Wednesday, August 31, 2016

BETWEEN WORLDS by Skip Brittenham / Book Spotlight / Author Interview


Yesterday there were some fabulous Kidlit and YA releases. Among them was BETWEEN WORLDS by Skip Brittenham. This new release and debut for Skip, is for perfect for fans of sci-fi and adventure! Targeted for ages 12 years & up, this is a book I wanted to feature on both Mundie Moms, and here on Mundie Kids, because of it's cross over appeal for both MG and YA readers. 

Here'a a little bit about the book per Penguin Random House:

A fantastical world, terrifying monsters, breathtaking magic, and two determined and brave teenagers. Welcome to BETWEEN WORLDS, the debut of a new young adult science fiction/fantasy series by Skip Brittenham, the co-creator of Anomaly, the longest original full-color graphic novel ever published, which was praised in USA Today as “awe-inspiring” and “the kind of book you’d want on a desert island,” as well as Shifter, called “fast-paced and captivating” in the New York Times.

Thank you to Penguin Random House, we thrilled to share an exclusive interview they did with Skip, about Between Worlds. This interview is also shared here on Mundie Moms, which you can also read below:

A Conversation with Skip Brittenham per Penguin Random House


Q. Why did you write Between Worlds

A: I’ve always had an interest in storytelling and have learned a lot through my work with clients reading and commenting on their movie scripts, but I’ve built my professional career on the business side of entertainment. Quite simply, my wife dared me to be creative, so I accepted her challenge. I’ve since created two graphic novels, Anomaly and Shifter, with my creative partner Brian Haberlin and am making my young adult fiction debut now with Between Worlds. 

Q: Mayberry, the main character of Between Worlds, is a brave and resourceful girl who’s not afraid to be her own person—whether it’s how she looks or who she befriends. Who inspired this character? 

A. I have three daughters who are all strong, active feminists. One is a lawyer, one a singer and teacher, and my youngest is a very independent and strong-willed teenager. The name Mayberry came from my oldest daughters’ childhood. When they were both very little, I’d tell them bedtime stories about a girl named Mayberry who embarked on all sorts of daring adventures. I’d end each story at a cliffhanger, and they’d clamor for more, but I’d make them wait until the next night to find out what happened next. In Between Worlds, Mayberry has purple streaks in her hair, wears maroon lipstick and jet black fingernails, and has a temporary tattoo under her eye. When my two older daughters read the novel, they were shocked, because they each had made their own decisions long ago about what Mayberry looked like, and my description of her didn’t match what they had envisioned. 

Q: Is Between Worlds science fiction or fantasy? And is it written specifically for young adults? 

A: My intent with this book was to try to create something new. Mayberry and Marshall travel magically through time and space to another planet, so Between Worlds is a genre mash-up. And while my two main characters are teenagers (and I have my teenage daughter to thank for helping get their dialogue right), I believe, or at least hope, that the adventure, suspense, and high stakes will have a universal appeal to readers of all ages.  

Q: What can you tell us about the science in the novel? 

A: I majored in electrical engineering in college, invest in tech startups, and have always been interested in advances in science and new technologies. All of the scientific detail, from the epifluorescence microscope to string theory, is factual. I did research on the quaking aspen tree in order to write about the aspen grove in the book. And it’s true that the most massive and maybe the oldest single organism on Earth is a quaking aspen colony that lives on the shores of Fish Lake in Central Utah. It covers more than a hundred and twenty-six acres and weighs more than thirteen million pounds.   

Q: How does augmented reality (AR) you feature in the book enhance the storytelling experience? 

A: We first used AR with Anomaly. For Anomaly, we created more than sixty interactive 3-D models that literally jump off the pages. AR is very user friendly—you just point your iOS or Android device at a page, and you’ll see an image come to life.  It will even react if you poke it with your finger. So with Between Worlds, I wanted to create the opportunity for people to actually see strange characters like the Slevvics, Monga, and Co-Co in another weird world as they read the story. All they have to do is download the free app at betweenworldsapp.com to get started on an experience that I think will enhance the reading of the book. Generation Z wants interactivity, so here it is! 

Q: Why did you set the “real world” of the book in Eden Grove, Minnesota? 

