Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

Image found from multiple sources via Google search

We want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! We're so grateful to each of you who take the time to stop by Mundie Kids, chat with us online, and whom share and understand our love of Kidlit and MG books. We're so grateful to the authors, and publishers who continue to support us, and allow us to indulge in our love of reading with your books, and allow us to share that love with our own kids! We hope y'all have a day that is filled with comfort, love and cheer. If you're not able to be with family and friends this day, please know you're thought of today!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Percy Pack: Celebrating 10 Years of Percy Jackson / Give The Gift of Percy Jackson #ReadRiordan




It's been so much fun being apart of the ReadRiordan experience. Through this I've enjoyed connecting to readers, hosting giveaways, donating some of the books I received to young readers, and most importantly, it got my son that much more excited to read Percy Jackson. 

With the holidays fast approaching, book giving is one of the best gifts you can give. Recently I gifted my son with the entire set of Percy Jackson books. Thankfully his classroom Scholastic book orders had them for a fabulous price. Not only did this benefit his classroom teacher, but he also now has his own set of Percy Jackson books. 


The Percy Jackson book set is simply awesome. This makes the best gift for any Percy fan or for those up and coming fans. With all the holiday sales happening, now is a great time to purchase books and still keep your holiday budget under it's limit. From online book orders to in store purchases, there are a variety of books on sale, including some Percy Jackson ones! 

I have to say, out of all the Percy books, the box set is in my favorite. I love the artwork on the book, and on the new paperback overs. If I had this as a teen, I would most likely still have the set today. Since Percy came out after I was in college, I didn't start reading them until after I had kids. Better late than never right? You're never too old to read YA or Kidlit books. There's a wide variety of books that are part of the Percy series. Check out some of the new releases from Rick Riordan below. 

If you're not sure where you can donate books to, this set I purchased went to Safe Place, a shelter for abused women & children. There's a variety of great places to donate books this year. From toy drives, to shelves, schools, and children's hospitals. Books make the best gifts!



ABOUT THE BOOKS


PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS (Series)




Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse--Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends--one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena--Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Buy the series here
AmazonBarnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Indiebound | Indigo | iBooks



MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD: THE SWORD OF SUMMER


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 . . .

Buy the book here

Watch the book trailer



GREEK HEROES



Who cut off Medusa's head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy, ( I've had some bad experiences in my time, but the heroes I'm going to tell you about were the original old school hard luck cases. They boldly screwed up where no one had screwed up before. . .) and enhanced with vibrant artwork by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, this story collection will become the new must-have classic for Rick Riordan's legions of devoted fans--and for anyone who needs a hero. So get your flaming spear. Put on your lion skin cape. Polish your shield and make sure you've got arrows in your quiver. We're going back about four thousand years to decapitate monsters, save some kingdoms, shoot a few gods in the butt, raid the Underworld, and steal loot from evil people. Then, for dessert, we'll die painful tragic deaths. Ready? Sweet. Let's do this.

Buy the book here
AmazonBarnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Indiebound | Indigo | iBooks


* Thank you to Disney-Hyperion for the invitation to be apart of this! Per FTC Disclosure Guidelines, through out #ReadRiordan, I received books, merchandise and prizing from Disney-Hyperion. This however did not sway my personal thoughts and reviews shared through out the campaign. 

Monday, November 23, 2015

FLOAT by Daniel Miyares / Book Review


Written & Illustrated by: Daniel Miyares
Published by: Simon & Schuster Kids
Released on: June 9th, 2015
Ages: 4-8
Rating: 5 Owls - We LOVED It!
Source: book from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review

A boy's small paper boat and his large imagination fill the pages of this wordless picture book, a modern-day classic from the creator of Pardon Me! that includes endpaper instructions for building a boat of your own.

A little boy takes a boat made of newspaper out for a rainy-day adventure. The boy and his boat dance in the downpour and play in the puddles, but when the boy sends his boat floating down a gutter stream, it quickly gets away from him.

So of course the little boy goes on the hunt for his beloved boat, and when the rain lets up, he finds himself on a new adventure altogether.
This seemingly simply story from Daniel Miyares is enriched with incredible depth and texture that transcend words. 

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I've seen. With out any words, each illustration featured through out the book tells more than words could say. Sometimes the best stories are the ones that lack words, but who's pictures capture the emotion and heart of the story better than words ever could. This is a book that has done just that. FLOAT is the lovely story of a boy, a boat, and his rainy day adventure. We loved this book! I except to see a Caldecott award on future publications of this book. 

