Friday, August 22, 2014

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell, Book Trailer Reveal

Happy Friday! I am so thrilled to team up with Simon & Schuster to reveal the hilarious, and must watch book trailer for Scott Campbell's upcoming release, HUG MACHINE. Before I share it, here's a little bit about his upcoming children's book:



By: Scott Campbell
Published by: Atheneum Books For Young Readers (Simon & Schuster)
To Be Released on: August 26th, 2014
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 40

Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet tale.

Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine!

Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED!

This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book! 

Check out the Hug Machine Book Trailer:



My favorite part of the trailer was the tree hug. haha
Please leave us a comment and let us know what you thought about the trailer. 

You can read a sample of the book, find out where you can pre-order Hug Machine and more, here



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

The Best Back to School Books for Your Kids from Harper Children's Books


Looking for a great back to school book for your child? Harper Collins Children's Books has you covered. Check out their list of The Best Back to School Boos For Your Kids



We know how exciting and intimidating the first day of school can be for kids. Books are a great way for children to get ready for their first day back at school. Your child will be able to relate to the stories and characters in the books below, enjoy the fun adventures and learn from the challenges they faced.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Ages 4-8
The blossoming Chrysanthemum begins to wilt when she attends school and her fellow students make fun of her name. Your little one will appreciate this funny and honest story about school teasing, self-esteem and acceptance.

Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis


Ages 4-8
Clark loves life! But what happens when he is too enthusiastic for his friends and classmates to handle?

Bully by Judith Caseley

Ages 4-8
Bully is about a boy who gets advice from different people on how to handle a bully without any results. That is, until he discovers on his own how to handle the bully. This book is one that many kids will be able to identify with and shows that there are different ways to solve a difficult problem.

My New Teacher and Me! by Al Yankovic, illustrated by Wes Hargis



Ages 4-8
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s tale of Billy is an entertaining back-to-school story that’s sure to keep your kid laughing.

Rules for School by Alec Greven, illustrated by Kei Acedera



Ages 6-10
Sixth-grader Alec Greven passes down his wisdom and advice to help students starting out or the ones that started out on the wrong foot.

Lone Bean by Chudney Ross


Ages 8-12
Bean is a spunky third-grader who learns what it means to be a good friend, and that it’s possible to have more than one.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes


Ages 8-12
This award-winning story about second-grader Billy Miller is filled with laughter and friendship and elementary school adventures. 

Monday, August 18, 2014

11 Books To Ease Back To School Jitters (PreK-5th Grade)



It's back to school time, and that means it's either a joyous occasion or one full of fear. Or maybe it's a little bit of both. Check out this list of 11 books Scholastic Parents has put together to help ease your child's (and sometimes us parents as well) back to school jitters.

Arthur's sassy sister, D.W., tells readers everything they need to know about preschool! 

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love
A book that will help youngsters realize that they are not alone in their first-day anxiety, children will appreciate Sarah's nervousness about starting a new school.

Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen and illustrated by Lillian Hoban
Little Jim shares all of the worries he feels about his first day of kindergarten.

Henry is excited—and a little worried--for kindergarten, but he never dreamed of how much fun he'd have!

The New Bear at School by Carrie Weston and illustrated by Tim Warnes
Whether a child is starting a new school or embarking on a new school year, he or she will appreciate Bear's nervousness and anxiety. 

First Day (Appleville Elementary, Book #1) by Nancy Krulik and illustrated by Burnice Lum
It's the first day of first grade, and only some of the kids are excited. 

Little Cliff's First Day of School by Clifton Taulbert and illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Little Cliff seems to be the only one who isn't excited to start first grade, until he arrives at school and sees all of his friends.

Herbie Jones Sails Into Second Grade (Herbie Jones series) by Suzie Kline and illustrated by Sami Sweeten
Herbie Jones has two big surprises on the first day of second grade: a new friend and a new teacher, Mr. Burger.

Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli and illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
George just enters third grade and wonders how the year will go, if like the rhyme says: third graders are supposed to be "angels." 

Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade? (Katie Kazoo Swicharoo series) by Katie Kazoo and illustrated by Janie Smith
Fourth grade is a lot different than Katie expects, and when the magic wind appears and switches Katie into two of her friends, she learns some important life lessons.

Readers will appreciate the ups and downs of Jack Henry's crazy fifth grade school year. 