A: I picked a made-up, Middle America town where (theoretically at least) the teenagers that live there have customs and dress that contrast markedly with Mayberry’s.

Q: Between Worlds is the first in what you’re planning as a series. What can readers look forward to in future books?

A: The tree acts as a portal to the parallel world that Mayberry and Marshall visit, and it connects countless other worlds to ours. Readers can expect the two friends will have more adventures in other equally amazing universes.

* * * * *

ABOUT THE BOOK

BETWEEN WORLDS (Putnam: on-sale August 30, 2016; Ages 12+; $18.99; hardcover) combines good old-fashioned storytelling with cutting edge technology to offer the reader an enthralling multimedia experience. Paired with the novel is totally immersive Augmented Reality (AR) capability, which allows the characters to literally pop off the pages in interactive 3D. All thirteen illustrations in the novel are AR-enabled. The “magic” can be easily activated by downloading the free “Between Worlds AR” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play onto one’s mobile device. Interact with the characters by tapping on them to see what they do and read “Mayberry’s Diary,” which shares additional details not included in the novel and expands the universe for the reader. 

In the book, Mayberry Hansen and Marshall Jackson are two best friends and fellow outsiders at their high school in Eden Grove, Minnesota. Misunderstood and restless, the teenagers wish for a lot of things, including being on another planet altogether. Somewhere with magic and adventure—someplace where they can be heroes. They’ve heard the legends about a magical Wishing Tree, and while on a hike through the forest, they actually find the ancient, magnificent aspen. The pair make their wish, fall asleep . . . and wake up on Nith, a mysterious and dangerous world that is exactly what they asked for—and then some. The alien landscape is stunningly beautiful, but it’s also full of dangerous and fantastic creatures. Creatures that are, almost without exception, hungry… Mayberry and Marshall soon learn two very important facts about their wish: first, that magic comes at a very steep cost, and second, that they can only be heroes if they survive. Their quest to get home will test the limits of their courage and strength . . . and change them in profound ways.

This is integration of the printed page and the latest technology like never before. For more information, visit betweenworldsapp.com. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Skip Brittenham is an entertainment lawyer who lives in Southern California with his wife and daughter, and has two older daughters as well. He’s an avid fly-fisherman and outdoorsman who has traveled to some of the remotest parts of the globe. He has written two graphic novels, Anomaly and Shifter. Between Worlds is Skip’s first young adult novel.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Disney Descendants School of Secrets: CJ's TREASURE CHASE by Jessica Brody / Read An Excerpt


OUT TODAY! A brand new Disney Descendants book! School of Secrets: CJ's Treasure Chase by Jessica Brody is out now, and Disney is giving fans a sneak peak into the book! Check it out here! You can read the first couple of chapters from the book. Trust me, if you're a fan of this series, you don't want to read this excerpt

ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Jessica Brody

Published by: Disney
Released on: August 30th, 2016 - TODAY!
Series: Disney Descendants
Ages: 9-12
Purchase from: Disney | Amazon | B&N

CJ is the daughter of Captain James Hook.

She’s fierce. She’s swashbuckling. And she has big dreams. . . like finding the treasure she’s known about since she was a little girl stranded on the Isle of the Lost.

When CJ sneaks out of Auradon Prep with her best friend, Freddie, they go on a wild chase to find it.

Find out more about it here!

OUT TODAY! New Middle Grade Releases

Happy Release Day to these new MG releases, out TODAY!



Which books are you looking forward to picking up? 

Monday, August 29, 2016

New Snippet from THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES: THE BRONZE KEY by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare


Tomorrow THE BRONZE KEY, the next book in THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare, will be out! Check out their latest snippet, and video they shared here. I'm seriously jealous Holly is holding an owl in this video. Check out the new snippet below:


