Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year's Eve!


Happy New Year's Eve!
I can not believe this year is already coming to a close. 
What a crazy, busy year it's been. This is the first year I read just a little over 150 books. Sadly life got in the way of my reading. haha. There is so much that happened this year, and unfortunately  reading had to take a back seat. Well, not so much reading, but writing reviews. Okay, and reading. There is a stack of some amazing MG books that released this year that I sadly didn't get to read. Thankfully I've got a whole new year to read them in. 


I"m looking forward to starting this new year with a clean slate. I'm going to be revamping a few things with how I do things on my blog. I'm looking forward to getting back to the root of why I started blogging, and that's because I love being a cheer leader for books. I'm going to do a much better job at promoting books, than I did this past year. I'm truly grateful to everyone who has visited Mundie Kids, and those who have been such huge supporters of Mundie Kids. THANK YOU!

Here's to saying goodbye to 2014 and HELLO to 2015! 
Have a fabulous New Year!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood, Book Review



By: Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by: Claudia Rueda
Published by: Dial (Penguin Kids)
Released on: 10.21.14
Age: 3 and up
Source: purchased
Rating: 5 Owlets - I LOVED IT!
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Cat took on a bunny in Here Comes the Easter Cat, but now Christmas is coming, and Cat has a hunch he's not on Santa's "nice" list. Which means? No presents for Cat. So he tries to be good, but children, it seems, aren't wild for his brand of gift-giving. Still, Cat might surprise himself, and best of all, he may just get to meet the man in the red suit himself—and receive a holiday surprise of his own. Fans of Pete the Cat, Splat the Cat, and Bad Kitty will delight in this holiday treat

I realize it's now after Christmas, but I have to share my love of this book. This is a book I picked up yesterday for a steal of a deal at the book store. Just in case you didn't know, Barnes & Noble has all their Christmas books marked at 50% off! There was no way I could say no to prices like that. 

I love this book! Now I understand all the excitement surrounding Cat, and why this books have been highly recommended. Cat is fabulous! The illustrations are adorable. I love how Cat's facial expressions and body language are captured. Young readers won't have any problems picking up on what Cat is feeling or thinking  The story is fabulous. I like how simple it is, making it easy for young children to understand it. 

Cat hasn't made the best choices this year. With one day before Christmas, he tries to find ways to do good so he can receive a present from Santa. After all, only those who are good receive a present Santa. Will Cat be able to do good and spread Christmas cheer before Santa arrives? 

This book is THE perfect read-a-loud. The narrator is awesome. Seriously, this book couldn't have been more perfectly written. I loved the humor in this book. This is a book I would HIGHLY recommend picking up! You don't be disappointed that you did. 

Monday, December 29, 2014

The Last Christmas Tree by Stephen Krensky, Book Review


By: Stephen Krensky
Published by: Dial (Penguin Kids)
Released on: 10.16.14
Ages: 5 and up
Source: purchased book
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Among the grand balsam firs and pines at the Christmas tree lot is a little hunched tree that is missing several branches. Still, no tree is more filled with the spirit of Christmas. As the weeks go by, many others are selected but still the little tree keeps up its hope of finding the perfect family. On Christmas Eve, now the last tree in the lot, a special visitor (Ho, Ho, Ho!) might just give the little tree what it wants most of all.

I realize it's now after Christmas, but I have to share my love of this book. This is a book I picked up today for a steal of a deal at the book store. Just in case you didn't know, Barnes & Noble has all their Christmas books marked at 50% off! There was no way I could say no to prices like that. 

If you love the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, wait until you read about this Christmas Tree.

A wonderful story that captures the magic of the Christmas season. This is a book with a heartwarming story that children of all ages will love. Had it not been for a friend of who works at Penguin, I would not have even heard about this book. What is sad, because this has become one of my favorite children's Christmas books. The story is beautiful told. The illustrations are lovely. This book is absolutely fabulous. I loved it! This is a Christmas book I highly recommend picking up. 

