Friday, April 28, 2017

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill / Audiobook Review / #thegirlwhodrankthemoon


By: Kelly Barnhill
Audiobook narrator: Christina Moore
Published by:Algonquin Young Readers
Released on: August 9, 2016
Ages: 10-14
Purchase from: amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 owlets

Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal
The New York Times Bestseller

An Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of 2016
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2016
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2016
An Amazon Top 20 Best Book of 2016
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2016
School Library Journal Best Book of 2016
Named to KirkusReviews’ Best Books of 2016
2017 Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice


Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.

One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge--with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth’s surface. And the woman with the Tiger’s heart is on the prowl . . .

The Newbery Medal winner from the author of the highly acclaimed novel The Witch’s Boy.

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This story took me completely by surprise. I'm not sure what I was expecting maybe a less of a whimsical fantasy, but what I read reminded me so much of Victoria Schwab's first book, The Near Witch. It had an almost Neil Gaimain-like twist on a dark fairy tale environment. I wasn't expecting the depth of world-building or the bittersweetness of the storytelling. And as yes, I enjoyed every page of this surprising story.

First, let me just say -- THERE ARE DRAGONS. Okay, a perfectly tiny dragon. And a witch in the forest, who rescues babies that are left there because of an arcane ritual. The reason behind this ritual twists all around the story and you do find out the whys and hows it developed, but talking about it would be such a huge spoiler that I won't mention it further.

The most beautiful part was the story of Xan and Luna. The way their relationship develops into a grandmother and child relationship that is tinged with an inevitable sadness. It made me think of my own grandmother and how she passed on her bits of wisdom through stories that were sometimes fantastical and sometimes hilarious, but always had a point to them.

The folklore feeling to the world is one that is described in such lyrical terms that you will find yourself easily lost in the phrasing and word choices. The characters, too, while recognizable, will surprise you with a few well placed twists in their character arcs. There were moments in the plot that seemed to lose a little momentum, but the tension was always there, and it stretched easily through the conclusion. My curiosity simply wouldn't let me be as I more questions popped into my head as the story progressed. I think that every well-told story has that same trait.

The audiobook narrator was well chosen. She had a lovely, almost grandmotherly tone that suited the story so well. The narrator, Christina Moore,  also narrates a number of mysteries as well as the Beverly Cleary collection. She was well cast and acted out the characters beautifully.

If you have a midde-grader who enjoys fantasy settings and a story that has echoes of classic fairy tales, you must read The Girl Who Drank the Moon with them. This is one story that should make all the Summer Reading Lists.



Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Doctor Who / Roger Hargreaves Series / Book Review #DoctorWho #PRHPartner


There's a brand new series out TODAY! If you grew up a fan of the Mr. Men books, and love Doctor Who, you're going to love this brand news. A mash up of Doctor Who and Mr. Men, the first four books in the Doctor Who / Roger Hargreaves series, from Penguin Random House, are out NOW! 


You can pick up a copy of Dr. First, Dr. Fourth, Dr. Eleventh, and Dr. Twelfth. More details, and to purchase a copy of the first four books, please visit Penguin Random House, here. Books may also available at many book retail locations.
More books in this series will be released last this year. 

Here's a sneak peak into one of the books, shared by Mental Floss, here.


I can't tell you how excited I was to receive these books in the mail. This is such an awesome mash up. Let's be honest, these are great for both kids, and those who are still young at heart. This series is getting 5 stars from us! Definitely check out these 4 doctor books, and keep an eye out later in the year for the other 4 doctor books to be released.

*Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending us a copy of each of the books to read & review. 