“Most human beings will never truly see the soul,” she went on. “We work like the blind, in darkness. But you can see. Call and Aaron, face each other.”
Call turned to face Aaron. He realized with some surprise that they were about the same height; he’d always been a bit shorter than his friend. He must have shot up an inch or two.
“Look at the other person,” said Alma. “Concentrate on what makes them them. Imagine you can see through skin and bone, blood and muscle. You’re not looking for their heart —you’re looking for something more than that.”
Her voice had a lulling cadence. Call stared at Aaron’s shirtfront. He wondered what he was supposed to be seeing. There was a dark spot on the shirt where Aaron had spilled tea at the Refectory.
He flicked a glance up at Aaron’s eyes and found Aaron looking at him. They both grinned, without being able to help it. Call stared harder. What made Aaron Aaron? That he was friendly; that he always had a smile for everyone; that he was popular; that he made bad jokes; that his hair never stuck up like Call’s? Or was it the darker things he knew about Aaron — the Aaron who flew into rages, who knew how to hotwire a car, who had hated it when he turned out to be the Makar because he didn’t want to die like Verity Torres?
Call felt his vision shift. He was still looking at Aaron, but he was also looking into him. There was a light inside Aaron, a light that was a color Call had never seen before. He couldn’t describe it, the new color. It was shifting and moving, like a glow cast against a wall, the reflected light of a lamp that was being carried.
Call made a noise and jumped back in surprise. The light and color vanished, and he found that he was just looking at Aaron, who was staring back at him with wide green eyes.
“That color,” Aaron said.
“That’s what I saw, too!” Call exclaimed. They grinned at each other recklessly, like two climbers who had just made it to the top of a mountain.
“Very good,” said Alma, sounding pleased. “You two have just seen each other’s souls.”
“This seems awkward,” said Call. “I don’t think we should mention it to anyone.”

Friday, August 26, 2016

Enter to WIN a copy of MAXI'S SECRETS: (or what you can learn from a dog) by Lynn Plourde #NationalDogDay


It's National Dog Day! Having grown up with pets, including dogs, I love that man's best friend has a national day. While I currently don't have a dog, though I really wish I did, I love that there are plenty of books out there featuring dogs. I know, it's not even close to the same as having your own dog. Dogs are loyal companions, and no book can replace that, though books are a fabulous thing to have. 

Today we're teaming up with Penguin Random House to celebrate National Dog Day! What better way to celebrate than with a giveaway for Lynn Plourde’s newest book, MAXI'S SECRETS (or what you can learn from a dog), which is out now! Before you enter to win, here's a little bit about the book:


ABOUT THE BOOK

Secret #1: You can learn a lot from a dog you love. Timminy knows that moving to a new town just in time to start middle school when you are perfect bully bait is less than ideal. But he gets a great consolation prize in Maxi—a gentle giant of a dog who the family quickly discovers is deaf. Timminy is determined to do all he can to help Maxi—after all, his parents didn't return him because he was small. But when the going gets rough for Timminy, Maxi ends up being the one to help him—along with their neighbor, Abby, who doesn’t let her blindness define her. It turns out there’s more to everyone than what’s on the surface, whether it comes to Abby, Maxi, or even Timminy himself. (per the publisher)

Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

The author of more than 30 picture books, MAXI'S SECRETS is Lynn Plourde’s debut middle-grade novel. She writes of her switch: “At sixty years of age, why write my first middle grade novel? To bring my dog Maggie back to life, of course. When my beloved Maggie died three years ago, I got greedy. I wanted more time with her… Maggie gave me permission to sprinkle make-believe on her truth. To add, take away, change whatever I needed to in order to make the best story I could. And so I did. I turned my medium-sized, black, Irish-setter-mix Maggie into a giant, white, Great Pyrenees Maxi.” 

A former speech-language therapist, LYNN PLOURDE worked in public schools for twenty-one years, and since then has done hundreds of visits to schools where she shares her books interactively, acts some out as plays, and teaches writing mini-lessons to students.   Lynn is a native Mainer who frequently uses her home state for inspiration when writing. She loves spending time outdoors snowshoing, walking, kayaking, and gardening, and currently lives in Winthrop, Maine with her husband.

