Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #55


Kid Lit Blog Hop

Welcome to the 55th 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! This week, we are excited to be including a Goodreads Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. We are pleased to be welcome two co-hosts this week. First up, is author Evelyne Holingue. You can visit her at http://evelyneholingue.com/. And, joining us once again is Tiffiny from the blog Spark and Pook. Welcome and bienvenue to both Evelyne and Tiffiny.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Music, Teaching and Parenting

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Co-Hostesses:

 Happy Birthday Dr Seuss

 Okay, so I am once again late to the party. You know I confessed in an earlier post, I never read Dr Seuss until a few months ago.

Well, we are mad for him now and it happens to have been his birthday this week.

So, I thought myself so clever when I went to our local Aldi, because they advertised they had Dr Seuss on sale.

I rock up, grab as many as affordable and get home.....



 I start reading them to Gigi....

Hmm ... The Rhyme is not always great...

Hang on!!!!

Okay, so I don't know every Dr Seuss title, but I realised, actually these are not actually his work at all.

They are books based on the Cat In A Hat cartoon, that Gigi actually loves and yes they are a different author and illustrator as we know Dr Seuss passed many years ago.

 I was skeptical and a little put out that I had not done my research.  I just figured they didn't have all his well known titles on sale but his lesser known instead.

 Anyway, the good news is, Gigi still loves the books and they are actually very educational.

 They are lengthy, but that is okay as she is now right into chapter books at 3.5. I didn't realise how much she would actually learn from them.

 I haven't given up on my search for his old favourites and our re-use it baby market is coming up soon.  I will be taking a trip to visit my favourite second hand book seller, to find some more Dr Seuss classics.

 Until then, I do recommend the new books and I heard on the grape vine that a new Dr Seuss will be released posthumously.

 We can't wait.

 Until then folks, happy hopping.....

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Goodreads profile page in the Goodreads Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Goodreads pages. Be sure to friend or follow some folks with similar interests and like any reviews that catches your eye. 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 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. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop 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/Linky Party? 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!
 

GOODREADS LINKY PARTY

(Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop)

KID LIT BLOG HOP

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Sunday, 1 March 2015

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur Blog Tour

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur - Blog Tour Button

About the Book

Title: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 2) | Author: Fiona Ingram | Publication Date: October 6, 2014 | Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing | Pages: 376 | Recommended Ages: 10+ Summary: A modern day adventure as our protagonists search for Excalibur and the treasures it holds! Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur.

However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them? Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram The first book in the series, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has enjoyed the following book contest wins and nominations:
* Finalist Children's Fiction Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
* Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009
* Winner Pre-Teen 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards
* Number 2 in the Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
* Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
* Finalist Children’s Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
* Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
* Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
* Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards
* 2nd Place 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards
* Winner Gold Medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Goodreads

 

 OUR REVIEW

 
Book 2 in the Chronicles of the Stone, is every much an epic tale as the first.  Justin and Adam are about to embark on another adventure, this time to Scotland.  Their mission is to find the second stone of power, when Aunt Isabel arrives in a flap. She has with her a young African girl, whom she promptly lumbers onto the boys. James has apparently had an accident in France and Isabel is rushing to his aid.
The boys are less than impressed with Kim, their tag along, but Kim is one sassy little girl, who will not be kept quiet or be made to keep out of things.   
 
The kids have nothing but a garbled message, about who they are to meet at the other end, but once again, they take their quest quite seriously, and do not let the absence of the adults get in their way.  Upon their arrival in Heathrow, they are met by Benjamin (Ink) Blott, a young guy who leads them to his father, Humphrey Biddle's Amazing Antiquarian Bookshop. 
 
They learn a vital part of their mission will be to uncover the Scroll of the Ancients, and the legend of King Arthur's Excalibur, may also be involved.
 
Armed with what little knowledge Humphrey can impart about Bedwyr, the Monk who hid the scrolls, they are about to set off to Strathairn Castle, when they decide to make a little detour.  They visit the Ashmolean Museum, where they believe they encounter King Arthur's sword, which possibly may hold the second stone of power. Before the kids can confirm their suspicions, the stone is stolen, and they are the prime suspects.  
 
With the help of Ink, the kids flee to Strathairn Castle.  Along the way, they are attacked by some very strange creatures that appear to have poisoned Ink and their new canine companion smudge. Luckily, with the help of the local vet who has a particular interest in poisons, Ink recovers and he and the kids begin their quest.
 