Friday, November 20, 2015

Toys Meet Snow by Emily Jenkins / Book Review



By: Emily Jenkins
Illustrated by: Paul O. Zelinksky
Published by:  Schwartz & Wade Books (Random House Children's Books)
Released on: 9.22.15
Ages: 3-7
Pages: 40 
Ratings: 5 Owls - We Loved It!
Source: book from publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Add it to Goodreads

Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic--the toys from the beloved chapter books "Toys Go Out, ""Toy Dance Party, " and" Toys Come Home"--are back in a glorious full-color picture book, perfect for gift-giving this holiday season. Acclaimed author Emily Jenkins and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Paul Zelinsky have created a book destined to become a classic. 

 Children who have loved listening to the Toys trilogy, as well as those meeting the toys for the very first time, will be thrilled to see Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic venture outdoors to play in the snow. Together the toys build a snowman, make snow angels, and, when day is done, head back inside their cozy house and wait for the return of the Little Girl.

An adorable story about a trio of toys who adventure outdoors to experience snow for the first time. Lumpy, StingRay, and Plastic belong to a little girl who's gone away on a winter vacation, leaving her toys at home. The toys set off on an adventure of their own for the day. Together they get ready, and head outside to play in the snow. There they discover how snow changes the tree in the yard, what snow really looks like, the fun that is had in the snow like playing a sled, playing on the ice, and building a snowman. As the sun begins to set, they head inside to the warm of their house and await the little girls return.

I loved the each of the character provides a different perspective on snow and how it changes the landscape of the yard. Lumpy has many questions about what snow is. His curiosity is one I think many young readers will like, because his questions are very similar to what they would ask. StingRay has answers that I loved, because StingRay's answers were from the heart, and what he thought snow was. Plastic had the more scientific answers to what snow really was. Together, their dialogue is very much age appropriate and one children will understand. 


TOYS MEET SNOW is a magical story with lovely illustrations, and charming characters. This is a book that has a timeless feel to it, and one we absolutely loved reading. This is a picture book even the youngest of beginning readers will love. The adorable illustrations draw readers in, the characters are ones you wish you had in your playroom, and the dialogue is easy to understand and follow along with. Lumpy, StingRay and Plastic are characters readers, parents and educators are sure to fall in love with, if they haven't already. 

Whether you're a long time fan of the 'Toys Go Out' chapter books or are new to the characters, TOYS MEET SNOW is picture book fans of all ages will enjoy.


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

What About Moose? by Corey Rosen Schwartz / Rebecca J. Gomez / Book Review



By: Corey Rosen Schwartz & Rebecca J. Gomez
Illustrated by: Keika Yamaguchi
Published by: Simon & Schuster Kids
Released on: June 9th, 2015
Ages: 4 years & up
Pages: 40
Rating: 5 Owls
Source: book from the publisher / author to review in exchange for my honest review

It takes a team to build a tree house—but what if that team includes one very bossy moose?

When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. But when bossy Moose barges in and upends their plans with some of his own, his friends become more and more frustrated…until things go hilariously awry!

This lively rhyming picture book is pure, bouncy fun even as it imparts a subtle lesson about teamwork. Young readers will love to chant along: “But what about you, Moose!”

When a group of friends set out to build a tree house together, things don't go as planned when Moose decides he's in charge and begins to boss everyone around. When something goes wrong, the rest of the friends work together to help Moose. Realizing it's more fun working together as a team, Moose decides to do things his friends way vs his way.

I loved this book! It's a fun, engaging story that tells the importance of team work, and friendship that preschool through second grade readers will understand and enjoy. With it's great illustrations, easy to understand words, and rhyming, this a book that would make a great addition to any home library, school class room, and elementary school library. 

We're huge fans of Corey Rosen Schwartz's books! I was so excited to learn she had a new book coming out this year. If you've not yet picked up any of her children's picture books, you're missing out! Reading Corey's pictures book makes you realize that picture books are for readers of all ages!

Monday, November 16, 2015

The Peanuts Movie / Movie Review




The Peanuts are back! The beloved gang is back and like you've never seen them before. Charlie Brown is on a mission to reinvent himself. While he works up the courage to talk to the new girl who moved in across the street, Snoopy takes to the skies to battle it out with his arch-nemesis The Red Baron. Both characters go on a whole new adventure that will have long time fans, and a whole new generation falling in love with these characters.  

You'll be cheering for the underdog like you've cheered him on before, as he embarks on his most epic quest yet. The Peanuts Movies has that same classic Peanuts feel to it that I grew up with, and a little something more for a whole new generation of Peanuts fans. There's an ode to the Peanuts holiday movies, the music, the character interaction, the kite flying, the Red Baron, and more. There's a great mix of the classic with new elements. I loved that Charlie Brown is reinvented in a way that allows him to stay true to whom he's always been, and also makes him related to fans now days. 