EARLY PRAISE FOR MAXI’S SECRETS

“This story is a tender reminder that perceived shortcomings don't define us and that the power of friendship can't be underestimated.”Publishers Weekly

“This earnest boy-and-his-dog tale makes a strong case for Secret No. 11: ‘There's nothing so bad in the world that dog kisses won't make it better.’—Kirkus Reviews

“Perfect for reading aloud, any middle-level or younger student, especially dog lovers, will adore this humorous, heartwarming story of overcoming adversity.” –VOYA

“The characters are fully developed, and the delicate subjects of bullying and disabilities are dealt with deftly and with humor…heartbreaking, yet satisfying.”  --School Library Journal

“Maxi's story is one I know readers are going to love so much. I loved the friendship between Timminy and Abby, as well as the unlikely friendship found with Rory. All three of those characters are so multidimensional, giving readers a lot to think about as they navigate their own friendships during the difficult middle grade years… You really CAN learn a lot from a dog!” –Susan Dee, The Nerdy Book Club

“Recommended for kids and grownups who feel like they might never fit in, who worry about having their differences pointed out to all the world, and most of all who love dogs.” –Julie Falatko, author of Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book)

ENTER TO WIN

Thank you to Penguin Random House, 1 lucky winner will receive a copy of the book, as well a print of the cover art, which was illustrated by New York artist, Maira Kalman! To enter, please fill out the form below. US only. *Please see the giveaway form for terms & conditions 


The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas / Book Review




By: Michelle Cuevas
Illustrated by: Erin E. Stead
Published by: Dial Books
Released on: August 23rd, 2016
Ages: 4-8 years old 
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It!
*I received a signed copy of this book at BEA, in exchange for my honest review

A message in a bottle holds the promise of surprise and wonder, as told in this enthralling picture book by Caldecott Medalist Erin E. Stead
 
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, who lives alone atop a hill, has a job of the utmost importance. It is his task to open any bottles found at sea and make sure that the messages are delivered. He loves his job, though he has always wished that, someday, one of the letters would be addressed to him. One day he opens a party invitation—but there’s no name attached. As he devotes himself to the mystery of the intended recipient, he ends up finding something even more special: the possibility of new friends.


Like finding a letter in a glass bottle floating in the sea, this book is a treasure. 


The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles tells a timeless, beautiful story, with a powerful lesson. I love picture books like this. It's one that when we finished reading it, we immediately read it again, and have read many times since then.

Michelle's storytelling, and Erin's beautiful illustrations create a touching story that will stay with you long after you read it. It is a gem that can be read over and over again, for generation to comes.


One of my favorite lines from the book is, ".... for a letter can hold the treasure of a clam-hugged pearl."


This is one picture book I highly recommend picking up!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES: THE BRONZE KEY / Snippet from @CassieClare and @HollyBlack


The count down for till the release of Holly Black & Cassandra Clare's THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES: THE BRONZE KEY continues! Only 5 more days till the book is out. Check out the snippet that Cassandra Clare shared here. You can also read it below:

Five days to Magisterium Five: The Bronze Key!
A snippet:
Call’s palms had started to sweat.
Call gritted his teeth and wiped his hands on his pants. Hadn’t Jasper just been testing his Evil Overlordliness? That was what Call needed to focus on. Evil Overlords, even ones who might not remember Evil Overlording, shouldn’t be scared of meeting up with their friends who just happened to be girls. Call was going to be fine. He had this.
With renewed and slightly desperate optimism, he headed toward the tapestry map. He could see Tamara and Aaron, still dancing out on the floor with the others. He wondered if it had occurred to Tamara to ask him to dance, but he knew she would always choose Aaron first. He’d accepted it a long time ago. He didn’t even really mind.
Anyway, Celia had said to come alone. Which he should definitely do if this was going to be about dating. Which he really hoped it wasn’t.
According to the map, the Trophy Room wasn’t far. He headed away from the crowd, through a set of doors and down a marble corridor with small alcoves set into the walls, holding old manuscripts and artifacts. Call liked the clicking sounds his shoes made on the floor as he went. He stopped to peer at an old wristband that must have been the prototype for the one he wore. The leather had been worn thin and several of the stones were missing from their setting. He didn’t recognize the name of the mage who was on the plaque behind it, but the date of his death was 1609, which seemed like a very long time ago.
A few more steps and Call came to the Trophy Room. Over the door, a sign read awards and honors. The door was propped open, so he slipped noiselessly inside.
It was a dim, solemn room, smaller than the main hall. Like the hall, the space was illuminated by an enormous chandelier, this one with blown-glass arms in the shape of octopus tentacles, each sucker dripping with crystals, as though droplets of water clung to them. The walls were covered with a collection of plaques and medallions that must have been given to students at the Collegium.
Call was entirely alone.
He took a turn around the room, glancing at the pictures of mages on the walls, wishing for a window where he could look at a fish or something to pass the time. He was sure Celia would be along in a minute.
After a few more minutes, he decided she wasn’t coming.
He felt unexpectedly glum. If this was his first date, it was a bust.