THE ICE DRAGON by George R.R. Martin, Book Review

Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

There were so many awesome MG releases this year. Unfortunately I've got a stack of MG books I was hoping to read before the end of 2014, and sadly still waiting to be read. Thankfully I've got a whole new year ahead of me to read them. This weekend I did manage to read a couple MG books, and The Ice Dragon was one of them.


Illustrated by: Luis Royo
Published by: Tor Teen
Re-Released on: 10.21.14
Source: purchased book
Rating: 5 Stars 
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N

The Ice Dragon is an enchanting tale of courage and sacrifice for young readers and adults by the wildly popular author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martin. Lavish illustrations by acclaimed artist Luis Royo enrich this captivating and heartwarming story of a young girl and her dragon.

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire the ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember. 

Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara’s home. And only a winter child—and the ice dragon who loved her—could save her world from utter destruction.

This is an epic children's fantasy. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is George's debut book in children's literature. I'm amazed at all George R. R. Martin gave me in only 120 pages. It only took page one to hook me, and by the end of the first chapter I was in love. This is definitely a book fans of Martin's, children's literature, and fantasy will love. 

The story follows that of a young girl, Adara, who was born in winter. Being a child of winter made her come across as different than children born during the other seasons. Not one to show much emotion or to receive much affection, she finds relief in the winter. The only time she never feels alone. Being born during the cold season gave Adara a special ability to connect with the feared and rare Ice Dragon. She loves spending time with the feared creature. When her family is threatened she and her beloved Ice Dragon will made a courageous, and very surprising sacrifice to save them. 

I loved this story. I love the illustrations that accompany it. They are gorgeous. The cover art on both the inside covers of the book are my favorite. This edition of the book also includes a poster found on the inside of the cover jacket. Check out more of The Ice Dragon illustrations here

THE TUTTLE TWINS and The MIRACULOUS PENCIL; Book Blitz & Giveaway


Welcome today's  book blitz for book two in the Tuttle Twins series hosted by Fire and Ice.
You can find out more about the Tuttle Twins via Facebook and  Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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The Tuttle Twins and the Miraculous Pencil by Connor Boyack 

In this second book of the Tuttle Twins series, Mrs. Miner leads the twins and their classmates on a fun field trip to learn how pencils are made using parts from all over the world—and how in an economy, people from all over the world work together in harmony to produce helpful products that improve our lives. Teach your kids about the free market with a fun story and bright, engaging illustrations! Purchase


About the Author

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Connor Boyack is president of Libertas Institute, a public policy think tank in Utah. He is the author of several books on politics and religion, along with hundreds of columns and articles championing individual liberty. His work has been featured on international, national, and local TV, radio, and other forms of media. A California native and Brigham Young University graduate, Connor currently resides in Lehi, Utah, with his wife and two children. Facebook * Twitter

About the Illustrator

bio_elijah

Elijah Stanfield is owner of Red House Motion Imaging, a media production company in Washington. A longtime student of Austrian economics, history, and the classical liberal philosophy, Elijah has dedicated much of his time and energy to promoting the ideas of free markets and individual liberty. Some of his more notable works include producing eight videos in support of Ron Paul’s 2012 presidential candidacy. He currently resides in Richland, Washington, with his wife April and their five children.      


ENTER TO WIN 

Enter to win $100 Amazon Giftcard or Paypal Cash

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas / Holiday season and a very Happy New Year!
Here's to much joy, love, laughter and peace.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A Christmas Wish for Corduroy; Book Review


Written By: B.G. Hennessy
Illustrated By: Jody Wheeler
Created by: Don Freeman
Published by: Dial
Released on: 10.21.14
Ages: 5 & up
Source: book from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Before he met Lisa, Corduroy was just a little bear in the toy department of a big store, waiting for somebody to take him home.
 
It’s almost Christmas and Corduroy wishes he could be a child’s holiday gift—but he’s a plain bear, and nobody seems to notice him. He sets out across the store to ask Santa Claus for help, but he can’t visit without wearing a special outfit! After stopping to try on hats, boots, and even baby clothes, Corduroy finally arrives at the North Pole. Can Santa help Corduroy find a new home in time for Christmas?
 