We LOVED this movie! It's a heart warming movie that will pull at your heart strings, and will have you wanting to re-watch all of the previous Peanuts movies. This movie is one that got two thumbs up from both my kids, and myself. This is a movie we'll definitely be owning when the DVD comes out. 

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.

WATCH THE TRAILER


THE PEANUTS MOVIE Official Social Media
Official Hashtag: #PeanutsMovie

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson / Book Review



By: Julia Rawlinson
Illustrated by: Tiphanie Beeke
Published by: Harper Collins Childrens
Released on: 8.29.2006
Ages: 3-7 years old
Pages: 32
Rating: 4 Owls - We Enjoyed It!
Source: purchased book

It's autumn, and Fletcher's favorite tree is slowly changing colors and losing its leaves.


Fletcher is very worried.

He tells the tree he'll help. But when the very last leaf falls to the ground, Fletcher feels as though he's let down his friend . . .

. . . until the first day of winter, when Fletcher sees that his tree has turned into a shining, glittering surprise.

Fletcher loves his favorite tree. But something is happening to his tree. The leaves are starting to fall from the tree onto the forest floor. Unsure of what to do, and fearing that his tree is sick Fletcher asks his mother what's happening to it. She tells him not to worry and that it's only Autumn. 


As more leaves continue to fall off, Fletcher becomes more worried. He tries all kinds of things to make his tree better. He tries to put the leaves that have fallen off, back on the tree. No matter what he tries, the leaves keep falling. His heartbreak doesn't last long. One morning Fletcher arrives to his favorite tree to find a beautiful tree laced in ice, and glistening in the sun. Only then does he realize his tree is just fine.

With adorable illustrations, and a great story about fall, this is a great book for teaching young readers about fall, and the changes trees go through in autumn and winter. Plus who can resist an adorable little fox. I'm looking forward to reading more of Fletcher's stories. 


Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Harry Potter Book Night Theme Announced! #HarryPotterBookNight



The second annual, world wide HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT is being celebrated on February 4th, 2016! Mark your calendars now! We took part in this event last year, and had a blast! This year the theme is, A NIGHT OF SPELLS!

I received an email from Bloomsbury (UK) with the exciting announcement, and have included that, which features the details for the event, below:


We are very excited to announce A Night of Spells as the theme for Harry Potter Book Night 2016.

Whether it is the disarming Expelliarmus or the dreaded Avada Kedavra, spells are at the very heart of the Harry Potter books so it’s the perfect theme to inspire a spellbinding event! We will be creating an event kit themed around spells and with lots more exciting elements yet to be announced, you will have the chance to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s wonderful novels – and pass the magic on to young readers who haven’t yet discovered these unforgettable books. Register for an event kit here.

So, make a date in your diary now, as Harry Potter Book Night returns on Thursday February 4th 2016. And remember to share your ideas and plans on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook using #HarryPotterBookNight

Monday, November 9, 2015

MIRACLE MAKER: A Christmas Tale / Movie Review



It's that time of year where I not only love reading books that have a feel good message to them, I love watching feel good movies. While I've yet to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie, I did watch a movie, which I'm so thrilled to review, that was just what I needed. MIRACLE MAKER: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a fantastic holiday movie that has love, hope, forgiveness and kindness at it's heart.

Below you can read more about the movie, check out a click from the movie, and read my 5 star review. 


ABOUT THE MOVIE

By: Covenant Communications 
Rune Time: 90 mins
Rating: PG

"The Miracle Maker is coming!" If any town is in need of a miracle, it’s Woodhaven, a tiny town hanging on the edge of the American frontier. It’s nearly Christmas, but it’s hardly a season of celebration. Work is scarce, money is tight, love is lagging, and spirits are down. Maybe the Miracle Maker can turn things around. The town anxiously waits for someone magnificent who can change their lives. But the ragged traveller who appears isn’t what anyone expects—except for one small silent boy and a precocious little girl. It seems this man can barely take care of himself, let alone fulfill the dreams of others. But miracles can come in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes from unexpected places. Your entire family will love this Christmas tale of hope, love, and miracles.

WATCH THE TRAILER



MY REVIEW

If you're looking for a wholesome, family friendly movie with a wonderful message, this is a movie I'd highly recommend watching Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale. It's a feel good, clean cut movie with true Christian values at it's core, and it's just the kind of movie I needed to watch. It's one that has a message of hope, kindness, forgiveness, serving others, and doing good despite your circumstances. Rich or poor, everyone can do something good for someone else. 

The story centers on a small town who's townspeople are struggling to stay afloat. Everything in the town is owned by Mr. Booth, whom you could say has many similarities to that of Mr. Scourge. Despite what the townspeople are struggling with, they do what they can to help each other, and get by themselves. In order to pay their rent, they're forced to work long hours, which is a grueling and daunting task. A transformation starts to take place in the town after hearing a sermon on miracles. The children have faith that miracles happen and something will. 