I also may be very jealous that they're both holding OWLS! 
We can't wait read The Bronze Key when it's out next Tuesday!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Holly Black / Cassandra Share Snippet from THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES: THE BRONZE KEY

We're a week away from the release of THE BRONZE KEY by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black! This is the next installment in their THE MAGISTERIUM SERIES. 


Check out both the US cover (above) and the UK cover (below).


To celebrate the book's upcoming release, Cassie and Holly both shared this snippet from the book, THE BRONZE KEY, which was originally shared here.

Magisterium — The Bronze Key!
comes out in ONE WEEK! A celebratory snippet from TBK:
* * *
“As a proof of how sincerely I am sorry, I could give you some of my best romantic tips,” Jasper offered.

Call, who’d been about to perch on one of the arms of the sofa, started laughing so hard that he fell. He hit his bad leg against the floor – which hurt – but not enough to keep him from howling with mirth.

Tamara was smiling, but clearly trying not to. Her lips kept twitching up and down at the corners.

“Are you okay?” Aaron asked, leaning over to help Call up.

“Yes!” Call managed to say before he started laughing again. He flopped onto the couch on Aaron’s other side, still wheezing. “Fine! I’m fine!”

“Number one,” Jasper said, with a frown at Call, who clearly didn’t appreciate the wisdom that was about to be dispensed, “when you talk to a girl, you have to look her right in the eye. And you can’t blink. That’s very important.”

“Doesn’t that mean your eyes start watering?” Aaron asjed.

“Not if you do it right,” Jasper replied significantly. Call wondered what that meant. Were you supposed to develop a second eyelid, like a lizard?

“Okay, so Tip One is that you stare right at a girl,” said Call. “If you like her.”

“Tip Two,” Jasper went on, “is to nod at everything she says, and laugh a lot.”

“Laugh at her?” said Tamara, dubiously.

“Like she’s hilarious,” said Jasper. “Girls like to think they’re charming you. Tip Three: smolder at her.”

“Smolder?” Aaron echoed in disbelief. “What’s that, exactly?”

Jasper straightened up, tossing his hair back. He lowered his eyelashes and stared directly at the three of them, his mouth turned down in a grim scowl.

“You look mad,” Call said.

Jasper squinted even harder, closing one of his eyes and staring meaningfully out of the other.

“Now you look like a pirate,” said Tamara.

“It works on Celia,” said Jasper. “She melts when I do that.”

“She must like pirates,” said Aaron.

Jasper rolled his eyes. “Tip Four is to have the right haircut, but that’s obviously hopeless for both of you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my hair!” said Aaron.

“It’s all right,” said Jasper. “Call’s looks like he cut it with a sharp rock.”

“Is there a Tip Five?” asked Tamara.

“Buy her a cat calendar,” said Jasper. “Girls love cat calendars.”

All My Treasures: A Book of Joy by Jo Witek / Book Review


By: Jo Witek
Illustrated by: Christine Roussey
Published by: Abrams Kids
Released on: August 23rd, 2016 - Out TODAY!
Ages: 2-4
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 3 Owlets - It's A Good Read
* I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

When a girl receives a beautiful porcelain box from her grandmother, she immediately wants something special to put inside it. But what could it be? What does she love best? She loves jumping in puddles on rainy days, blowing bubbles in the park, and watching her little sister’s first steps. As it turns out, life’s most precious treasures cannot be contained in a box! With a gentle message about the immateriality of happiness, this story reminds us to take pleasure in everyday moments. The book is beautifully packaged with a sparkly die-cut star on the cover, and flaps throughout reveal hidden surprises.


The best treasures are things you can't buy, but the experiences and moments we have with family and friends, and sometimes by ourselves. 


All My Treasures is a cute story about a young girl who wants to fill a special box up that her Grandmother gave her, with special treasures. Each of her treasures are moments / things she loves doing with her family, friends, and even by herself. With it's easy to understand and relatable story, simple illustrations and primary colors, this book is one even the youngest readers will enjoy interacting with. They'll also enjoy finding hidden treasures under the lift the flaps, found on each page. 