With warm humor and classic art, A Christmas Wish for Corduroy takes readers back to the beginning and shows how Corduroy became the beloved bear we know today. This is a heartwarming story about the power of hope, perseverance, and friendship--an important addition to any Corduroy collection.

With the same classic look, and feel of the original story, A Christmas Wish for Corduroy is a book fans of this beloved bear will want to own. Leading up to the events before Corduroy is purchased by Lisa, A Christmas Wish for Corduroy tells the story of how Corduroy wishes he could be that perfect Christmas gift for a young boy or girl. Determined, he sets out to find Santa. He knows he's somewhere in the store. Corduroy will find out that his desire to be a beloved toy for a child will happen in an unexpected way. This is a must have for fans of Corduroy, and a great introduction to the beloved bear for those who have not yet read his original story. 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Disney Christmas Storybook Collection; Book Review


By: Calliope Glass, Elle D. Risco
Published by: Disney Press
Published by: September 9th, 2014
Pages: 304 pages
Series: Storybook Collections
Ages: 3 & up
Source: book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Purchase it from: Disney Publishing Worldwide | Amazon | B&N | any of your favorite online retailers / book stores
Add it to Goodreads

Celebrate the season with favorite Disney and Disney•Pixar characters! This updated edition of the top-selling storybook collection includes new stories with popular characters from films like Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and Tangled. This enchanting volume of 18 tales brings the magic of Christmas to life with over 250 beautiful full-page and spot illustrations plus silver-gilded pages!

Disney fans of all ages will enjoy this collection of classic Disney stories. From Tangled, to Frozen, Bambi, Dumbo, Robin Hood, 101 Dalmatians, the classic Mickey's Christmas Carol, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Wreck Ralph and many more, this collection of short stories features many of our favorite characters celebrating the Christmas holiday. 

The short stories are great. Each story is perfect for reading before bedtime. With roughly twenty stories in the book, there are plenty of stories to read through out the month of December, leading up to Christmas. I like young fans will love discovering how their favorite characters celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. 

One of the things we loved about the book, is that the illustrations stay true to the Disney characters. Bambi for example, is illustrated the same way movie Bambi is. I like that the illustrations are true to the Disney characters I grew up with, and the more modern day movies my children love. 

Friday, December 19, 2014

The Animal's Santa by Jan Brett, Book Review



By: Jan Brett
Published by: Putnam Juvenile 
Released on: October 21st, 2014
Source: purchased
Rating: 5 Owls - We Loved It
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

When Big Snowshoe tells Little Snow that the animals’ Santa is coming with presents for everyone, Little Snow wants to know who he is. The animals say they have never seen him.  Maybe he’s a badger, a moose, a polar bear, or a wolf, they tell him.  But this spunky little rabbit thinks they are just fooling him.

On Christmas Eve, Big Snowshoe finds a way to see the animals' Santa when a Snowy Owl in a red cap swoops down with a pack full of presents.  Never again will an excited Little Snow doubt that there is an animals' Santa.


If you're looking for that special book to pick up this Christmas/Holiday season, this is one I'd recommend picking up. 

It's Little Snow's first Christmas, and Big Snowshoe tells him about the animal's santa. Each Christmas Eve the animal's Santa comes and brings a gift for each animal. Could he be a moose, a polar bear or a wolf? No one knows. Though no animal has ever seen him, they believe he's real. 

Little Snow doubts what Big Snowshoe and all the other animals are saying. He feels as though that they are all being fooled. That is until a special visitor pays the animals a visit on Christmas Eve. Readers will enjoy reading this story, and discovering which animal is the animal's Santa. Like her previous books, Brett's enchanting illustrations found within each page tell the story of Christmas past and present. 

Both the story and the illustrations compliment each other perfectly. True to Bret's previous books, the illustrations that grace each page tell the story beautifully. The small illustrations found within each corner of the pages though out the book tell a visual story that supports the one Big Snowshoe is telling. Little readers will not only enjoy the story as it's being read, they'll also enjoy looking at all of the illustrations. This book is the perfect Christmas picture book. 