Monday, April 24, 2017

SEABORNE: STRANGERS IN ATLANTIS by Matt Myklusch / Book Review


By: Matt Myklusch
Published by: Carolrhoda Books 
Released on: April 1st, 2017
Series: Seaborne #2
Purchase fromAmazon 
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 3.5 Owlets
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review

After breaking ties with the deadly Pirate King, Dean Seaborne thought he had left his life of spying and pirating behind. But when the merciless thief Captain Skinner threatens Dean's allies, Dean agrees to one last job. Along with his trusted friends Ronan and Waverly, he agrees to help rob a sea-based resort for the richest of nobles. They'll pose as a band of traveling performers and then lead Skinner to the loot. But the moment Dean reaches the resort, the plan changes. The getaway is actually a gatewayto the undersea kingdom of Atlantis. And a civil war is brewing in the depths, with Dean soon to be caught in the middle of it.

A fast paced, fun read. Strangers In Atlantis wastes no time thrusting readers right back into Dean Seaborne's action filled world. Only this time, there are some surprising, unpredictable plot twists, a whole new setting, and a new set of problems for Dean. 

This story's plot definitely does not suffer from the second book syndrome. The plot is what really drives this story. It's fun, fast paced and at times entertaining, though not quite as entertaining as The Lost Prince's plot. What I did enjoy about this book was the element of surprise with it's unpredictable plot twists. This is what will keep readers hooked.

Dean and his friends have whole new set of obstacles in this book. They're put through a lot, and with that, I had excepted to see them grow and progress because of that. I loved the characters they became by the end of first book, and watching that progression. I had excepted a similar progression by the end of this book as well, but on a different level. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like they really changed all that much. Given what they experiences I had wanted to see a bit more growth in Dean and his friends as the book ends.

I liked that we get to see a whole new part of the the Seaborne world. Atlantis is definitely not as I was excepting it, and I kinda of liked it. I loved the world building in The Lost Prince, with the island of Zenhala. I should have excepted it to be hard to live up to those acceptations. While this book's world building was good, it didn't quite hold up to par with the first book in the series. 

Overall, what I loved about the first book in the series, THE LOST PRINCE, I felt was missing from this book. However, knowing that this is part of a series, I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Often times I feel like the second books in series don't quite live up to the expectations I have for them after reading the first book. I think this may be the case with this.

Yes, I definitely recommend this series. It's a great series with a young hero who's flawed, doesn't give up in his quests, and has some great friends to aid him in his journey. Not to mention there's always going to be a few laughs, and some surprises when it comes to Dean's story.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

THE NONSENSE SHOW by Eric Carle / Book Review


By: Eric Carle
Published by: Penguin Random House
Released on: October 12, 2015
Ages: 3 & Up
Rating: 5 Owlets-We Loved It!
Purchase from: Publisher | Amazon B&NAdd it to Goodreads

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Ducks growing out of bananas? A mouse catching a cat? What’s wrong with this book from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
 
Yes, there’s something strange, something funny and even downright preposterous on every page of this book. But it’s not a mistake – it’s nonsense! And it’s also surrealism. Nonsense lies at the heart of many beloved nursery rhymes. Children readily accept odd statements like “the cow jumped over the moon” and “the dish ran away with the spoon.” This fanciful bending of reality is also basic to surrealism.

In this book, nonsense and surrealism combine to spark creativity and imagination. What’s true? What’s impossible? What’s absolutely absurd? From Eric Carle, creator of the classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes a book to make children laugh and think, preparing them for a lifetime of loving both words and art.

Following on the heels of The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse (an homage to the artist Franz Marc and expressionism) and Friends, with its semi-abstract artwork, The Nonsense Show forms a trilogy of sorts, dedicated to introducing young readers to different styles of artwork without ever overlooking the need to, first and foremost, appeal to children and their love of play. One of the true legends and pioneers of picture book making continues to expand and challenge the genre.


This book is a little topsy-turvy but that is why we loved it! The nonsense and silliness of each page was fun and we kept laughing as the book went on. Although not a sequential story, the randomness of the pages is fitting for the overall "show" of the book.

We are huge fans of Eric Carle, and so we immediately loved the pictures. They are silly and imaginative and child-approved fun. Seeing Mr. Up eat his cake upside down is just as silly as seeing Mrs. Down eat her cake right side up. Younger audiences might not understand all of the puns, or play on words, but they will still enjoy the rhyming scheme and bright pictures. This is a perfect book to read as family when you just want to be a little silly or just have some random fun!