Once again, their endeavours are met with great resistance. Strange creatures seem to be stalking their every move and the evil Dr Khalid, presumed dead, of course makes a reappearance. 
 
The kids will have to band together, find their courage, use their collective knowledge and skills and instincts to unlock Bedwyr's secrets and prevent the stone of power from falling into the clutches of  Dr Khalid.
 
This was an epic adventure, rich with historical details that any fan of the King Arthur legend will thoroughly enjoy. We meet some new and eccentric characters along the way, each one playing their tiny part in the tale that unfolds. Reading Bedwyr's diary, was an absolute highlight of the book, as we get a glimpse into the time that he lived and the dangers that lurked.
Of course, the quest is never over and although the kids manage to thwart the evil Khalid again, they end with more unanswered questions which will no doubt unfold over the series.
 
The characters of Adam, Justin and Kim certainly deepen as the story progresses, and I believe children 12+ will enjoy this epic journey with its wonderfully detailed illustrations, that lend a greater understanding to the story.
 
 

 
 

The Early Buzz

"Fiona Ingram's storytelling is masterful; she adroitly weaves historical fact and fantasy in a smooth and fluid style that makes reading this book both an exciting and intellectually satisfying treat. The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is filled with action and adventure, puzzles and ghostly presences, and stalwart companions ready to face any and all perils that come their way. What more could a reader ask for? The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is a marvelous historical adventure tale, and it's most highly recommended. (5 stars)"~ Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite
 
"As always, Fiona Ingram’s masterful description paints a vivid picture of the setting for this adventure, beginning with the honey-tinted Cotswold beauty of Oxford before moving on to the wilder, rugged landscape of Scotland. But Fiona’s particular skill lies in the wonderful characters which she creates to people these adventures... (5 Stars)" ~ Dassie, Amazon
"Character development is the key to the story, and the dialogue is snappy... If there are young reluctant readers in your family, this might just be the kick they need to get over that hump. (5 Stars)" ~ Lit Amri, Readers Favorite
 
"Fiona Ingram has once again taken myth and legend and blended it into an exciting page turner. The mystery will keep the reader on the edge of their seats as they follow the cousins in their search for clues in old books and on the grounds of a Scottish castle. The story is well told and is suitable for tweens and up. (5 stars)" ~ K. Springs, Amazon
"Ingram describes her characters and locals in such a vivid way that the reader cannot help but picture themselves right there alongside the cousins. I loved the historical information at the end as well as the preview of the next book! I cannot wait! The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is certain to be the next great young adult series of our time! (5 stars)"~ Heather Osborne, Readers Favorite
 

About the Author: Fiona Ingram

Fiona Ingram, Author Fiona Ingram (B.A., Hons. (Natal), M.A., (Wits)) was born and educated in South Africa, and has worked as a full-time journalist and editor. Her interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel has resulted in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in her exciting children’s adventure series—Chronicles of the Stone. The second book is entitled The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, a treat for young King Arthur fans. She is busy with Book 3 entitled The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur Blog Tour Schedule (2015)

February 16
February 17
February 18
February 19
February 20
February 21
February 23
February 24
February 25
February 26
February 27
February 28
March 1
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Contest closes: March 15, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: 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 Fiona Ingram 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
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #54

Welcome to the 54th 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! This week, we are excited to be including a Twitter Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. We are pleased to be welcome a new permanent KLBH host with us (you'll remember she co-hosted with us a few weeks ago!): Rebecca from A Book Long Enough, a wonderful new book blog written by a librarian and Mom of three. Big welcome Rebecca!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

 
This week I have a real treat to share.
Confession, it is not strictly book related, but it is self esteem and influence related.
I hope this will become a mini revolution in the manufacture of dolls for children.
Click below to see the story of Tree Change Dolls.
 I absolutely love this concept. I confess I have purchased Bratts dolls for children, but I never considered the appearance as being so completely unrealistic in relation to children's facial image, until I had my own child.

I am going to see if I can scope out a couple of dolls at my local thrift store, to re-invent them with more realistic facial features.

I believe it is important to let kids be kids, minus the sexualisation, that I believe these dolls portray.

If you would like to try it out yourself, check out Sonya's DIY video.



I hope Sonya and her dolls someday find their way into the boardroom of mass dolls manufacturers.
Until then, you can find her on Facebook to show your support. 



