Wednesday 21 May 2014

Kid Lit Blog Hop #39


Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #39
 
Today I have a very cool chapter book to review for you.
The Secret Of Grim Hill by Linda DeMeulemeester
 
 
Description from Amazon:
 
In the first book of the Grim Hill series,Cat Peters is desperate to get out of dreary Darkmont High,
but her mom can’t afford the tuition at Grimoire, the private
school nearby. So when she hears that Grimoire is offering
a full scholarship to the winners of a Halloween soccer match,
Cat jumps at the chance! She doesn’t pay much attention when
her little sister, Sookie, and their bookworm neighbor, Jasper,
try to tell her there’s something ... just not right about the old
school on the hill. Could something truly wicked be at work
inside the walls of Grimoire?
 
I found this book in my Amazon suggestions, and I have to say, I just loved the cover and that is what drew me in.  I am a big fan of a middle grade mystery, and I was not disappointed by this one.

 Written in first person narrative, I found myself swept up by Cat's conundrums. She moves to a new town after her parents split. I felt Cat's pain, as everything and everyone in the new school seemed against her. That is until she tries out for the soccer team. Suddenly, things start to swing her way. Cat enjoys her new found popularity, just a little too much at the expense of her one and only loyal friend Jasper, and her younger sister Sookie.  Soon, Cat can think of nothing but soccer, and suddenly she is not the only one. The whole town has soccer fever. Except Sookie. She doesn't like soccer at all and is even less impressed by Grimoire school. 
Poor Sookie keeps getting dragged to soccer training, and while Cat and her friends are on the field, Sookie befriends and odd girl. The girl seems to know an awful lot about Grimoire school, and she does her best to convince Sookie to stop Cat from playing in the soccer match.
Cat of course, is so focused on her game, she will not listen to any of Sookie's warnings. That is until
some awful coincidences begin to happen, that even Cat can't deny are strange.
  Cat swallows her pride and enlists the help of Jasper. What they find, will expose a sinister secret, one that you will be itching to discover.
This was a fast paced read, with just enough hint of the mystery along the way to keep you guessing. I believe children aged 8-12 will enjoy this short chapter book, and will be left wanting more.
 
I am usually not a fan of first person narrative, but I loved the author's writing style.
Upon further investigation, Grim Hill was the winner of the 2008 Silver Birch Award in Ontario (Over 200,000 children vote in this readers choice award) 

I was also delighted to find there are actually about 6 books in the series and I just purchased the next one.


 
To find out more about this series, stop by

http://grimhill.com/

Happy Hopping Folks
 
Welcome to the 39th Kid Lit Blog Hop where twice per month (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your 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:
  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. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* 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? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Monday 12 May 2014

Children's Book Week Giveaway hop

 

 

I am so pleased to be able to join

 Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews

to help celebrate Children's Book Week in this awesome giveaway hop.

 Each one of the bloggers on the list, are passionate about spreading the word about children's literature.

 Be sure to hop around the links to go in the draw for some awesome giveaways, including fabulous children/teen's books and gift cards.


Which brings me to my contribution.

 

 I am so thrilled to be able to reveal to you, my soon to be released middle grade mystery.

  

The Blurb:

When his cousin Kat disappears from Enderby Manor, Frankie Dupont jumps on the case. Bumbling Inspector Cluesome is convinced that Kat is lost in Myrtle’s Mesmerising Maze, but Frankie isn’t buying it.
He follows the evidence trail to a conniving concierge, a six fingered chef, a talking parrot, a mad maid and a shifty dwarf, and quickly finds himself in a desperate race to recover Kat before her time runs out….
This is the first in my Frankie Dupont Mystery Series, for ages 8-12.

It will be released it in July 2014 
To celebrate my cover reveal, I am giving away a

 Be sure to enter the rafflecopter below.

