Wednesday, September 30, 2015

MAGNUS CHASE and the GODS of ASGARD by Rick Riordan Spotlight & Giveaway! / #ReadRiordan


We're continuing our celebration of 10 years of Percy Jackson today with a spotlight of Rick Riordan's upcoming release, MAGNUS CHASE and the GODS of ASGARD! I'm thrilled to not only spotlight this must have book for fans of Percy Jackson, I'm also hosting a giveaway! First, more about this book.

ABOUT THE BOOK



MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD
Title: The Sword of Summer
On-Sale: October 6, 2015 
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Indiebound | Indigo | iBooks
Add it to Goodreads

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants, and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarök, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.....


Check Out The Official Book Trailers





MEET THE CHARACTERS (click image to enlarge)

MAGNUS CHASE



LOKI


SAMIRAH


BLITZEN


HEARTHSTONE


#NorseCrashCourse and Scene Setters

Follow @RickRiordan on Instagram and @CampHalfBlood on Twitter for a series of scene-setters and #NorseCrashCourse content gearing up for MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD:


Check out more of Rick Riordan's #NorseCrashCourse Tweets here:



THE GIVEAWAY
One will will receive a copy of MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD!
Open to US addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney-Hyperion.


FOLLOW #READRIORDAN



Follow the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Percy Jackson via the #ReadRiordan.

RICK RIORDAN ONLINE
Visit the Official Website
Follow Rick Riordan on FacebookInstagram and Twitter
#ReadRiordan


Per FTC Disclosure Guidelines, I have received books, merchandise and prizing from Disney-Hyperion for free. 

Monday, September 28, 2015

THE DOLDRUMS by Nicolas Gannon / Book Review / Marvelous Middle Grade Monday


By: Nicholas Gannon
Published by: Greenwillow Books
To Be Released on: 9/29/15
Ages: 8-12 years old
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 stars - I Really Enjoyed It!
Source: book from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review

Archer B. Helmsley has grown up in a house full of oddities and treasures collected by his grandparents, the famous explorers. He knows every nook and cranny. He knows them all too well. After all, ever since his grandparents went missing on an iceberg, his mother barely lets him leave the house.

Archer B. Helmsley longs for adventure. Grand adventures, with parachutes and exotic sunsets and interesting characters. But how can he have an adventure when he can't leave his house?

It helps that he has friends like Adélaïde L. Belmont, who must have had many adventures since she ended up with a wooden leg. (Perhaps a crocodile ate it. Perhaps not.) And Oliver Glub. Oliver will worry about all the details (so that Archer doesn't have to).

And so Archer, Adélaïde, and Oliver make a plan. A plan to get out of the house, out of their town entirely. It's a good plan.

Well, it's not bad, anyway.

But nothing goes quite as they expect.

THE DOLDRUMS is the perfect mix of imagination, unforgettable adventure, and friendship. Archer B. Helmsley wants to go on an adventure. Not just any adventure. He wants to save his Grandparents, the famous explorers, Ralph and Rachel Helmsley, whom are reportedly lost on an iceberg from their latest adventure to Antarctica. Convinced that his Grandparents are alive, Archer has to figure out a way to escape the house he's been bound to, thanks to his Mother, whom disapproves of his "tendencies" as she calls them. No matter how hard his mother tries to stop it, she can't stop a Helmsley.

Archer was destined to follow in his parents footsteps. Their world is one quirky, unforgettable adventure. The house they left for Archer to grow up in is full of many interesting things. Like the stuffed Polar Bear that Archer can talk to. The Flamingoes, the badger and many other fascinating things. All these things add to Archer's desire for an adventure to save the Grandparents he doesn't even remember meeting. There's something about them that drives Archer to find them. The clues they leave behind for him, only fuel his desire to rescue them. 

Thankfully Archer has a great group of eccentric friends whom want to help him. I loved this group of friends. Each friend is someone who is unique and I loved all their little quirks, that make them individually fabulous. Like Oliver, the shy next door neighbor, and Adelaide, the new girl who moved in across the street, from Paris. She used to be a ballerina dancer under a freak accident left her with a wooden leg. She is seriously amazing. Have I already mentioned that I loved this group of friends? I loved that though Oliver might be timid, and Adelaide might be small, and Archer might be seen as an outcast, these three are incredibly loyal and brave. I loved that they figure out a way to make the impossible adventure to travel to Antarctica, but it's not without some fantastic twists... or should I say mishaps. 

The Doldrums is an epic, unforgettable adventure. With mishaps, and misfortunes, the real heart of this story lies with Archer and his friends. Readers of all ages will enjoy the journey of Archer and his friends. Nicholas Gannon's writing and artwork are beautiful. I felt like he captured those middle grade reader years beautifully. I loved this book's art. Okay loved is an understatement. The artwork is breathtaking, or as I liked to say, I'd frame it and hang it in my office. The artwork alone made this book for me. The bonus was getting to meet Archer, Oliver and Adelaide. I hope there are many more books to follow in the adventures of these unforgettable friends. 