I loved the role the young children played in this movie. Their innocence and faith were an example even to the adults in the town. It's one of the young boys who writes a letter to the miracle worker. Not long after it's sent a stranger comes to town, whom many believe to be the Miracle Maker. Though the new stranger disagrees. Things change when he's around though. His positive outlook, and being willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need start to rub off on others. Through his example, the townspeople start doing little things that soon turn into big things. Nothing huge or fancy, but they did things that were within their means, and ability to do. I loved that message of looking for ways to service, and spread cheer by doing something good. 

Another thing I loved about this movie, is the love story between two of the townspeople that gives the story it's element of a clean Christian romance, love, forgiveness, and redemption. Character wise, not only did I love the Miracle Maker, but I loved two of the children. The mute boy who wrote the letter (there's a back story to his not talking), and the shopkeepers daughter. All the characters in the movie were great. It was incredibly easy for me to love these characters. The actors were all perfect fits for their roles! I loved the cast as much as I loved the characters they each portrayed.

If you're a fan of watching holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel, then you'll love watching MIRACLE MAKER: A Christmas Tale. This movie contains everything you'd except from a Hallmark holiday movie, complete with love, healing, peace, and the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. This a movie I loved watching, and it's one I look forward to watching again, and again. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

GRUMPY CAT Gets His Own Golden Book Story!



Who's a fan of Grumpy Cat? If you are, than you'll love this exciting news! Grumpy Cat is coming to book form. But not just any book form. He's getting his own Little Golden Books story! His first book, Grumpy Cat: The Little Grumpy Cat That Wouldn't, will be released on 7/26/16!  Check out all the exciting details from Random House Children's press release, below:

WORLD FAMOUS FELINE GRUMPY CAT JOINS ICONIC LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS LINE IN 2016

Random House Children’s Books will publish three Little Golden Books starring 
Grumpy Cat, with the first to be published July 26, 2016

New York, NY, November 4, 2015—The iconic Little Golden Book format will extend its collection of beloved characters this July to include Grumpy Cat, the world’s most famous cat, as announced today by Mallory Loehr, Vice President, Publishing Director, Random House/Golden Books Young Readers Group. Chris Angelilli, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Director of License Publishing, Random House Children’s Books, will oversee the Grumpy Cat publishing program, which includes three Little Golden Books.

In just three years, Grumpy Cat has become known around the world, with 8 million Facebook followers (facebook.com/TheOfficialGrumpyCat), her own TV movie, two New York Times bestselling photographic books, and a “spokescat” role with Friskies. Grumpy Cat has been featured on the cover of New York magazine, the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and the cover of People.

“We look forward to introducing Grumpy Cat, who has captured the hearts of young and old, to the iconic Little Golden Books line,” said Angelilli. “Bringing together these two popular brands, one steeped in history and one a pop-culture phenomenon, is a truly exciting marriage of past and present.” 

“The Grumpy Cat Little Golden Books will be the cutest books ever. It’s going to be awful,” said Grumpy Cat. 
The first Little Golden Book, THE LITTLE GRUMPY CAT THAT WOULDN’T, to be released on July 26, 2016, features illustrations by Stephanie Laberis. In the story, Grumpy Cat’s friends and admirers try to get her to try new things and have fun, and each time she is even more resolved to say NO. In the end, she is right. Having fun is awful.

Publication dates for the additional two Little Golden Books will be announced.

Stephanie Laberis has loved drawing for as long as she can remember and was raised on a healthy diet of cartoons, video games, and getting muddy in the New England woods. She attended RISD and has a BFA in illustration, and she enjoys working in many artistic fields—illustration, character design for animation, and toy design. She works out of her home studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

In just over three years, Grumpy Cat has become the most famous cat in the world. She has starred in her own movie, Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever, is the author of three bestselling books, has an ever-expanding merchandise line, and has 10 million online followers and growing. When she’s not attracting adoring crowds or scowling with celebrities on the red carpet, she spends her time napping and playing with her brother, Pokey, in Arizona.

Launched in 1942, Little Golden Books revolutionized children’s book publishing by making high-quality picture books available at affordable prices. More than 60 years later, many of the original Golden Book titles are still wildly popular.

Random House Children’s Books is the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, ebooks, and apps, the imprints of Random House Children’s Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company’s website, Kids @ Random (randomhousekids.com), offers an array of activities, games, and resources for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

THE LITTLE GRUMPY CAT THAT WOULDN’T
A Little Golden Books hardcover / On sale July 26, 2016
ISBN: 9780399553547 / $4.99 / Ages 4 – 6

* Post text and image are from Random House Children's books, and were received from them via the press release/media kit.

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 ~