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

DEAR ZOO ANIMAL SHAPES by Rod Campbell / Book Review


By: Rod Campbell
Published by: Little Simon
Released on: August 30, 2016
Ages: 4 & Under
Rating: 4 Owlets-We enjoyed It!
Purchase from: Publisher | Amazon B&N
Add it to Goodreads
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review


From Rod Campbell, the bestselling creator of the beloved classic Dear Zoo, comes an all-new board book about your favorite animals! 


An elephant? Too big! 

A giraffe? Too tall! 
A puppy? Perfect! 

What will the zoo send you? With bright, colorful artwork and easy-to-turn shaped, sturdy pages, Dear Zoo Animal Shapes is a hands-on, engaging way for little ones to find out more about their favorite animals.


This book is just fun and perfect for young children. We enjoyed flipping through the animal cut-out pages and reading about each animal at the zoo. It is a simple board book with silly animal pictures that are creative and perfect for a young audience. I loved the 1-3 word sentences on each page that held the attention of my toddler. This is a great book for young children or beginning readers!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Reading Without Walls #readingwithoutwalls


April is READING WITHOUT WALLS month. Hosted by Macmillan's First Second Books, Reading Without Walls, is "a month-long, nation-wide program to promote diversity in reading, inspired by National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Gene Luen Yang and his ambassadorial platform. Thousands of schools, libraries, bookstores, and comics stores are joining in to help celebrate Reading Without Walls." - quoted from First Second Books

The challenge is for readers to: 
  • Read a book about a character who doesn't look or live like you.
  • Read a book in a format you don't typically read -- graphic novels, poetry, audiobooks, plays.
  • Read a book about a new subject you don't know much about. 

Join in the reading fun! You can find more about Reading Without Walls here: http://read.macmillan.com/mcpg/reading-without-walls/

Be sure to follow the #readingwithoutwalls on social media.

Will you take the Reading Without Walls challenge? 

Friday, April 14, 2017

ON DUCK POND by Jane Yolen / Blog Tour: Guest Post & Giveaway #OnDuckPond


Welcome to Day #5 of the On Duck Pond Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bob Marstall (4/11/17), blogs across the web are featuring exclusive content from Jane and Bob, plus 10 chances to win a set of On Bird Hill and On Duck Pond !


The View from My Window by Jane Yolen
I can see our side garden from the room I write in, plus behind me a sliding glass door looks over a little copse of trees. Spring through fall, squirrels riot on the deck and do gymnastics on the railings. We have all kinds of birds throughout the year: cardinals, blue jays, a variety of sparrows, a Baltimore oriole that sings its heart out, lots of hawks, the occasional eagle, often a murder of crows feasting on squirrels who ventured to cross over the road. We have black bears who wander between my house and my daughter's, sometimes with cubs. A family of bobcats who love the rabbits. Skunk. Last fall a young moose. It's a veritable zoo out there.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From award-winning and NY Times bestselling children’s author of more than 350 books, Jane Yolen, and award-winning illustrator, Bob Marstall, On Duck Pond is the first sequel to the acclaimed On Bird Hill, which launched the children’s picture book series written for the esteemed Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the world authority on birds. 

In On Bird Hill, Yolen and Marstall took readers on a surreal journey with a boy and his dog, as they stopped, looked, and noticed things along their path—ultimately discovering the miracle of the birth of a baby bird. On Duck Pond continues the journey of the boy and dog story, this time in a new place—a serene pond, filled with birds, frogs, turtles and other creatures going about their quiet business. Their intrusion stirs the pond into a cacophony of activity, reaching climactic chaos, before slowly settling back to it’s quiet equilibrium.

This beautiful and enchanting sequel is sure to delight On Bird Hill fans and millions of readers and fans of Jane’s popular classics. 