Check out a beautiful sneak peak of the artwork below: 
 Not only is the artwork adorable, the story itself is on epic adventure. 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The Peanuts Movie: Check Out The New Trailer! #PeanutsMovie


(Image found via Google search - Cafe Press)

Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox have debuted a NEW trailer for THE PEANUTS MOVIE!! Watch the trailer below and get ready to "Dream Big" with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang as they make their big-screen debut, in state of the art 3D animation!

Watch The NEW Trailer HERE




Create your own #PeanutsMovie avatar

Join in the fun and create your own #PeanutsMovie avatar here, PeanutizeMe.comFor the first time ever, you can create your personal Peanuts Movie avatar using the Peanutize Me! Character Creator. Just go to PeanutizeMe.com, choose your character’s gender, hair, clothes, accessories and more to make your very own Peanutized persona, and then share it with the world. It’s that easy! 

THE PEANUTS MOVIE hits theaters everywhere on November 6, 2015!


ABOUT THE PEANUTS MOVIE
3D Animation
Release: November 6, 2015
Director: Steve Martino
Based upon the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz
Producers: Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, Michael J. Travers, Paul Feig

SYNOPSIS
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation.  Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.  From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.

THE PEANUTS MOVIE Official Social Media
Official Hashtag: #PeanutsMovie

**All information was received from and is property of 20th Century Fox

Monday, September 21, 2015

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate / Book Spotlight: Book Trailer & Excerpt / Marvelous Middle Grade Monday




Entertainment Weekly debuted Katherine Applegate's CRENSHAW, book trailer. The author of The One and Only Evan, will have her newest book released TOMORROW, September 22nd, 2015 from Feiwel & Friends (MacMillan). 

ABOUT THE BOOK

In her first novel since winning the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.

Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?

Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary.
 


WATCH THE TRAILER 



Read the excerpt, which also debuted with her book trailer, below:


Excerpt from Crenshaw, Chapter 5:
The first time I met Crenshaw was about three years ago, right after first grade ended.
It was early evening, and my family and I had parked at a rest stop off a highway. I was lying on the grass near a picnic table, gazing up at the stars blinking to life.
I heard a noise, a wheels-on-gravel skateboard sound. I sat up on my elbows. Sure enough, a skater on a board was threading his way through the parking lot.
I could see right away that he was an unusual guy.
He was a black and white kitten. A big one, taller than me. His eyes were the sparkly color of morning grass. He was wearing a black and orange San Francisco Giants baseball cap.           
He hopped off his board and headed my way. He was standing on two legs just like a human.
“Meow,” he said.
“Meow,” I said back, because it seemed polite.
He leaned close and sniffed my hair. “Do you have any purple jelly beans?”
I jumped to my feet. It was his lucky day. I just happened to have two purple jelly beans in my jeans pocket.
They were a little smushed, but we each ate one anyway.
I told the cat my name was Jackson.
He said yes, of course it is.
I asked him what his name was.
He asked what did I want his name to be.
It was a surprising question. But I had already figured out he was a surprising guy.
I thought for a while. It was a big decision. People care a lot about names.
Finally I said, “Crenshaw would be a good name for a cat, I think.”
He didn’t smile because cats don’t smile.
But I could tell he was pleased.
“Crenshaw it is,” he said.
* * * * * * 

This is a book that already has the makings of being an unforgettable read. I'm looking forward to featuring my review for it shortly here on the blog.

* Trailer and excerpt where featured on Entertainment Weekly, here.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Unveil Voldemort / Harry Potter Magical Celebration Pack #UnveilVoldemort



Get ready for the upcoming release of the Illustrated Edition of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on October 6th, 2015, with Bloomsbury! Below you'll find some of the latest exciting news surrounding the upcoming release!


To celebrate the release of the Illustrated Edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on 6th October 2015, Bloomsbury Publishing invites you to help them unveil Jim Kay’s illustration of Lord Voldemort by sharing #UnveilVoldemort across social media. Find out more over at unveilvoldemort.com 


Download our Magical Celebration Pack for ideas and activities to celebrate the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition. Click here to download. 

All info contained in this email is from an email I received from Bloomsbury, and all rights belong to them. 

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Recent #KidLit Book News


Happy Weekend kidlit readers! Check out some of the exciting kidlit book news that was shared this week on Twitter! 
This is only a small fraction of all the awesome book news that was shared on Twitter. You can keep up with all the latest book news, cover reveals, new releases and much more by following your favorite author, and publishers on Twitter. Happy Reading!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

TRUE HEROES: A Treasury of Modern Day Fairy Tales written by Best Selling Authors: Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Ally Condie, Jennifer A. Nielsen & others




Be inspired! Who doesn't love a fairytale? I know I do! Especially a real, modern day one. Well today I've got a fabulous book to tell you about that is inspired by real life heroes, who have had to battle something extremely terrifying. Not only that, these modern day heroes are going to inspire you!