These are just some books to ease those first-day jitters, but don't forget to check out some classics if your children are especially nervous, like The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, or any of our back-to-school picks!

Have you read any of these books on the list? What did you think of them? 

You can read more from this article HERE. Follow Scholastic Parents via Facebook, or check out their website here

Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Giver, Movie Review

(Previously reviewed on Mundie Moms)

A fantastic movie for the whole family to see!

On Monday I was invited by Walden Media to attend a live stream event for The Giver movie. As some of you know, I was a little hesitant about this movie, because of the modernization the trailer showed. If you've read The Giver, you know this is a classic book with a timeless feel to it. I didn't think it was something a movie could capture. I am so glad I was proven wrong on that. 

During Monday night's live stream premiere, Jeff Bridges's invited Lois Lowry to join he and the rest of the cast on stage. There he invited her to say a few things. She mentioned that 18 years ago Jeff Bridges had approached her about doing The Giver movie. 18 years later the movie is made, and she said it was made at the right time. I loved hearing that, because it made me realize this was a movie that was out of a love for the story.  I agree with her statement. I think this movie was made at the right time now.

With some recent adaptation box office flops, I was sceptical about this movie. I feel too many movie studios who adapt a book to the big screen miss the purpose of the story, or fail to convey what the readers of the book love about the story. It seems like few adaptations that are made, are created by people who love the story just as much as the reader does. That's not something I felt was the case with this movie. This movie captured the basics of what I loved about the book. 

This movie was one that surpassed my acceptations. The modernization I feared that would ruin the movie, made the movie. With a recent rash of movie adaptation flops, The Giver is one that stayed true to the basics of the book. It made me feel the same emotions I had when I read the book, and brought those same thoughts I had while reading it to the surface while watching the movie. 

The movie had a cast of characters that delivered a brilliant performances, and brought a beloved story to life. Cast wise, I don't think they could have chosen a more perfect cast to bring these characters to life. Jeff Bridges was The Giver. His role was so well done, as was everyone else's, including Brenton Thwaites, who plays The Receiver.


I totally agree with Lois's quote. This movie is filled with wonderful moments, and the performances by the entire cast were great. The best performances by far were of that of the The Giver and The Receiver. The sequences through which The Giver shares the thoughts and emotions through out the history of man kind were moving. The movie captured the essence of human nature, just as the book did, both good and bad. As a movie goer, you see and understand why there is a place that is created where everyone is equal, and emotions are void. But through the Giver and the Receiver, you also see the importance of being able to feel those emotions, and understand why the Receiver makes the crucial choices he does. The sequences towards the end of the movie were the most moving to me. 


As I mentioned above, all the thoughts and I feelings I had when I read The Giver where ones I had while watching the movie.  Yes, some things are different than the book, but that is what an adaptation does. If done correctly, it captures the essence of the book, and changes some things to create a story that both fans of the story, and those who haven't read it, will enjoy. Which in my opinion was done elegantly in this movie. 

This was a beautiful movie that conveyed the same powerful, and important message the book did.

I had the chance to take my youngest sister to the live streaming event with me. The Giver is one of her all time favorite books. She shared the same sentiments about the movie I had. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie again. It's a great family film, and one I will be taking my kids to see. 

 If I had to rate this film, I would give it a 4/5 stars. 
*Thank you to Walden Media for inviting me to the live screening of the movie premiere.


Check out The Giver Red Carpet Highlights from Monday night's Premiere.
Watch OneRepublic's Performance @The Giver Premiere


Find The Giver film on social media: 
Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | YouTube 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Disney baby: My First Words, Book Review


Published by: Disney Press
To Be Released on: 9/30/14
Series: Disney Baby
Ages: Infant & up
Pre-Order from: B&N  | Amazon

With both photos and illustrations, familiar and new objects, young children will be able to build their vocabularies with this book of first words. Beloved Disney characters on every page guide babies through learning how to identify the world around them.

When my children were toddlers, I loved finding books that one, had a story that they could understand and connect, two, could learn something from and third, was a book(s) that they could handle in their cute little hands. Some of their favorite books where the books that included firsts. With vivid, bright pictures of things that made up their word, it was easy for them to identify and learn what the objects were. Plus the pictures captured their attention. That is exactly what Disney's upcoming release of My First Words will do.