About the Author: 


Jane Yolen has authored more than 350 books, including the Caldecott-winning Owl Moon, which every budding young ornithologist owns, You Nest Here With Me, which is a popular new favorite, and the New York Times bestselling series How Do Dinosaurs. Jane Yolen’s books have been translated into over 20 languages and are popular around the world. Janes husband, David Stemple, was both a well known bird recordist and a professor of computer science and he taught the entire family how to identify birds. Many of Jane’s books are about wildlife subjects, especially the winged kind. Jane lives in Hatfield, MA. Visit her online at janeyolen.com.

About the Illustrator: 



Bob Marstall is the illustrator of nine nonfiction children’s books, including the The Lady and the Spider, which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies and was a Reading Rainbow selection. Bob has also been honored with an ALA Notable; an IRA Teachers’ Choice; a Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children; and three John Burroughs selections.

In addition, two of Bob’s books are included in the New York Times Parent’s Guide’s “1001 Best Books of the Twentieth Century.” Bob Lives in Easthamton, MA. Visit him online at marstallstudio.com.

About the Cornell Lab
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Our hallmarks are scientific excellence and technological innovation to advance the understanding of nature and to engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting the planet. birds.cornell.edu

ENTER TO WIN

  • One (1) winner will receive a set of both On Bird Hill and On Duck Pond -- a great Earth Day gift!
  • US only
a Rafflecopter giveaway

* * * * * * *

Stop by Life Naturally on Monday for Day #6 of the tour! 

Blog Tour Schedule:

April 10th – Word Spelunking 
April 11th – Mrs. Mommy BookNerd 
April 13th – Late Bloomer's Book Blog 
April 14th – Mundie Kids 
April 17th – Life Naturally 
April 18th – Chat with Vera 
April 19th – The Kids Did It 
April 20th –  Books My Kids Read 
April 21st – Marianna Frances

Thursday, April 13, 2017

VAMPIRINA AT THE BEACH by Anne Marie Pace / Book Review & Giveaway #VampirinaBallerina


By: Anne Marie Pace
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Published by: Disney
Released on: April 4th, 2017
Ages: 2 & up 
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

When the summer moon is full, a beach trip is an epic way to spend the night.

With her signature poise, Vampirina and her clan gear up for a festive time at the beach. Keeping her ballet lessons in mind, Vampirina demi-pliés on a surfboard, leaps for a volleyball, and finishes each competition with style, even if she doesn't always come out on top.

Fans of Vampirina Ballerina will love her new adventure. When you combine fun characters, Vampirina, and trip to the beach, you're in a for a fun surprise! 

The best way to spend time at the beach is with friends and family. Vampirina's moonlight trip to the beach is full of fun, dancing, catching the waves, and playing games. This wouldn't be a Vampirina book without dancing! 

Whether you're a new fan to this lovable character and her book series, or a long time fan, the newest Vampirina book is one you'll be sure to love. This is one unforgettable beach trip readers will enjoy going on. 

ABOUT THE SERIES

Vampirina Ballerina
Oh, to be a ballerina! It’s a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you happen to be a vampire like VampirinaFirst of all, you have to find a class that meets at night. Then you have to figure out how to perfect your form when you can’t see yourself in the mirror?  And then there’s wearing pink (not the most flattering of colors if you happen to be undead) and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worse of all… STAGE FRIGHT!!!

Vampirina Ballerina Hosts a Sleepover

Before Vampirina can host her very first sleepover there are a few things she must keep in mind: be polite and offer her guests food (like blood pudding); plan some games like scavenger hunt (but keep the clues simple so no one gets lost); and don’t forget to dance! Vampirina may be a little nervous at first, but by following a few simple rules she will host the Best Sleepover Ever.

Official Site + Social Media
Visit the Official Site
Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Marie Pace (www.annemariepace.com) is the author of Vampirina Ballerina and Vampirina Hosts a Sleepover, and has had stories, poems, and articles for kids published in such magazines as Highlights for Children, My Friend, Wee Ones, and On the Line. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband and four teenagers.

ENTER TO WIN


Thank you to Disney-Hyperion for teaming up with us to host this awesome giveaway! One winner receives:


  • Vampirina Ballerina 
  • Vampirina Ballerina Hosts a Sleepover
  • Vampirina at the Beach
  • plus a branded beach ball and tumbler!