Jan Brett is one of our all time favorite children authors and illustrators. Her whimsical illustrations and heartwarming stories have been a childhood favorite of mine, and I love being able to share her stories with my own children. The Animal's Santa, Brett's newest release, is a must have for fans of Jan Brett. 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

10 Children’s Books Perfect for the Winter Holidays

Looking for that perfect book to celebrate the Winter holidays? Harper Collins Children's has put together a great list of 10 Children's Books Perfect for the Winter Holidays. Check out which books they've selected below:








Be sure to check out  their original post here. You'll be more information about each book.
 Happy Holidays & Happy Reading!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Perfect Princess Christmas, Book Review


By: Walt Disney Company
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 9th, 2014
Ages: 3 & up
Rating: 5 Owls - We Loved It
Source: book to review from publisher in exchange for my honest review
Purchase from: any of your favorite online retailers, Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Bonus: The book includes a free Royal Christmas app for our iPhone and iPad

Now little girls can celebrate the holidays with the Disney Princesses! From crackling fires and snowy sleigh rides to beachside gatherings and New Orleans feasts, each princess does Christmas her own way. These four Christmas-themed stories star Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Tiana, and their family and friends as they deck their castle halls. With gorgeous illustrations on every page, plus a foil-stamped jacket, this 96-page storybook is sure to be an instant classic. Plus, download the Royal Christmas app!

Beautiful illustrations with four great stories that capture the meaning of the Christmas season. Disney Princess fans will enjoy reading this collection of Christmas short stories featuring their favorite Princesses from The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and The Princess and the Frog. Readers will enjoy finding out how each Princess gets ready for the Christmas holiday.

Ariel's adventure is a holiday treasure hunt. When Max the dog takes all the gifts she has purchased for her family, and buried them, she tries to locate where each gift is hidden at. Princess Aurora wants to create something special and homemade for Prince Phillip, and enlists help from fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.  Cinderella wants to do something nice for those who are always helping them, and plans the perfect Christmas party. Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are getting ready to have family and friends over for a Christmas Eve party. While they're getting ready for the party Princess Tiana shares the traditions she grew up with and loves with Prince Naveen.

A great collection of stories, Disney fans will enjoy this book. Be sure to download the free Royal Christmas app for iPhones and iPads, that comes with this book.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Adventures with Barefoot Critters: An ABC Book by Teagan White, Book Review



By & Illustrated by: Teagan White
Published by: Tundra Books
Released on: June 24th, 2014
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 Owls - We LOVED It!
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Join an adorable cast of animal characters as they explore the alphabet through the seasons. From gathering honey in spring to building cozy campfires in fall, the friends make the most of each season, both enjoying the great outdoors and staying snug inside. Learning the alphabet is fun when adventuring with these critters, and children and adults alike will delight in Teagan White's sweet, nostalgic illustrations.

This book is simply adorable! I adore the illustrations in this book, as well as the way this story takes readers through the four season, while teaching readers their ABC's.

Teagan White is an author/illustrator whom is now on my radar. I love that she created a children's ABC picture book that teaches kids their abc's by letter identification. Each word that begins with the letter being taught is a different color, so that it stands out for easy identification. For example, for C, she includes the words: catch, colds, can't, and each of those three words stands out among the other words on that page, so that children can easily identify those words.

The illustrations that accompany each page are simply adorable! I love the charming woodland critters, and want to decorate my library with them. The inside flap of the hard cover book has a poster that can easily be framed and hung up. I'm hoping Teagan White has an Esty shop, because I would seriously purchase some of her artwork, it's that adorable.  I'm looking forward to reading more of her children's pictures book.

This is a must have book! It's one that will make a great gift.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Day Dreamers: A Journey of Imagination by Emily Winfield Martin, Book Review


Written & Illustrated By: Emily Winfield Martin
Published by: Random House
Released on: August 26th, 2014
Source: purchased
Rating: 5 Owls - We Loved It
Ages: all ages
Purchase it From: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

This companion to Dream Animals celebrates the imagination and will have children dreaming both day and night!
 