On a side note, *the pages are studier than most picture books, but the flaps are still ones that could easily be torn by young readers. 


Monday, August 22, 2016

FURTHERMORE by Tahereh Mafi / “Tahereh’s Favorite Things” giveaway #Furthermore #TaherehMafi


Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Today I'm thrilled to host a giveaway for one of my favorite authors, Tahereh Mafi! Her debut middle grade book, FURTHERMORE will be out next week, and to celebrate, I've got a prize pack featuring some of her favorite things! Before I tell you how to enter to win, here's a little bit about her book:


ABOUT FURTHERMORE


By: Tahereh Mafi
Published by: Penguin / Random House
To Be Released on: August 30, 2016
Purchase from:
Add it to Goodreads

The bestselling author of the Shatter Me series takes readers beyond the limits of their imagination in this captivating new middle grade adventure where color is currency, adventure is inevitable, and friendship is found in the most unexpected places. 
 
There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn't miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it's been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she's about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she'll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Her only companion is a boy named Oliver whose own magical ability is based in lies and deceit--and with a liar by her side in a land where nothing is as it seems, it will take all of Alice's wits (and every limb she's got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself--and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.
TOUR POST

Today's post topic is; UNIQUELY YOU. Alice feels out of place in her world, but is eager to prove her worth and talent. Today I'm sharing one thing that makes me feel fabulously unique, and that is sharing my love of reading. 

When I was in elementary, I was in a reading class, because I struggled with reading. I was in that class for a lot of my elementary school years. I hated it. I was made fun of a lot for it, but that never stopped my love of reading/looking through books. I substitute teach, and love to talk books with the kids I teach. I love talking to them about reading. They're often times surprised when I share with them that when I was their age, I struggled with reading. I tell them, that while that may be their struggle now, it's not something that defines who they are, and to keep trying, and not give up. Read every day. It motivates them when they see me as a teacher and learn that one of the things I do is review books. 

Running my sites has given me the chance to not only get books in a lot of children's hands, it's also allowed me to talk to kids about various books, the importance of reading. I love that I'm able to do that. Spreading the importance of reading / my love of reading, and letting kids know that their reading struggle is something they can over come, is one of the things that makes me feel uniquely fabulous.


We'd like to know, what is one of your own hidden talents; or what part of you makes you feel most uniquely fabulous.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series. She can usually be found over-caffeinated and stuck in a book. You can find her online just about anywhere at @TaherehMafi or on her website, www.taherehbooks.com.

LEARN MORE
Read an excerpt of the first few chapters here!
Follow Tahereh on Twitter and Instagram
Follow PenguinTeen on Twitter and Instagram
#Furthermore #TaherehMafi

ENTER TO WIN “TAHEREH’S FAVORITE THINGS” GIVEAWAY PRIZING




Tahereh’s Favorite Things!
Four different prize packs including various items picked out special by Tahereh will be offered in giveaways across the Blogosphere. Collect them all!

Tahereh’s Favorite Things: Prize Pack #3
One (1) winner from your site receives:
·         a copy of Furthermore
·         Tarte™ Matte Lip Tint
·         Gimme Brow Volumizing Gel

Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Penguin Random House.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don't miss next week's FURTHERMORE blog tour stop here in Mundie Kids!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

PETE'S DRAGON: ELLIOT GETS LOST by David Lowery / Toby Halbrooks / Book Review #PetesDragon


PETE'S DRAGON is in theaters now! To celebrate the release of Disney's newest live action, family, friendly movie, I'm featuring three of Disney Press's newest book releases that fans of Pete's Dragon will love. Today's feature is for what's sure to become a beloved children's picture book, ELLIOT GETS LOST.

ABOUT THE BOOK


By: David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks

Illustrated by: Benjamin Lowery
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: June 28th, 2016
Ages: 3-5 
Purchase from: DisneyAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It
*I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

Elliot the puppy is lost in the forest, and needs to find a new home. Will it be with a family of sheep, or a questioning owl, or maybe some playful fox cubs? Or will his search lead him somewhere else? From the screen to the page, Elliot Gets Lost will bring the fun and heartwarming story of a lost puppy to readers of all ages. 