Open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion.

Be on the look out for more/new Vampirina adventures with the premiere of the 'Vampirina' TV series coming to Disney Junior in '17.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS by Adam Rubin / Book Review & Giveaway #SaveTheTacos


Welcome to the next stop in the DRAGONS LOVE TACOS blog tour, hosted by Penguin. Today's stop is a fun one! I've got your check list for hosting a taco party for Dragons, as well as my review and a GIVEAWAY! First, here's a little bit about the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Adam Rubin
Illustrated by: Daniel Salmieri
Published by: Penguin
Released on: June 12th, 2014
Ages: 3-7
Purchase from: PenguinAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 Owlets - We Enjoyed It
Book provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.


Highly entertaining! I've heard so many great things about this book, and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. Who would have thought that a story about tacos, dragons, and a taco party would be a hit. This book is down right hilarious. 

Who would have known that dragons love tacos. They love the kind of tacos my kids love. The kind without salsa. Trust me, if you read this story, you'll know why dragons do NOT like spicy salsa. If fact, you're going to be in big trouble if they eat a taco with salsa on it. Salsa aside, dragons a definitely fun party animals. Now I want to find a dragon or two and invite them over for a party.

An entertaining story with fun illustrations, this book is one that will hold even short attention spans. Perfect for toddlers on up, I can see why this book is a favorite among kids picture books. If you love dragons, tacos, and laughing, you need to read this book! 



TACO PARTY CHECKLIST


If you love dragons, tacos, and taco parties, keep reading. I'm going to tell you how all the things you'll need to have a fun taco party with dragons. After all, dragons love tacos, and parties, so why not combine both things. 

  1. First you're going to need to know a few dragons in order to invite them over. Though, I'm guessing if you don't know any and you made a sign that said TACO PARTY, DRAGONS INVITED, a few may show up.
  2. Second, wait, don't make the sign yet! If you make the sign and aren't ready for the party, the dragons will show up. 
  3. The first thing we have to do is get all the fixings for the tacos. Make sure you have taco shells, the taco meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Do NOT forget dragons do NOT like spicy things, or spicy salsa. 
  4. DO NOT have spicy salsa or seasoning anywhere near your home.
  5. Get your party all set up. If you decide on a theme, decorate for it. Are you having a pool taco party, a costume taco party or just a fun taco party? 
  6. Remember, Dragons love parties. If you know of some dragons, send out invitations to them. If not, see step #1. 
  7. Next, you'll need to get the party set up. Get tables set up, and leave plenty of room for the dragons to fit. You don't need to worry about plates. Just leave huge piles of tacos on all the tables, plus any extra lettuce, cheese, onions and tomatoes you cut up, in bowls on each of the tables.
  8. Now you wait for the dragons to arrive.
  9. Once the dragons arrive, you're TACO PARTY can begin!
  10. Remember, NO SALSA! If you accidentally have salsa in your house, and the dragons find it, RUN. 
That's all you're need to remember to have a taco party with dragons. I highly recommend reading the book to get the best list. Adam knows how to throw the best taco party for dragons. Hmmm, maybe we should add inviting the author on the list, because he'll know how to help incase we need it. 



Don't miss picking up the sequel when it's out! Find out more and pre-order your copy of DRAONGS LOVE TACOS 2, The Sequel, here: www.dragonslovetacos2.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Rubin is the New York Times best-selling author of a half dozen critically-acclaimed picture books including Secret Pizza Party and Robo-Sauce. He spent ten years working as a creative director in the advertising industry before leaving his day job to write full time. Adam has a keen interest in improv comedy, camping and magic tricks.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Daniel Salmieri has illustrated many fantastic picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Robo-Sauce. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, constantly drawing and painting images of ninja turtles, dinosaurs, and fighter jets (not in the same scene...), and graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

ENTER TO WIN

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) Dragons Love Tacos Book and Toy Sets (ARV: $17.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 3, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 1, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about May 5, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR SCHEDULE