Disney Baby: My First Words is one of those perfect books for toddlers. With simplistic pictures of objects they can identify with, little readers will enjoy seeing pictures of things like:
  • Farm Animals
  • Wild Animals
  • Pets
  • Nature
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • things around their Home
  • Toys
  • Transportation
  • Shapes
  • Colors
  • and Numbers
Each page is crafty mix of real object and beloved Disney characters, that little hands and those reading the book with them, will enjoy. If you're looking for a board book to get your little reader, this one I'd recommend picking up.

We give this book 4 out of 5 owlets!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato, Book Review


By: Mike Curato
Illustrated by: Mike Curato
Published by: Henry Holt
To Be Released on: August 26th, 2014
Ages: for all ages
Source: arc from publisher to review
Add it to Goodreads

Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

A must have book for readers of all ages, Little Elliot Big City is a beautifully illustrated, and wonderful told story about friendship and helping others. 

One of the things I love about children's books, is the way they stories are told, and the message the stories have. Elliot might be small, and he may look different than everyone else around him, but that doesn't stop him or discourage him from doing things. But sometimes he may need a little help. In his despair of not being able to purchase a cupcake that he really wanted, Elliot finds someone else who's in need of a helping hand. Together these two learn that working together and helping each other out is much more rewarding then trying to do everything on their own. More importantly, Elliot, and his tiny mouse friend learned the value of friendship. 

I have a weakness for small cute things. Including elephants, and small white mice. Now add in cupcakes, and a story about friendship/helping each other out, and you've got a story made of win. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story, including the message about helping others and friendship. The illustrations are simply beautiful. They are a perfect match for this story. When it comes to children's picture books, illustrations make it or break it for me. It doesn't matter how well the story is told. These illustrations are ones that made me flipping through the book before and after reading it. 

I would highly recommend adding this to your shelf! It's definitely a timeless treasure that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 

5 stars!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Mini Myths: Play Nice Hercules / Be Patient, Pandora by Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Book Reviews





By: Joan Holub
Illustrated by: Leslie Patricelli
Published by: Abrams 
To Be Released on: 9/16/14
Series: Mini Myths
Ages: 2+
Source: book from author to review
Add it to Goodreads

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.

If you're a fan of the Greek Mythology, you will love this new series from Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Mini Myths. Perfect for little hands, these sturdy board books are a great way introduce toddlers to some mythology favorites like Hercules & Pandora, while reading them a story they can easily identify with. The easy, plain text makes it great for short attention spans, and the simplistic pictures with their bright primary colors will engage toddlers. At the end of each book, Holub paraphrases the mythology behind each character for children to understand. 

In, Be Patient Pandora, Pandora receives a beautifully wrapped present, and told not to open it. Being Pandora, she finds ways to inspect the box without actually opening it. That is until she accidentally does something that opens the box. In, Play Nice Hercules, Hercules learns the importance of playing nice with his little sister. Which is hard when all he wants to do is knocking over the tower of blocks. 

While both books feature toddler sized versions of two popular Greek Gods, these stories are more about manners and learning lessons in patience and playing nice. Something toddlers and young children will easily identify with. 

4 Stars!

Praise for Mini-Myths: Be Patient, Pandora! 


"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."

--School Library Journal



By: Joan Holub
Illustrated by: Leslie Patricelli
Published by: Abrams 
To Be Released on: 9/16/14
Series: Mini Myths
Ages: 2+
Source: book from author to review
Add it to Goodreads

Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.

If you're a fan of the Greek Mythology, you will love this new series from Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Mini Myths. Perfect for little hands, these sturdy board books are a great way introduce toddlers to some mythology favorites like Hercules & Pandora, while reading them a story they can easily identify with. The easy, plain text makes it great for short attention spans, and the simplistic pictures with their bright primary colors will engage toddlers. At the end of each book, Holub paraphrases the mythology behind each character for children to understand. 

In, Play Nice Hercules, Hercules learns the importance of playing nice with his little sister. Which is hard when all he wants to do is knocking over the tower of blocks. In, Be Patient Pandora, Pandora receives a beautifully wrapped present, and told not to open it. Being Pandora, she finds ways to inspect the box without actually opening it. That is until she accidentally does something that opens the box.

While both books feature toddler sized versions of two popular Greek Gods, these stories are more about manners and learning lessons in patience and playing nice. Something toddlers and young children will easily identify with. 

4 stars!