Emily Winfield Martin's newest picture book shows readers that letting their imaginations run free will lead them into fantastical day dreams. Whether cloud-gazing or wandering through a museum, reading a book or playing in a tide-pool, the children in this picture book find themselves in places  inhabited by magical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, griffins, and jackalopes. A whimsical rhyme accompanies the dream-worthy illustrations.


Emily Martin does it again. With the companion to her Dream Animals, Martin takes readers on a whimsical adventure to the land of wonder and dreams with Day Dreamers. There's nothing more magical than a picture book that brings to life an enchanting world of imagination. With creatures you wish you could fly through the clouds on, Martin's lovely illustrations and beautiful words create a book that readers of all ages will enjoy.

I have been an Emily Martin fan since I first discovered her Etsy shop, The Black Apple years ago. I absolutely love that her whimsical illustrations now graces the pages of children's books. I have a few of her framed artwork in my library and office, and I love that now I'm able to purchase her artwork in the form of children's pictures books.

I highly recommend picking up Day Dreamers and it's companion, Dream Animals. 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Doc McStuffins A Very McStuffins Christmas



By: Shelia Sweeney Higginson
Illustrated by: The Walt Disney Company
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 26th, 2014
Source: book to review from publisher, in exchange for my honest review
Ages: 3 years & up
Rating: 4 Owls - We Really Enjoyed It!
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N

Christmas Eve is full of surprises at the McStuffins house! When the toys sneak downstairs to leave Doc's present under the tree, they find Tobias, one of Santa's elves, delivering toys. But Tobias accidentally drops Donny's robot toy and breaks it! Doc and the gang head out on a magical rescue mission to the North Pole to visit Santa's workshop and fix the toy before Christmas morning. Includes special sparkly stickers for even more holiday fun! 

Fans of Disney Jr's Doc McStuffins will love this book.

You can not go wrong with Doc McStuffins. She's always there to help and lends a hand to those who need help. If your Disney Jr fan enjoyed this year's Doc McStuffin's Christmas episode, then they will love this book. Doc and her friends are ready for Christmas, but on Christmas Eve, when one of Santa's elves accidentally breaks Donny's new toy, will Doc be able to help? There's not a toy Doc hasn't been able to help. This case might be a little tricky, since Doc, and her friends head to the North Pole with Tobias, Santa's elf, to visit Santa's workshop to fix the toy. Will Doc and her friends be able to fix Donny's Christmas in time?

I love it when Disney publishes books that go along with Disney Jr episodes. They bring to life the episode and favorite characters within the pages of a book, allowing children to revisit their favorite characters over and over again. Also included in the book are two sheets of stickers. This is a must have for fans of Doc McStuffins.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Merry Christmas Cookbook, Book Review


By: Walt Disney Company
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 16th, 2014
Source: book from publisher in exchange for my honest review
Ages: 5 & up
Rating: 4 Owls - We Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Treat your taste buds to a feast of traditional holiday delights! With simple step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, color photographs, and charming character art, this book is the perfect way for parents and children to make holiday magic in the kitchen! A rating system lets kids know how difficult the recipes are, and cooking tips are sprinkled throughout. Kids will enjoy making Rolly's Spotted Cranberry Pancakes, Sugar Rush Popcorn Gumdrop Garland and Anna's Frozen Ice Candy!

This is a great cookbook for Disney fans young and old. With it's easy to read and easy to follow directions, detailed pictures of what you're preparing/cooking, and illustrations of Disney characters with each recipe it will make learning to cook, and cooking together fun. This cookbook is sure to create lasting memories in the kitchen. This cookbook is great for young children, and parents, as well as kids that are looking to do more in the kitchen on their own with parental supervision. Parents will love that these are healthy recipes using many of the ingredients they'll most likely already have on hand. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Doc McStuffins: Doc's Big Book of Boo-Boos / Doc McStuffins: Doctor's Helper, Book Reviews

The perfect books for fans of Disney Jr's Doc McStuffins

By: Shelia Sweeny Higginson
Illustrated by: The Walt Disney Compnay
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 2nd, 2014
Ages: 5 & up
Rating: 5 Owls - We Loved It
Source: book to review from publisher in exchange for my honest review
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N

Doc always keeps track of her patients' boo-boos and ouchies in her Big Book of Boo-Boos-and now you can, too! This adorable book looks just like Doc's Big Book of Boo-Boos, and is jam-packed full of Doc McStuffins fun including an original story, drawing pages for kids to draw their own toys, 4 pages of stickers, a fold-out poster featuring Doc and the gang, and a punch-out sign that kids can place on their own toy clinic door!