Week One:
April 3 – Pirates n’ Pixie Dust – Taco Scavenger Hunt
April 4 – Margie’s Must Reads – Review + Recipe
April 5 – A Story a Day – Review + Taco Craft
April 6 – The Book Shire – Review
April 7 – Swoony Boys Podcast – Recipe + Taco Craft

Week Two:
April 10 – Ali’s Book Nook – Review + Recipe
April 11 – Mundie Kids – Review + Taco Party Checklist
April 12 – The Children’s Book Review – When You Invite a Dragon to Dinner…
April 13 – Reading is Better with Cupcakes – A World Without Tacos?!
April 14 – My Bookbloom – Review + Taco Activity

Week Three:
April 17 – As They Grow Up – Review
April 18 – The Book Nut – Taco Soup Recipe
April 19 – YA Book Nerd – Missing Taco Hunt
April 20 – Inspiration Laboratories – Dragons Love Tacos Birthday Party
April 21 – In Wonderland – Review + Taco Salad Recipe

Week Four:
April 24 – A Homeschool Mom – Review + Chili Pepper Experiment
April 25 – The Plot Bunny – Review + Recipe 
April 26 – No BS Book Reviews – Taco Craft
April 27 – My Little Poppies – Review
April 28 – Happily Ever Elephants – Review

Monday, April 10, 2017

HAPPY DREAMER by Peter H. Reynolds / Book Review & Giveaway #HappyDreamer



Hello and welcome to today's HAPPY DREAMER spotlight. I'm so thrilled to share my review for this inspiring picture book out from Scholastic, as well as team up with Scholastic to host a giveaway. First, here's a little bit about the book:


ABOUT THE BOOK

HAPPY DREAMER
By: Peter H. Reynolds
Published by: Scholastic 
Released on: March 28, 2017
Recommended for: Ages 4-8
Purchase from: ScholasticAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

In the same spirit as OH, ALL THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!, the beloved, worldwide bestselling creator of The Dot and Ish inspires readers of every age to find their own unique path to happy, and to always follow their dreams with HAPPY DREAMER. 

Picture book and creativity guru Peter H. Reynolds brings us a universally poignant celebration of the colorful spectrum of what it means to dream and the many ways to find happy!

While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! In Peter's signature voice and style, this empowering picture book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big!


Peter H. Reynolds' latest inspirational book is a perfect gift for graduations, new babies, milestone moments, and any happy occasion throughout the year for any age!

"What kind of dreamer are you? The best way, of course, is to, "Just BE YOU." 


This book is happiness and inspiration wrapped up in one. HAPPY DREAMER spotlights all the ways someone can be a dreamer. There's no right or wrong way. Everyone can be a dreamer in their own way. Like each of us is an individual, so are our dreams. Paired with whimsical illustrations, this book's inspiring message is a great read for all ages.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Peter is a New York Times bestselling children's book author and illustrator of many books for children, including the Judy Moody series, written by Meghan McDonald; The Dot; Ish; Sky Color; and Allison McGhee's Someday, selling more than two million books in over 25 languages around the globe. In 1996, he founded FableVision with his brother Paul as a social change agency to help move the world to a better place by creating "stories that matter, stories that move." He lives in Dedham, Massachusetts, with his family.


MORE ABOUT NEW HAPPY DREAMER

TRAILER & ACTIVITIES
· Watch the Happy Dreamer trailer!
· Download the Happy Dreamer Guide, a fun kit complete with activities to share with your readers!

PETER H. REYNOLDS INTERVIEW
· Learn more in this podcast featuring the author!

OFFICIAL SITE + SOCIAL MEDIA
Visit the Official Site
Follow Scholastic on Twitter & Instagram
Like Scholastic on Facebook
#HappyDreamer


ENTER TO WIN 





HAVE HAPPY DREAMS! Let your mind and spirit soar at night! 
One winner receives:
  • Copy of Happy Dreamer
  • Doodle pillowcase

Open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Scholastic.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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 ~