Happy Hopping Folks and I hope you enjoy Book Week.
Ps. If you would like to know a little more about me and my books, stop by my side bar and sign up for my mailing list.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 11 May 2014

GG and Mamela Blog Tour

GG and Mamela Blog Tour Button - FINAL  

About the Book

GG and Mamela by Belinda Brock Title: GG and Mamela | Author: Belinda Brock | Illustrator: Avi Katz | Publication Date: April 15, 2014 | Publisher: Lamb Press | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 4 to 10 Summary: This picture book celebrates the loving relationship between Lily and her great-grandmother (GG) as her life starts to slow and wind down in hospice. GG and Mamela illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition. This book offers a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. The talented, award-winning artist, Avi Katz, provides beautifully-rendered illustrations that perfectly complement this heartwarming story. The book concludes with GG's recipe for chicken soup and an afterword by clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Brock.  

Purchase

Amazon | Author Website

 

Our Review

GG and Mamela, is a thought provoking and truly beautiful story about a little girl called Lilly and her great grandmother, whom she affectionately calls GG. GG calls Lilly her Mamela and the two spend a lot of time together. They read stories and cook hearty chicken soup, and Lilly thinks that is how it will always be.

As the story unfolds, Lilly's parents begin to explain that GG is nearing the end of her life, and she needs to go to a new place to live called a Hospice. Lilly doesn't really understand, and she insists on visiting GG in the Hospice. GG grows tired with each new day, until one day Lilly's parent's tell her it is time to say goodbye to GG. The little girl kisses her GG goodbye and tells her she loves her with all her heart.

I can barely keep from sobbing as I write this review. This was such a moving story, done so sensitively and the illustrations bring to life GG and Mamela's special relationship. I really appreciated the way the author approached the topic of death and dying, and Lilly's reactions were so believable and real. At the conclusion of the story there is a delightful chicken soup recipe to engage the reader even further.

The foreword by Dr Laura Brock, gives the parent reader much to think about when approaching this topic with little ones. This book would make a wonderful addition to any home book shelf, as well as school classrooms to help young children learn the reality of the circle of life that will confront us all one day.

Note, I gained a copy of this book for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.         
 

The Early Buzz

"...simple but emotionally resonant illustrations...a nice, true-to-life touch...The book pairs an ethereal illustration with lyrical text, which truly captures the healing, transporting power of music in this setting. A welcome addition to children's literature about death and dying." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The author takes a difficult subject and weaves a story full of life lessons. The universal themes of life, death, family, loss,and chicken soup are shared through a child's eyes and remind us that even after one dies, love remains." ~ Jamie O'Malley, President and CEO, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter
"GG and Mamela is a large helping of Chicken Soup for the heart and soul. It helps children cope with the death of a loved one in gentle and understanding terms. Belinda Brock has done a great service for children and parents alike." ~ Rabbi Evan Moffic, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Solel and Author
"This is a WONDERFUL story for families who are grappling with loss, death and dying. This is a wonderful story about a special relationship between a girl and her great grandmother at the end of her beautiful life. Very moving story, perfect for children!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Laura, Goodreads
 

About the Author: Belinda Brock

Belinda BrockCurrently a writing coach and free-lance editor, Belinda Brock's background is in teaching and educational publishing. She loves the intersection of literature and art found in picture books and believes their appeal and benefit extend beyond childhood. She also enjoys farmers' markets, dreaming up soup recipes and Meatless Mondays. Although she didn't become a librarian as she once considered, she is the sponsor and steward of the Little Free Library in her city. She has been known to stay up past her bedtime reading. Belinda writes about literacy, children and books on her blog--grandbooking--at http://belindabrock.com and also at Highland Park Sun-Times where you can check out this great interview with Belinda.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

GG and Mamela Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: June 6, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please 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 the author, Belinda Brock 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Kid Lit Blog Hop #38


Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #38




A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this very cool picture book, in my Amazon book recommendations.
 


It was on pre-order but I simply had to have it.  I mean, a Steampunk ABC book, priceless. 


Description from Amazon:

In Professor Whiskerton Presents Steampunk ABC, two mice dressed in Victorian clothing use gadgets and found objects—each starting with a different letter of the alphabet—to build a fantastic steampunk surprise. A is for anvil; M is for monkey wrench; P is for periscope. Steampunk-inspired elements abound on every page as the mice make use of ordinary household items—spoons, a sardine tin, life-size toothbrushes—to create the letters and, ultimately, the book’s surprise at the end. Young readers will delight in the mice characters and their fantastical creations, while parents will enjoy the celebration of steampunk—making old things new again, the retro/futuristic details, and the emphasis on creativity.


