Billy And Monster's Golden Christmas

Got some news for you today.

My buddy David Chuka has released a book just in time for Christmas.

  Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas is now available to download on Amazon.

I had the pleasure to be interviewed on David’s blog last year and it was fun answering his questions. You can actually read the full interview here.

 

In this book, which is the fifth instalment in his bestselling series – The Adventures of Billy and Monster – David addresses that scenario we sometimes face during the Christmas: What do we do when we get a gift we don’t really like.

 

Billy gets a golden pen from Uncle Leland from England while his cousin Bob gets a Monster truck. Billy’s doesn't show any gratitude and his attitude makes his Dad mad and his uncle sad. An incident at the refrigerator while reaching for Grandma’s chocolate caramel pecan pie leads Billy filled with snow and colourful monsters. While he learns about one of the most important things about Christmas.

This sounds very cool so hop on over to check it out just in time for Christmas.

 

Connect with David

Facebook   

Twitter   

  Blog   

    Amazon Page

   

Kid Lit Blog Hop #50

 

Welcome to the 50th Kid Lit Blog Hop where 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! We are pleased to be welcoming a new Permanent Hostess to the Hop. Please welcome Naila from Reading Authors, a fabulous book blog. Welcome Naila! Also, please note that for the month of December, we will only be hosting one Kid Lit Blog Hop which will be open for 2 weeks, instead of one.

Today I have a wonderful new book, from an Australian Independent Author.

Digby's Moon Mission

 

By Renee Price

Illustrated by Anil Tortop

 

 

 

 

Digby Fixit awakes in the sleepiest part of the night with a fright, asking an age old question. "Why is the dark so dark?"  Peering out his window, he finds the answer in a flash. The moon is so banana thin it barely makes a glimmer.

 

Well, lucky Digby Fixit is on the case. He sets about a clever plan involving all his friends. A mighty cooking extravaganza begins with muffin treats, kiwi tarts, thausage rolls and wonton soup, to name a few. By weeks end, the gang are ready and they load the catapult in Digby's yard. With a cheer, they send their sumptuous feast towards the moon. 

 

 

 

Night after night, Digby checks the lunar phases with his trusty measuring tape. By seven sleepless nights, voila, the moon is a plump as a pie, lighting the sky. Digby lays content in his bed, as the dark is no longer so dark. But wait. "What is that noise and why is it so noisy?" Digby ponders.....



 

This was a delightful moon mission book with a twist. When I first read the title, I thought Digby would be visiting the moon.  Upon reading, we realised that the moon's well being, was actually Digby's mission.  This was a very clever way of introducing words that have dual meanings. The story is spliced with simple rhyme that kids will no doubt enjoy, as they journey with Digby and his friends in their mission to plump up the moon. I absolutely loved the illustration style and with each delicious new page, I felt my tummy rumbling.  Young children seem to be enamoured with the moon in all its phases, so I loved the premise of this book.  It gives a great talking point for all those little star gazers out there.

 

What impresses me more about his book is that the author funded the entire production through crowd funding.  It just goes to show that dreams can come true, and those of us who long to see our words in little hands, can find a way.

 

 

Where To Buy It

 

No off you hop!!!!

 

 

Welcome to the 48th Kid Lit Blog Hop where 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! We are pleased to be welcoming a new Permanent Hostess to the Hop. Please welcome Naila from Reading Authors, a fabulous book blog. Welcome Naila! Also, please note that for the month of December, we will only be hosting one Kid Lit Blog Hop which will be open for 2 weeks, instead of one.

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" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

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:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

Stanley & Katrina, Pawthors Twitter * Facebook

Lina @ Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual Twitter * Facebook

Naila @ Reading Authors Twitter * Google+

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!

Lobo's Howliday Book Blast

About the Book ~ *New Release*

Title: Lobo's Howliday (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) Author: C.L. Murphy Publication Date: Dec. 1, 2013 Publisher: Independent - Peanut Butter Prose Number of pages: 32 Recommended age: 3+      

Summary

It's almost Christmas and Santa finds himself in quite the predicament due to unintended consequences as a result of trying something new. Lobo, and his raven sidekick, Roxy, travel to the North Pole to help the jolly ole' one and are guided by the Arctic animals. The colors of the season delight along the way and make for a howling good holiday. Can you howl Ho Ho Ho?  