September is Childhood Cancer Month, and this fabulous book features some incredible stories, of real life heroes! That's right, this is a treasury of modern day fairy tales featuring children whom have all battled cancer. TRUE HEROES: A Treasury of Modern Day Fairy Tales Written by Best Selling Authors: Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Ally Condie, Jennifer A. Nielsen & others is out now! 

This is something I couldn't pass up on spotlighting today! Childhood cancer is something near and dear to my heart and finding out that the stories in this book feature real life heroes is absolutely amazing! TRUE HEROES will be a book that inspires readers of all ages. If that wasn't already reason enough to buy this extraordinary book, ALL the royalties from the book are being donated to Anything Can Be Project, which is linked below. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Twenty-one imaginative authors were paired up with twenty-one extraordinary kids. What makes these kids so special? They all have two things in common: They all have very big hopes and dreams, and they all have battled cancer.
Photographer Jonathan Diaz asked each of these remarkable children, "If you could be anything, what would you be?" Their answers were the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind book.
So turn the page and meet Korbyn the firefighter, Bre the dancer, Braelyn the superhero, William the dragon rider, Tristan the football star, and Rae the princess—and more— who were all photographed in full costume and digitally inserted into a background showing them as the hero of their own story. Then read the original short stories that were based on each child's specific dream.
True Heroes shares the powerful message that children can do hard things. They are dreamers. They are fighters. They are heroes.
All royalties will be donated to the Anything Can Be Project www.AnythingCanBeProject.com. 



Contents

  • Lilly: Lilly, Warrior Princess by Shannon Hale
  • Korbyn: A Firemand Always Helps by Tyler Whitesides
  • Jacob: A Good Day for Victory by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Cami: Fairy Magic by Sara B. Larson
  • Annika: Annika, Little Fashionista by Kristyn Crown
  • Marley: Marley's Shot by Stephen Reid Andrews
  • Jordan: Jordan in Everywhere by Liesl Shurtliff
  • Sarah: Swimming in the Stars by Ilima Todd
  • Carson: Cowboy Carson by Jess Smart Smiley
  • Caimbre: The Mermaid's Tale by Lehua Parker
  • Sophia: Sophia's Wings by Sharlee Glenn
  • Eli: Eli Rides the Sky by Clint Johnson
  • Rae: The Princess in the Mirror by Linda Gerber
  • Ellie: Ellie the Baker by Adam Glendon Sidwell
  • Tristan: Tristan's Touchdowns by Frank L. Cole
  • Sada: Sada of the High Seas by Bobbie Pyron
  • Braelyn: Braelyn and the Speeding Train by Peggy Eddleman
  • Breann: The Drop-Off by Ally Condie
  • William: William and the Dragon by J. Scott Savage
  • JP: The New Guy by Chad Morris
  • Ethan: Batkid Versus the Bully by Brandon Mull


  • Monday, September 7, 2015

    RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN by Liesl Shurtliff / Book Review



    By: Liesl Shurtliff
    Published by: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
    Released on: 4/9/2013
    Rating: 5 Owlets!
    Add it to Goodreads

    In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

    To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.


    Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Today I'm thrilled to have one of my all time favorite readers, my son! He's excited to start sharing his reviews here on Mundie Kids. Today's review is for RUMP, a book he read and loved! Take it away son!

    My Summary of the Book *spoilers*

    Rump is a boy whose parents died and lives with his grandmother who also died. One day Rump figures out that he can make gold out of straw. When Rump goes to buy his food from the greedy miller the miller takes the gold. Later King Barf finds out and goes to get the gold. When he asked the greedy miller how Rump got the gold the greedy miller lied and didn't even answer the question and said that his daughter Opla can make gold out of straw too. When the King takes her to go and make gold she can't. The king and Opla got married and had a kid. The king said if Opla didn't make him gold he would kill the baby. 

    Rump has to go on a journey with his best friend Red to save Opla. On the way they run into trolls, poison apples, and a witch. Rump also met his three aunts who tell him how his mother made gold and that it was a huge curse. Rump goes to the kingdom to spin gold. Rump got so edictied to making gold he did it for three straight days He knew he had to stop. After he finished he escaped with Red to go back home. 

    The best part of the journey was Rump finding out his real name, which is Rumpelstiltskin because he is a Stiltskin which is a magical person. Rumpelstiltskin was very happy!

    My Thoughts on Rump

    The True Story Of Rumpelstiltskin otherwise knowned  as ''Rump'' is a very great book. I would recommend it for anybody who is up for a great adventure. I would rate Rump as a five out of five stars book, because of Liesl Shurtliff's humor, the adventure, mystery, and it's fantasy. Rump is great!

    *Post written for Mundie Kids by B.B.

    Tuesday, September 1, 2015

    New Middle Grade Releases 9.1.2015

    Happy September 1st! 
    Here are some of my favorite middle grade reads that are being release today!

    1. The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare, released on 9.1.15, Scholastic Press 
    2. A Curious Tale Of The In Between by Lauren Destefano, Released on 9.1.15, 
    3. The Vanishing Island by Barry Wolverton, released on 9.1.15 from Walden Pond Press
    Which new kidlit releases are you looking forward to picking up today?

    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 ~