If you're looking to get something for your favorite Doc McStuffins this is the book to get. Included in this book are a story, stickers, a poster, and doodle pages. My Doc Mctuffins fan loved this book. She enjoyed the story, and loved being able to be like Doc herself by making notes on the doodle pages. This is a book young Doc McStuffins fans will love. 



By: Shelia Sweeny Higginson
Illustrated by: The Walt Disney Company
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 9th, 2014
Age: 3 years & up
Rating: 5 Owls- We Loved It
Source: book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase it from: Amazon | B&N

The Doc is in, and this time she has a special helper! After Doc finds Ellie, a stuffed elephant toy, alone on the playground, she is determined to find her owner. But when Ellie begins wheezing, Doc needs to diagnosis her-stat! In this beautifully illustrated hardcover jacketed picture book, children will learn that even doctors need helpers-no matter how small-to help patients get better.

Doc is to the rescue again. This time she saves a toy, Ellie, a stuffed elephant who was all alone at the playground. It's up to Doc to find Ellie's owner, but first, Doc has to help Ellie with her wheezing. After she treats Ellie, she's out to find her owner. Thanks to Doc, Ellie an her owner are reunited, but not without some help. 

One of the things I loved at the end of the book was it's brief note about allergies and asthma, something my young Doc McStuffin's fan suffers from. I like how there's something for everyone in each of Doc McStuffin's books. This book in particular made my daughter feel like she's not the only who deals with allergies and asthma. 

Adorable illustrations and a cute story, make this a book fans of Doc McStuffins will enjoy reading. An added bonus comes with book. A free e-book! This is another must have for Doc McStuffins fans. 



Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Minnie's Winter Bow Show



By: William Scollon
Illustrated by: The Walt Disney Company
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: September 16th, 2014
Source: book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4 Owls - We Enjoyed It
Ages: 3 years & up
Add it to Goodreads

Minnie's Winter Bow Show is quickly approaching-Minnie needs to make preparations, but she also needs to keep an eye on her two rambunctious nieces, Millie and Melody. One morning, the twins are playing in the glove balloon when it suddenly flies off with Minnie in tow! The balloon takes them on a wild winter wonderland adventure all the way to the Clubhouse North Pole! Will Minnie be able to make it back to her Bow-tique in time for her Winter Bow Show? Find out in this winter-themed storybook with special sparkly stickers! Based on a movie event airing on Disney Junior in Winter 2014!

Just in time for the Winter holidays, Minnie Mouse fans will enjoy this book. Based on the recent episode of Minnie's Winter Bow Show, fans will enjoy reading about Minnie's surprising and unexpected adventures with her nieces, Melody and Millie. 

Things don't go as planned for Minnie when she's trying to get ready for her Winter Bow Show. The unexpected mishaps gives Minnie some much needed time with her nieces Melody and Millie. Along the way they help Fairy Clarabelle, and enjoy some much needed time together. Thankfully they they arrive just in time for the show. With a little help from her friends, Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy, the show goes on without delay. 

Minnie Mouse fans will love this one! 

Monday, December 1, 2014

The Message of The Birds by Kate Westerlund, Book Review


By: Kate Westerlund
Illustrated by: Feridun Oral
Published by: Minedition
Released on: November 1st, 2013
Source: book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4 Stars - We Really Enjoyed
Ages: 5 & up
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase it from: Amazon | B&N

This appealing Christmas story with a poignant message for young and old alike will gently prompt discussion on important issues

An old owl tells the Christmas story to the community of birds as he has done so many times before, but when he tells of the special message from the Baby Jesus, a little bird questions why they no longer sing the message. “People no longer listen,” is the sad realization. The birds decide to share the message once more, but this time to the children of the world. And what unfolds is surely a Christmas wonder.
 