When I read this to Gigi, she loved it from the get go. And really who wouldn't with these illustrations....
 
 
 
 
 
It is very simplistic in text, but the underlying story along the way is that these two adorable mice are building something. Something Fantastical....
 
I simply refuse to give it away, as you will have to check it out yourself.
 
When reading, you can't help but make sounds for each of the letters.  Gigi absolutely loved it for this reason.  The word choices are not typical of your run of the mill ABC book and for that reason, I totally love them.  Any chance to increase a child's vocabulary beyond the mundane is a bonus I say.
 
And speaking of  bonuses. The author has taken the time to create a truly innovative teaching guide. It explores science, and language and all round colouring fun. Check it Out:
 
 
 
  With an author illustrator like Lisa Falkenstern.
I would not expect anything less.
 
 
WE ADORED THIS BOOK AND WE ARE CROSSING OUR FINGERS FOR A SECOND INSTALLMENT.
 
Now just before you hop off on the hop, I am chuffed to share a little bit of news.
 
A few months ago I spotlighted Billy Bob Buttons, the author and organiser of the
 
Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards.
 
Well, last week I heard....
 
 
 
I WON THE GOLD FOR KIDS BOOKS AGES 9-12 for
 
HURRAHHH!!!.
 
This is super sweet, because this award was judged solely by kids in 7 schools in the United Kingdom.
 
Anyway, enough babbling, on, lets Hop folks....
 

Welcome to the 38th Kid Lit Blog Hop where twice per month (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 

REMINDER: Children's Book Week ~ Kid Lit Giveaway Hop 2014

CBW Kid Lit Giveaway Hop 2014 - Banner - FINALWe also want to invite you to participate in the Children's Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop 2014 (May 12 to 18). Are you a children's book or teen literature blogger, an author, a publisher, or a publicist looking to share copies of a fabulous book? Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews are joining forces to provide you with the opportunity to take part in a Blog Hop featuring links to giveaways for fabulous children/teen's books, gift cards, cash, or other prizes. What better way to celebrate Children's Book Week?

SIGN UP NOW!

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your 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:
  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. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* 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? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Saturday 3 May 2014

Mighty Dad's Book Blast

Mighty Dads by Joan Holub and James Dean

About the Book

Title: Mighty Dads | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: James Dean| Publication Date: April 29, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 3+ Summary: A new constructacular picture book from the New York Times bestselling creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean and bestselling author, Joan Holub.
Mighty dads, strong and tall,
help their children, young and small.
They keep them safe and bolted tight
and show them how to build things right.

Inventively told through James Dean's colorful construction vehicle characters, MIGHTY DADS is an adoring dedication to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on. A surprising and touching view of a father's love for his children, MIGHTY DADS is the perfect way to say: I'm proud of you!  

Book Video

 

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

Also available at Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble stores.

The Buzz

"Like the best 21st-century human dads, the vehicles don’t just show their kids the ropes—they also offer plenty of TLC (“Cement Mixer Busy/ gives a hug if Mixie’s dizzy”) and affirmation (“Forklift Wise/ cheers whenever Forky tries”). Dean’s decision to anthropomorphize the construction equipment solely through a highly stylized, often single, forward-facing eye takes some getting used to—imagine a cross between the Eye of Providence on the dollar bill and a Egyptian hieroglyph. But his construction sign–inspired palette and ability to convey calm, steady affection between parent and progeny quickly outweighs this visual idiosyncrasy, making this a book worthy of any young armchair foreman." ~ Publisher's Weekly
 
"This will make a good read aloud for those looking to update their trucks/machines storytimes." ~ Goodreads Review
"The simple rhyming text will be fun at read alouds as children can do motions (roll, roll, roll or smooth, smooth, smooth)" ~ Goodreads Review
 

About the Author: Joan Holub

Joan Holub author Mighty DadsJoan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads.

Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Facebook

   

About the Illustrator: James Dean

James Dean Author Pete the CatJames Dean is the creator of the best-selling Pete the Cat. Before James started painting Pete the Cat as a full-time profession in 1999, he wanted to paint cars and trucks. He loves things that go, and currently drives a 1971 VW bus camper and a 1959 Chevy truck. He worked as an electrical engineer for fifteen years before he decided to try to make a living with his paintings. James lives with his wife, five cats, and a pug named Little Emma.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Page

     

Want a Chance to Win a Copy of "Mighty Dads"?

Be sure to head on over to our review and giveaway of Mighty Dads for your chance to win a copy. Open US/Canada. Ends May 19, 2014. Just click on the cover below. Mighty Dads by Joan Holub and James Dean  

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please 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 the author, Joan Holub 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services

Friday 2 May 2014

Four Fiends Blog Tour

Four Fiends Blog Tour Button FINAL  

About the Book

Four Fiends Cover FINAL

Title: Four Fiends (The Countdown), 2nd Edition Author: Nikki Bennett Publication Date: February 16, 2014 (2nd Edition) Publisher: Independent: Firedrake Books LLC Pages: 215

Recommended Ages: 8+ Summary:
The Four Guardians of the world have gone missing. They’ve been kidnapped by some of the most diabolical fiends that ever existed. Now, four misfit kids from different parts of the world must band together to save the Guardians. Along the way, they learn to work together, as they confront and conquer their deepest fears.  

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 

 My Review

We begin with four children who are highly unlikely to ever meet. Each stumble upon a creature that is invisible to anyone but themselves. When their new pets grow big enough to encompass their entire bodies, the four children find themselves being whisked away on important adventure.  To save the world from the Four Fiends who have captured the Four Guardians of the world.   First we have Jinjing from Hong Kong. A girl tall in statue, but who is afraid of her own shadow. Pietro from Italy, who specialises in bending the truth into larger than life stories.  Kate from the USA, who is confident but never very good at asking for help.  Finally Saburo, who just wants to be like every other kid, not a child with troublesome legs that pain him. The children are given a magical item to help them along the way. They must defeat the Four Fiends, in order to free the Guardians. At times they band together, and at times they must journey alone, but each one must face their fears in order to battle the Fiends.
  This was a fun adventure and a coming of age tale of sorts. Each of the children have their own journey to take.  It was great to watch them grow and mature and find their unique courage along the way. I think this will appeal to kids aged 9-12, with its rich elements of mythology and fantasy and the unlikely friendships that develop along their quest.

The Buzz
"This was one of the most entertaining reads for the whole family we have found in a long time. The characters are very believable, and I am always a sucker for heroes that have to find their way. The reading is very fluid and easily understood by the little kids when read aloud (sounds silly but anyone trying to do this will tell you it's not as easy a thing to achieve as it sounds) and the kids all seem to enjoy the story. The history is easily accessible even without a lot of research or background knowledge. The kids are very motivated to research and learn more on their own because this story has captured their interest. I already have many home learning lessons in mind using this book and have begun developing them with my kids. I think this is a book that will be found in classrooms very soon! Great job! I'm looking forward to more soon!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Mariah W., Amazon
"Excellent read in and of itself, and provides excellent, character-building source material for reading to youngsters. The characters are well written and realistic, and the storyline is cleverly written and intelligent." ~ 5 Star Review, Alia K., Amazon
"Fantastic read. I loved the characters in this book so much that I re-read to my 9 year old after finishing it. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes stories about adventure and believing in yourself." ~ 5 Star Review, Keith, Amazon
 

About the Author: Nikki Bennett

Nikki BennettNikki Bennett is an author and world traveler currently living in Japan. She loves traveling, and incorporates all the culture and folklore she can from the countries she visits into her stories. Nikki has two books out right now. Her first book, FOUR FIENDS is a MG fantasy adventure and her newest book, MUKADE ISLAND is a YA adventure/fantasy (think Lord of the Flies meets LOST, it it was set on a different world!) Find out all about Nikki's books at www.worldofnikki.com

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Four Fiends Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

May 1
May 2
May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please 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 the author, Nikki Bennett 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services