Praise for Mini-Myths: Play Nice, Hercules! 
"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."
--School Library Journal

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Books Kids Can Escape With from Harper Collins

Looking for an adventurous read for your children? Check out Harper Collins's Books Kids Can Escape With list. This list has a book for every kind of reader, starting at age 6 and up. I've included their list, which I found here, below. 


At every age, people look to books to take them on journeys and into worlds that we may not have access to. That’s why we think escapism is one of the best #ReasonsToRead! Here are a few books that will take your kids to places:

The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherin Paterson


Ages: 8 - 12
Paterson’s classic story beauitfully illustrates the real life issues of friendship and loss through the lenses of imagination and escape.

Paddington by Michael Bond


Ages: 4 - 8
Traveling to the streets of London has never been so easy, or fun, than with lovable and earnest, Paddington.



Ages: 6 - 10
Oh, the mystery of a key without a lock! You child will slip right into the story as Nancy tries discover where the key belongs and what it will open.



Ages: 8 - 12
Pirates! Magic! Treasure! A gargoyle? This hilariously, witty novel is what Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events might have looked like set on the high seas!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary


Ages: 8 - 12
The title says it all! Who doesn’t want to run off with a mouse on a tiny motorcycle?




Ages: 8 - 12
We’ll let the critics speak for this one: “With engaging characters, a globe-trotting plot and dangerous villains, it is hard to find something not to like. Equal parts edge-of-your-seat suspense and heartfelt coming-of-age.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

See more at Books Kids Can Escape With

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Once Upon a Dream: From Perrault's Sleeping Beauty To Disney's Maleficent by Charles Solomon, Book Review



By: Charles Solomon
Introduction by: Don Hahn
Published by: Disney
Released on: June 17th, 2014
Ages: 8+
Source: book from publisher to review
Add it to Goodreads

With its themes of a beautiful princess, a dashing prince, and love triumphing over powerful magic, "Sleeping Beauty" remains one of the most beloved of all fairy tales. The story was first published by Charles Perrault in 1697. Perrault's vision of the ageless, enchanted princess slumbering in her vine-encrusted tower has fascinated readers and artists for more 300 years three times as long as the heroine slept. This heavily-illustrated book will trace the history of that fascination, which has manifested itself in literature, fine art, poetry, music, and film.

The most celebrated cinematic version of Sleeping Beauty is Walt Disney's, the glorious finale of the animated fairy tales he began in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Although Briar Rose/Aurora was the most beautiful and beautifully animated of the Disney princesses, the film was dominated by Maleficent: Perrault's shriveled old fairy was transformed into the epitome of the lovely but terrible sorceress of fantasy literature. 

The book will conclude with the development and creation of Maleficent, including interviews with Angelina Jolie, Imelda Staunton, Linda Woolverton, Sean Bailey, Joe Roth, Don Hahn, and director Robert Stromberg (Oscar-winning art director of Avatar and Alice in Wonderland); behind-the-scenes details and photography; costumes, props, and makeup; and plenty of movie magic!

This book is movie and animation magic brought to life, aka book form. Being a huge Disney fan, I loved seeing the behind the scenes of one of my favorite childhood Disney movies. I'm fascinated with the behind the scenes, and history of things, especially with what inspires a story. This book gave me all that and more.

 Though this book was released around the same time as the movie Maleficent was, fans of the story of Sleeping Beauty, and Maleficent will enjoy all this treasured coffee table sized book offers. From the history and making behind the original story that started it all, to the movie, and story magic of Walt Disney's beloved Sleeping Beauty, and finally to what inspired the movie, Maleficent. This book is broken up into three sections. Section I gives the history of the original story, Section II takes fans on the behind the scenes of the making of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty movie, and Section III is the behind the scenes on the movie Maleficent. 

I was totally fascinated about the similarities, and the changes between all three stories/movies, and what inspired those changes and why. I loved the rich details that went into Disney's versions of their movies. No little detail went unnoticed. Most importantly, I was fascinated about the differences between Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent as movies. I liked that while they had some similarities with their stories, over all Maleficent is it's own story, and one that introduces fans to her Fae world. Being a huge fan of  Disney's trademark animated films, I loved reading about all the details that went into making Sleeping Beauty the most. 

I think fans of all ages will enjoy this book. There is a lot that readers will get to know about the movies, and stories. There's a beautiful collection of artwork, the history of the stories, and the movie magic that went into Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent all captured within the pages of this book. It's definitely one I'd recommend spending the afternoon looking through and reading.

4 stars!

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 ~