Tell, what do you think. Would you like to see more of these Tree Change Dolls available to the little souls of our next generation.
Hope you have enjoyed today's Tree Change.
Happy Hopping!!!!






Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Twitter profile page in the Twitter Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours, say hello and retweet or follow as per your interests. If you do not have a Twitter profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 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. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop 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!

Happy Hopping!

 

TWITTER LINKY PARTY

(Please do not link up a post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop)

KID LIT BLOG HOP

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Thursday, 5 February 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #53

Welcome to the 53rd 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! This week, we are excited to be including a Pinterest Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. This week... the Pinterest Linky Party. We are pleased to be welcome a new permanent KLBH host with us (you'll remember she co-hosted with us last week!): Katie from The Logonauts, a blog focused on sharing and discussing great books for elementary and middle grade readers. Big welcome Katie!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Music, Teaching and Parenting

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

We have discovered this amazing author
 

Are you ready for it...

No really, you will be amazed at this one...

Okay, so I am only about 40 years late to the party....

Gigi and I have just discovered...


Amazon link 
 
 Okay, I can hear the sniggers.... But in my defence, we never read this as kids, and Gigi is only 3.5, so although we have read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, this is the first chapter book that she has sat through the entire 72 pages, and now wants to read it every night.
 
 
What strikes me about Horton is the underlying message.  Although it is actually teaching a lesson, it is done in such a way that I am utterly in love with this book.
 
Dr Seuss is of course famous for his rhyme and I love it, but you know what, even he had trouble with the pacing in a couple of areas.
 
I have been studying how important the beat and rhythm of a rhyming picture books are, as I have been writing a few of my own over the past year.
 
There are a couple of places in Horton Hears A Who, where I trip up and I feel like the beat is off.
 
However, after reading this night after night, I am utterly convinced Dr Seuss is a genius. I now know how difficult it is to make a sentence rhyme that isn't forced, and I can tell you, it is really really hard.
 
I only have one rhyming picture book in my portfolio and I may never ever write another one....
 
We loved this book so much we decided to get the movie. It is outrageous and exciting and full of details you could never have imagined, but for me, I just wanted something closer to the book.

 

 
The beauty of the rhyme and rhythm to me are totally lost. My opinion, but there you have it.
 
 
We picked up Horton at our local baby market, where there is a second hand book seller. We intend to collect all the Dr Seuss we can get our hands on, so what say you all. 
 
What should we read next?!!!!! 
 
 

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Pinterest page in the Pinterest Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Pinterest pages. Be sure to follow some boards that interest you and re-pin what catches your eye. 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 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. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop 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/Linky Party? 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!
 

PINTEREST LINKY PARTY


KID LIT BLOG HOP

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Thursday, 22 January 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #52

Welcome to the 52nd Kid Lit Blog Hop  

We continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. 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! 

For the first time, we will also be including a Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Every two weeks, you will have the opportunity to join in a linky party focused on one social media network, helping you to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents. Be sure to check both linky's at the bottom of this post.

Now, today I have a review of a lovely chapter book by a fellow Aussie author.

 

My Review:
 
Sam is starting a new school after returning from living in Nepal as a missionary. She wants to fit in, so when she is assigned to sit next to Felicity, one of the prettiest girls in the class, Sam is hopeful that her new school will be awesome. Things don't start off well, when Sam notices Felicity cheating off her. Sam is too timid to let her teacher know, and things get worse when Felicity seems to be doing everything she can to exclude and tease her. Things come to a head when Sam begins to make up stories about her mum being an evil genius, wanting to take over the word. This leads to even more alienation from Felicity and her minions, and eventually Sam snaps. She finds herself sitting in the principals office as a consequence of her behaviour, but she still can't level with her parents as to what caused her to act as she did.


A well meaning education session from the teaching staff to the school about bullying, didn't really solve Sam's problem but it was a great turning point. She eventually gains her courage and has the strength to come clean with her class about the stories she has made up. In the process she ends up giving a super presentation about her time in Nepal. Sam is astounded when the kids don't laugh at all, but begin to ask her some questions about her life in another country. She finds some common ground with a new group of friends in the playground and eventually leaves the behind Felicity's of the world. She embarks on a new school term with friends who understand her and are happy to include her.