Lovely illustrations with a great message. The Message of the Birds starts off with an owl telling the story of the Savior's birth. He tells of how the birds in the rafters loved listening to the sounds the baby Jesus made, which were about joy and good will. When the owl is asked why the birds no longer sing the song, the birds decide to share the message through out all the world. The message of peace they share brings people together. The book ends with the message of "Let there be peace. Peace on Earth!" The following page features the wrd PEACE, written in many differently languages. The illustrations are lovely, and compliment Westerlund's words beautifully. The simple message this book shares is a universal one about PEACE. This book would make a great addition to those looking to pick up a new Christmas book this holiday season.

Friday, November 28, 2014

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas by Jay Dee, Book Review



By: Jay Dee
Illustrated by: Darren Geers
Published by: Kraine Kreative
Released on: 11.3.14
Source: book from author to review, in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 3 Owls
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At Santa’s workshop, the night before the night before Christmas is hardly a time to rest. The elves work tirelessly to get the final toys made before Christmas Eve, but Elfie just can’t keep pace. He spends too much time making his toys perfect, and when Santa comes to check on production, everyone is surprised by his reaction.

It's the night before the night before Christmas and the elves are frantically trying to get the last of the toys made before Santa's inspection. One of Santa's elves, Elfie, isn't ready yet. He has spent all day working on one present. In working hard to make the toy train perfect, he hasn't finished the rest of his list of toys to make. With Santa's arrival,  he fears he's let Santa down. Not only that, he's let his lead elf, Nathan down. Nathan kept telling him to stop spending so much time on the one toy. Santa surprises Elfie. He tells him that the train is perfect, and it's Elfie's best work yet. He tells him that the train is for someone special. Elfie wonders who it's for. When he asks Santa who it's for, Santa tells him it's for baby who's name is Jesus and who is being born in a stable in Bethlehem.

I liked how the author was trying to tie together the story of Jesus and Santa, but I felt the attempt failed by having Santa deliver a train to baby Jesus at the time of his birth in Bethlehem in a stable. Why would Santa take a train to baby Jesus? Giving a toy train to a baby Jesus at a time when trains didn't exist doesn't make sense to me.  I liked the idea of Santa wanting to give a gift to Jesus, even though the belief in Santa wasn't around during this time. I would have loved it if Santa had told about the birth of the Savior, and had the train gift symbolize the importance of giving to others.

Overall I liked the book, and I think it helps children understand the gift of the Savior's birth with modern day gift giving.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm grateful for many things, but being that this is a book blog, I'm so grateful for Books! 
I'm grateful to those who inspired my love of reading as a kid, and supported it.
I'm grateful for the friendships I've made through books, and the many opportunities that have come my way through my love of reading. I'm grateful that I'm able to promote reading through my blogs, and to each of you who visit my blogs, and support what I do. 
I'm grateful to those who write children's books, those who publisher, promote them, review them, and read them. I'm so grateful that books have been and will always be a huge part of my life.

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and that it's filled with love, laughter, family, friends and books. 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

10 Children’s Books that Celebrate Thanksgiving

Happy almost Thanksgiving! 
If you're looking for some books to share with you children about Thanksgiving, check out these titles from Harper Collins Children's Books. They recently shared their list of 10 Children's Books That Celebrate Thanksgiving.






To find more about each book, visit Harper Collins Children's, 10 Children's Books that Celebrate Thanksgiving list here

Monday, November 24, 2014

Signed MG & KidLit Books Available During Barnes & Noble's Black Friday Sales


What's better than a book sale? Having signed books on sale! This Friday (which just happens to be Black Friday, and a day I avoid going to any store at all costs), Barnes & Noble is having an incredible Black Friday sale. Their sale includes a limited number of signed YA, MG & Kidlit books. This sale is for *in stores only*. Check out some of the books that will be available on Friday, here. I love seeing a variety of MG and children's picture books on this list. I may have to make an exception and venture out to the store on Friday. 
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 ~