Seen in the 2016 movie Pete's Dragon as one of Pete's prized possessions, the picture book was brought to the page by the film's creative team, and features never-before-seen illustrations. Fans of the movie and picture books alike will love this story of a young puppy's journey.


Elliot Gets Lost is the perfect way to introduce kids to the movie, and/or continue to fuel your love of Disney's newest beloved movie.  Inspired by the picture book featured in the live Pete's Dragon, ELLIOT GETS LOST, is an adorably illustrated picture book about a puppy named Elliott who gets lost in the forest, and with a little help from a few of he new forest animal friends, finds his way home. We loved this book, and read it numerous time prior to the movie's release. It was a great way to get ready for one of our most anticipated movies of the year. 


Whether or not you've seen the movie or plan on seeing it, this is one book I highly recommend picking up! It's a fantastic stand alone story. You don't need to see the movie to fall in love with this sweet Elliot, but if you do, be prepared to fall in love with both this book, and larger than life size Elliot from the movie. 


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

GIRAFFES RUIN EVERYTHING by Heidi Schulz / Book Review



By: Heidi Schulz

Illustrated by: Chris Robertson
Published by: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Released on: August 16th, 2016
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: Bloomsbury | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets - We Really Enjoyed It!
* I received an arc to review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

It seems that giraffes will misbehave whether attending a birthday party, going to the movies, playing in the park, or just about anything else.

This book is simply adorable. With cute illustrations, easy to read text, and plenty of humor, this book is almost as great as owning a pet giraffe. Who wouldn't want to have a pet giraffe? Well having one might not seem all it's cracked up to be. At least that's what the story's young narrator starts out feeling. According to him, giraffes ruin everything! From birthday parties to going to the movies and playing games outside, giraffes ruin everything. That is until he realizes that just maybe giraffes really don't ruin everything.... 

You don't have to love giraffes to pick up this book, though if you do, you'll love it even more so! This is one cute picture book that's definitely worth picking up! I'm really hoping this is the first book in a series from Heidi. 

Monday, August 15, 2016

PETE'S DRAGON: THE LOST YEARS / Book Review / Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #PetesDragon



PETE'S DRAGON is in theaters now! To celebrate the release of Disney's newest live action, family, friendly movie, I'm featuring three of Disney Press's newest book releases that fans of Pete's Dragon will love. Today's feature is for PETE'S DRAGON: THE LOST YEARS, a fantastic book for middle grade readers.

ABOUT THE BOOK 


By: Elizabeth Rudnick

Illustrated by: Nicholas Kole
Published by: Disney Press
Released on: June 28th, 2016
Ages: 9-12 yrs old
Purchase fromDisney | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It

* I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

When a young boy named Pete gets lost in a gigantic forest, he forms an unforgettable friendship with a giant flying dragon named Elliot. Based in the world of the film Pete's Dragon, this original story features original illustrations, explores Pete and Elliot's adventures and struggles in the forest and tells the tale of the lost years not shown in the film.


PETE'S DRAGON: THE LOST YEARS is a fantastic read. Based on the world of the live action screenplay of PETE'S DRAGON by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks, this book is a great introduction to Pete and Elliot's worldThe story follows Pete and Elliot's adventures prior to the beginning of the movie. While this story itself is not featured in the live action movie, it's one that introduces readers to Pete & Elliot, and their world. Readers will understand the relationship between Pete and Elliot more, as well as see their struggles, and go on an unforgettable adventure with these two beloved characters. 


I loved this book. It's one we really enjoyed reading. I loved that there's so much to this story. One of my favorite things about this book are the illustrations. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book, and I think it will definitely appeal to readers of all ages, especially it's targeted audience. Pete's Dragon: The Lost Years is a book I would recommend picking up. 




For fans who have seen the movie, this is a great explanation of the things you don't see in the movie. This book not only gives readers more of a back story on the characters, it allows fans to reenter the world of Pete and Elliot they didn't want to leave when the movie ended. I think this is a book that will resonate with both middle grade and younger readers, though it is written for more advanced readers. The great thing about this book, is that you don't have to see the movie to read, and enjoy it. While this book compliments the movie beautifully, it is it's own story. 

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 ~