Monday, July 30, 2012

Book Reviews Self Published Children's Books

I've recently had the chance to review a couple self published children's books that I wanted to spotlight here on Mundie Moms.

Written by: Armin Vit
Illustrated by: Bryony Gomez-Palacio
Published by: UnderConsideration LLC
Source: book from publisher to review
4 stars: We Really Enjoyed It
Purchase: HERE

This is a fun, personalized, creative book for young kids. It's one that allows you to create a character based on your child. By choosing the name, hair, skin, and favorite color, the creators behind this wonderful book are able to match your child with the layout of their story. My daughter was thrilled to see her name in a book, and couldn't get over the fact we were reading a story about her. 

From being apart of the Circus, to diving into the deep ocean blue, to exploring outer-space, this book is packed full of adventure and fun. It's one that kids ages 2-6 will absolutely enjoy when they are read a book with their name in it and see their character in each scene. Here's an example from one of the scenes from the book:
Each book is hand crafted and made here in Austin, TX! To learn more about this book or to customize a book for your child, grandchild, godchild, niece, nephew etc, visit The Adventures of YOU and I site here


*not actual cover, image from author's site*

Illustrated by: Phil Ashworth
Published by: self published
Released on: February 3rd, 2012
Source: book from author to review, signed, donating to local elementary school
Ages: 9 & up
Purchase from: Amazon 

When I was first approached to review Andrew's debut book, my first response was to say no. Not, because I didn't want to review the book, but because I've been swamped this year with reading/reviews, and life in general. Something stopped me from saying no, and that was Andrew's mission. Per his email to me, and I'm only quoting part of it, which you can also read about on his website. Being a teacher and writer, Andrew published a collection of illustrated poetry and turned into this book with the hopes of donating as many copies as possible to a variety of children's places- schools, hospitals, libraries, shelters etc. To the date of his email to me he had given away 1,900 copies already. How could I say no to that? This signed copy will also make it's way in a stack of books I've gathered and will be sent to a library that's being established for poor children who have no books. I know, sad isn't it. 

So let me tell you, this book is great. It read a little like the classic fairy tale book I had when I was younger. Some poems I got and enjoyed, others I didn't really care of, and some were down right hilarious. The illustrations match each poem perfectly! There's a little something for everyone in this book, and it's one I'd recommend to those who love collections of poems. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~