Book Trailer

 

The Early Buzz

"The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday is a children's book written by C.L. Murphy. Lobo and his friend Roxy, the raven, are surprised when an owl comes to see Lobo with a special delivery. Within the bag is Arty, an Arctic mouse who has an urgent request from Santa. Santa needs Lobo's help this year, and the three of them set off for the North Pole. Along the way, they meet an Arctic fox, who lets them stay the night in his den and a polar bear who transports them across icy water. An Arctic wolf accompanies them for the rest of the journey to Santa's Village, where an Arctic hare is waiting for them. Santa has updated his method of delivering gifts on Christmas, but he's got a problem that Lobo can help him with.

 

I was spellbound reading The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday. C.L. Murphy's artwork is simply amazing. Each page is filled with images you can get lost in: lush green forests, sparkling night skies, snowy expanses, and the animals have personality and incredible appeal. If you're lacking in Christmas spirit this year, no matter what your age, spending some time with Lobo, Roxy, and Arty will soon change your attitude. Lobo's Howliday is also a great way to introduce a child to the Northern Lights, the Arctic, and the amazing animals that live there (see if you can find the Orca!). I've already recommended The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo's Howliday to friends who have children or grandchildren. It's a very special book. "

 

~ 5 Star Review, Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite

 

Purchase

Available for 99 cents!

iTunes

This just in, Lobo's Howliday will be Free December 18

 

About the Author: C.L. Murphy

C.L. Murphy and Lovable Lobo

While new to the children's book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She's had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children. For years, she filed picture book ideas away, until the reality of the empty nest syndrome sunk in and she decided to bring her favorite one to fruition.

 

She based the character, Lovable Lobo, on something very dear to her heart, a real wolf that she's raised for the last 13 years. She's felt the need to protect him his entire life, primarily due to the preconceived notions that wolves are to be feared. She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. She was that little girl who brought home the strays asking "Can we please keep it?" At an early age she realized her connection with animals by training a wild bluejay to appear on command to take food from her hand. Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 iTunes gift card (or PayPal cash prize) + a Wolf stuffie Contest runs: December 16, 2013 to January 14, 2014, 11:59 pm, 2013 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, C.L. Murphy 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

Tumbleweed Christmas Book Blast and Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Tumbleweed Christmas Author: Beverly Stowe McClure Publication Date: July 20, 2013 (original pub. date - August 28, 2011) Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC Number of pages: 24 Recommended age: 3+ Summary (Back Cover): Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes a child must make her own miracle and one for her siblings.  

Purchase

Amazon | 4RV Publishing Bookstore | Barnes and Noble

 

The Buzz

"Through the storytelling of Beverly Stowe McClure and the book illustrations of Bridget McKenna, the reader is drawn to feel the pain of poverty and choices that must be made due to economic circumstance. We are drawn into Jackie's world by her giving spirit and root for her every word of the way. And when all is said and done ... We, too, believe in the miracle of a Tumbleweed Christmas. Timely for the season and its reason, but also gives us reason to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive year 'round." ~ 5 Star Review, Ruth C., Amazon

"I can't think of a sweeter tale of the season than Tumbleweed Christmas." ~ 5 Star Review, Cheryl M., Amazon

"This is a delightful 24 page book which shows the reader about selflessness. Many parent's give up much to make things work when they don't have a lot of money, and being creative is certainly a key in such situations. Jackie gave up what was dear to her the most to be able to give gifts to her family so they had something to open on Christmas day. In many ways, gift giving has gone out of control. The most expensive items are not necessarily the best. Sometimes it's the handmade items or drawings that come from the heart that are truly memorable. A gift from the heart is what truly matters most, and it doesn't have to be much. Children and parent's alike will enjoy this story because it touches upon one of the best gifts in the world that we can give--LOVE!" ~ 5 Star Review, Children's Book Reviewer, Amazon

 

About the Author: Beverly Stowe McClure

[caption id="attachment_15371" align="alignleft" width="200"] Beverly Stowe McClure[/caption] Beverly Stowe McClure is a former teacher turned writer. When she was a kid, writing was the last thing on her mind. She loved music and played clarinet in the junior high and high school bands. She also was a majorette. She still plays the piano to relax. Her cats don’t appreciate good music, however, and run and hide when she tickles the ivories. She lives in the country with Patches and Tiger (the cats), along with a variety of wild critters that stop by for a handout. Next to her sons, grandchildren, and great-grands, writing is her passion and joy. She also enjoys researching her family roots and snapping pictures of clouds, flowers, deer and birds, especially the roadrunner that visits on occasion and the hummingbirds that she feeds.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Shelfari | Library Thing

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: December 11, 2013 to January 9, 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, Beverly Stowe McClure 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 * I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion. All opinions expressed are our own. The author contacted us to participate in our Book Promotion Program where we will tweet and share information about this book, the author, and the giveaway.*