This was a sweet book, that really struck a cord with me. I felt Sam's alienation, lonliness and feelings of helplessness, right along with her. It was great to watch Sam eventually find the strength to change her situation. The education session with the teachers was a great teaching moment, where they spell out quite simply the meaning of bullying. I especially liked the idea that if kids see others being bullied, they should take the initiative and stand up against it. I believe this would make a great resource for the school classroom, as the strategies Sam uses to over come her fears are really practical. I would recommend this for children ages 5-7.

Connect With Melissa


That's all from me folks, happy hopping....


We are pleased to be welcome the following co-hostess with us this week: Katie from The Logonauts, a blog focused on sharing and discussing great books for elementary and middle grade readers. Please take a moment to drop by and say hello. Welcome Katie!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

 

Co-Hostess:

The Logonauts


 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party linky list below. Be sure to visit, "like", and/or comment on your hostesses' Facebook pages as well as the two links directly before yours. Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us and we will be sure to follow you back. 2. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 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 from the Kid Lit Blog Hop 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/Linky Party? 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!
 

FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY


KID LIT BLOG HOP

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Saturday, 17 January 2015

Dreaming of Cash Giveaway


To Celebrate the release of
 
Stellarcadia #3
Due 30 January 2015
 
 
I have joined with an amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!
Are you Dreaming of Cash? Here is your chance to win some!
1 lucky winner will receive $250 in Paypal Cash!
 

  Cash graphic 250 January  
 
Be sure to enter the rafflecopter below and good luck everyone!!!!!
 


Giveaway Details $250 Paypal Cash Ends 1/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Wednesday, 7 January 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #51

Welcome to the 51st 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!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
 
 
Today I have a few books to share with you, that came from our Christmas list.
 
 
Link
 
Description From Booktopia:

A laugh-aloud picture book celebrating nannas everywhere from a talented author and illustrator team.

Some nannas dress in pink when they jog around the track.
But my nanna is a ninja … so she dresses up in black.
All nannas are different.
But what if your nanna was really different?
What if your nanna was a ninja?
 
This fun, poetic picture book portrays the many different guises, faces and personalities that nannas can have and demonstrates the significance of their role in the modern family.
 
Our Thoughts:


Gigi loved this book from the first read. The rhyme is fantastic, and it is loads of fun to see a Nanny being a ninja. We had to have it on our Christmas list.  I don't know any kid that wouldn't enjoy this book.
 
 
Next we have:

 
Description From Amazon:

This innovative and wildly funny read-aloud by award-winning humorist/actor B.J. Novak will turn any reader into a comedian.

You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here's how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . .

BLORK. Or BLUURF.

Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY.
 
We saw the Youtube of B.J Novak reading this to a crowd and we decided to give it a go.  With only one child in the audience, it took a little longer for her to warm to it, because, of course there were no pictures.  Once she realised it was really very funny to hear mum and dad say those words, it was a hit.
 
I think this is ingenious and a great way to get kids to learn using auditory, as opposed to visual.
 
And next:
Description From Amazon:
What’s big, blue, bossy, and turns up uninvited?
A slightly annoying elephant, of course!

Our Thoughts:

 This is a hoot of a book. It is a cautionary tale about always reading the labels and every page has more mayhem that Gigi just loves.  I recommend for anyone who loves a really silly book.

 
Last but not least:
 

Link
 
Description From Amazon:
Inspired by the evil villains and innocent damsels of silent movies, Willems tells the tale of a hungry fox who invites a plump goose to dinner. As with the beloved Pigeon books, kids will be calling out the signature refrain and begging for repeated readings. The funny details in the full-color illustrations by three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems will bring nonstop laughter to story time.

Our Thoughts:

Firstly the noir style, love it, the simple journey with mummy chicken, hilarious, the ending, in true Willems style, very naughty.  Gigi is partial to the odd macabre humour, and what kid wouldn't be with a mother like myself,  he he.
 
That's all folks, off you 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.
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Thursday, 11 December 2014

BookElves Anthology

I have another exciting development.
Some awesome author buddies of mine have put together a Christmas anthology.
The BookElves Anthology Volume 1 is now available at the following locations as an ebook:


B&N 

It is also coming soon at other online retailers worldwide including txtrr, Scribd!, Oyster and Flipkart.
Read more »
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Wednesday, 10 December 2014

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



  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
  Blog   
    Amazon Page

   
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Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Kid Lit Blog Hop #50


 
Kid Lit Blog Hop

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.
 
 
 
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!

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!
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