I can't wait to release it so stay tuned and mark it in your diaries, lol  It will be available on Amazon in paperback and kindle edition on  
JULY 17 2013

And now for the Giveaway.
Click on the raffle copter and Enter to win either:
A copy of "Escape From The Forbidden Planet" (paperback or kindle)
An Advanced Review Copy of "Return To Cardamom" (paperback or kindle)
One $30 Amazon Gift card. 
Entries are open World Wide and don't forget to hop around the other links. There are some great giveaways on offer.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Friday 10 May 2013

Friendship Friday with Create with Joy

Hi Folks and Welcome to Friendship Friday



I happened upon Create With Joy's blog a few weeks ago during the Kid Lit Blog Hops when I saw this cool hop, I decided, I would join in

This Week’s Theme Is Television

Last week, we had fun discussing our favorite Movies so I thought it would be fun to discuss our favorite Television Shows this week!
  • What genre of television shows do you enjoy the most? Well, if you have a little look around my blog you may figure that I LOVE Science Fiction. I grew up on Doctor Who, reading Frank Herbert, watching Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars etc. Confession: I own a tardis
  • Which television shows are your current favorites? I love Castle, Eureka,( my husband wants to live in the Sarah house) Leverage, Arrested Development, Star Gate, Star Gate Atlantis, Psych, Chuck. Yep, I am one super nerd with a mix of forensics.
  •  Which season finale are you most anticipating? FRINGE  I have seen it but tonight my husband and I are watching the absolute series finale. We know how it ends, but the excitement is still huge. We love this show, with its quirky characters,  crazy science, time travel and  intricate relationships.
  • What’s your favorite television show of all time?IT has to be FRINGE 
So there you have it folks, a little bit about me. Now I am off to hop around the other blogs, see you in the sphere. Julie Grasso

Monday 6 May 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #15: Pos Office Book Review #6


Welcome back to the Kit Lit Blog Hop #15

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.

Well, this week, is truly a hundred percent pinky swear a POST OFFICE BOOK REVIEW. I did purchase this one for about $2 but don't let the cheap-ness of my purse fool you on the quality. This one is from Walker Books and Gigi frequently ask for "BEAST" to be read.

So here it is.......
 http://amzn.com/076362182X

When I first read this I thought it was a bit odd actually, but after several reads, we just love the rhyme and repetition and the back of the book even has ideas as to how to engage a child, such as.

  • Join in repeated phrases
  • Make their own character list
  • Draw pictures of their own characters
  • See if the child can remember the characters in sequence
  • Different ways of describing how for example to "eat"
  • What does the child feel about the ending, and how the Ravenous Beast might feel.
  • ul=""> All a bit too early for Gigi, but we will explore the ideas when she is older. However, what I find amazing about books like this is. Straight after we read it, Gigi snatches it off us, turns the pages from front to back and paraphrases in babydegook what the story is about, getting several of the words correct.

Now thats what I call engaging!  
     
SO! without further ado and back by popular demand....Read aloud of

"The Ravenous Beast" by Niamh Sharkey

So there you have it folks. I do hope you enjoy, but before we hop off.
I am honoured to announce that I am one of 10 Nominees from my good friend Sue over at
http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2013/05/02/bella-saves-the-beach-tour-an-award-a-blog-hop/






The WordPress Family Award is reserved for folks in Cyberspace who are  unceasingly kind, sympathetic, encouraging, and open to laughter—and who keep each other going by sharing, commenting, and making personal connections even though they may actually be virtual strangers.

The Rules

  1. Display the award logo on your blog.√
  2. Link back to the person who nominated you.√
  3. Nominate 10 others you see as having an impact on your WordPress experience and family.√
  4. Let your 10 Family members know you have awarded them.√
So although I am not technically part of the Wordpress family, I am part of the blogoverse and here are 
my nominees. Each of these people have become part of my blog/writing family and every one has encouraged me and kept me sane on this path we called life.
  1.  www.motherdaughterbookreviews.com Renee
  2. http://swlothian.wordpress.com/ Steve
  3. http://youthlitreviews.com/2013/04/08/kid-lit-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-open/  Katie 
  4. http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2013/05/02/bella-saves-the-beach-tour-an-award-a-blog-hop/ Sue
  5. http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/  Cheryl
  6. http://www.stanleyandkatrina.com/ Christine
  7. http://jemimapett.com  Jemima
  8. http://www.beachboundbooks.com/index.html  Stacie
  9. http://tonjadrecker.blogspot.com.au/ Tonya
  10.  http://redpeffer.me/  Iona 

Happy Hopping folks 



Welcome to the 15th 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. I want to take this opportunity to welcome a new permanent hostess on the Hop: Cheryl Carpinello. Cheryl is the author of Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend and The King's Ransom (The Young Knights of the Round Table) and she also blogs over at Carpinello's Writing Pages. Big, big welcome to you Cheryl! :-) Before we get on with the Hop I do want to remind you that the sign-ups for the Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, co-hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews is NOW OPEN but they will close May 10th. The Kid Lit Giveaway Hop is taking place to honor Children's Book Week (May 13 to 19, 2013). Children's book or teen literature bloggers, authors, publishers, or publicists looking to share copies of a fabulous book are welcome to link in a giveaway for fabulous children/teen's books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes. What better way to celebrate Children's Book Week? Click on the poster below for more information. kidlit book giveaway 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 we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
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 1 May 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #15: Review Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome

Welcome Back To The Kid Lit Blog Hop

Kid Lit Blog Hop

 Today I would like to showcase a wonderful book by a friend of mine.


Description: 
 Answering the question Why is Sam different?, this heartwarming story tells of the challenges of living with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. This firsthand view of the life of an undiagnosed child presents behaviors and characteristics that are common among children with this disorder. Sam doesn't like his pancakes to touch, his sister is annoyed with his repetitive song, and his new coat hurts his skin, but once he is diagnosed, teamwork-based support helps Sam's life become a little easier. With endearing illustrations, the book includes 10 helpful tips geared toward children, showing them how to respect and accept differences as well as to interact with a classmate or friend with Asperger Syndrome.
My thoughts:
I had the pleasure of hearing the book read by the author Leizl and it was just beautiful. The illustrations are stunning, ( by the author's mum). The aim of the book is to educate children who are not affected by Aspergers. To help them to understand the reasons, difference and challenges that children with aspergers face. I loved hearing this book read, not just because it is a wonderful way to help children understand, but because of the passion my friend has for helping kids to journey along the path of life together, with or without aspergers.
  
Hop on over to Amazon to check it out and happy hopping folks
 

Welcome to the 15th 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. I want to take this opportunity to welcome a new permanent hostess on the Hop: Cheryl Carpinello. Cheryl is the author of Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend and The King's Ransom (The Young Knights of the Round Table) and she also blogs over at Carpinello's Writing Pages. Big, big welcome to you Cheryl! :-) Before we get on with the Hop I do want to remind you that the sign-ups for the Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, co-hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews is NOW OPEN but they will close May 10th. The Kid Lit Giveaway Hop is taking place to honor Children's Book Week (May 13 to 19, 2013). Children's book or teen literature bloggers, authors, publishers, or publicists looking to share copies of a fabulous book are welcome to link in a giveaway for fabulous children/teen's books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes. 

kidlit book giveaway hopWhat better way to celebrate Children's Book Week? Click on the poster below for more information.  


Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the 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 we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
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!