The Coloured Blind Chameleon: Book Blast

About the Book

Title: The Colourblind Chameleon Author: Laura Kantor Illustrator: Sarah Ray Publication Date: November 19, 2013 Publisher: Independent - Squidgy Face Books Number of pages: 32 Recommended age: 2 to 7    

Summary

Once there was a very special chameleon... The Colourblind Chameleon is the debut title from up and coming author/illustrator duo Laura Kantor and Sarah Ray. This is a colourful and imaginative tale of a chameleon who doesn't fit in with the rest. He realises that it's not just good to be different... it's a lot more fun! Delight in the rhyming verses, vibrant colours and hilarious drawings as you are taken on a wonderful journey with a special little chameleon (wearing fabulous pants).  

The Early Buzz

"This is a lovely book for children ..... Fun and bright, educational and with an underlying message....... It great that it teaches children about a chameleon changing colour and it also teaches children that it's OK to be different ! I love it ! The illustrations are fabulous too...... Funny and colourful." ~ 5 Star Review, diamondlil, Amazon

"An excellent debut. Engaging story with captivating illustrations. Good to see a childrens story with a real positive message." ~ 5 Star Review, Lucy, Goodreads

 

Purchase

Amazon | Google Play | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

 

About the Author: Laura Kantor

[caption id="attachment_15032" align="alignleft" width="200"] Laura Kantor[/caption] Laura Kantor up in Coventry, England, but has spent the last few years living overseas in Canada, Australia and now Singapore. In her free time she loves to travel, bake and write (of course). With a job in marketing, project management and a love for writing lists, Laura decided to self publish her own stories, and set up Squidgy Face Books in 2013 (www.squidgyfacebooks.com), teaming up with Sarah Ray who was the perfect illustrator to bring her stories to life. A year of very late nights and extremely long weekends later and their first release, The Colourblind Chameleon is ready to bring some colour and fun to squidgy faces around the world.  

About the Illustrator: Sarah Ray

[caption id="attachment_15169" align="alignleft" width="200"] Sarah Ray[/caption] Sarah Ray, the illustrator of The Colourblind Chameleon grew up in the Herefordshire countryside where she gathered lots of inspiration for her drawings. Animals feature frequently in her work and she enjoys giving them human attributes. This is Sarah’s first children’s book, after working with a variety of clients on commissioned illustration. She also has her own range of award winning greeting’s cards which she sells across the UK, http:// www.sarahray.co.uk    

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Google+ | Twitter (Author) | Twitter (Illustrator)

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: December 12, 2013 to January 10, 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, Laura Kantor 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 * I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. The author contacted us to participate in our Book Promotion Program where we will tweet and share information about this book, the author, and the giveaway.*

The Christmas Owl: Book Blast

Title: The Christmas Owl Author: Angela Muse Illustrator: Helen H. Wu Publication Date: November, 2013 Publisher: Independent - 4eyesbooks Number of pages: 36 Recommended age: 3+  

Summary

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.

  My Review: This is a lovely book about kindness and helping someone in need even when it doesn't suit you. Owl is hurt and can't fly home, so he petitions the animals in the forest to let him stay in their homes for just one night each, while he mends. Each animal is a bit apprehensive, as we know that Owls with their big talons can be quite the predators, but the animals share their homes and food. Owl finally heals and on Christmas Eve, returns to thanks each animal with gift perfectly suited to them. Thus begins a tradition of the Christmas Owl, as he visits his friends each year with a gift, to remember the kindness they showed in his time of need.  I really enjoyed the Christmas Owl, with its old time illustrations and gentle message.  Another lovely book by Angela Muse that I will definitely recommend for Christmas.   

Book Trailer

 

Purchase

** You can download a copy of "The Christmas Owl" for only 99 cents from NOW through to November 14, 2013 on Amazon!! **

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (99 cent Kindle Book)

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse[/caption] I was born in California to a military family. This meant that I was the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard always trying to make new friends, but I discovered I had a knack for writing. I began writing poetry in high school and really enjoyed expressing myself by using pen and paper. After becoming a Mom in 2003, I continued my storytelling to my own children. In 2009 I wrote and published my first children's book aimed at toddlers. In 2012 I am set to release several more children's books. Check out what I'm working on by visiting my children's book blog. Writing is such a wonderful creative process and I look forward to sharing more of my stories with lots of new little readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest runs: November 12 to December 11, 11:59 pm, 2013 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, Angela Muse 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