Archive for June, 2020

TRIVIA TIDBITS

1123 Hard to Believe Facts

Written by Nayden Kostov

Illustrated by Yuliya Krumova

This book is an excellent choice for a coffee table book or a fun game at parties. Rather than list trivia questions to be answered, Kostov divides the questions by topics like People and Animals or Facts about the World. The author challenges the reader by presenting three choices for each question. Now the trick is to choose which of the answers is NOT correct. This approach makes the task of finding the correct answer formidable. I was surprised at how much more difficult this technique made the challenge.

I would recommend the book to readers age ten and older. It is highly educational and informative.

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#THINKOUTSIDETHEBOXBLOGTOURANDGIVEAWAY

This tour is hosted by the Children’s Book Review and sponsored by Justine Avery.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Written by Justine Avery

Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk

Publisher’s Synopsis: For the artist, the free thinker, the uniquely inventive individual in each of us, Think Outside the Box unlocks the key to applying creativity to daily life and turning any problem or worry inside out.

Designed to define out-of-the-box thinking for the youngest of us, this fun and unique illustrative journey reminds us all how simple and practical it can be to apply a new perspective to even the most daunting challenges.

Think Outside the Box is an at-home library must-have for any future idealist, instigator, activist, maverick, or mover and shaker—and every individual.

Ages 4+ | Publisher: Suteki Creative | July 14, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1948124577

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/2UBSxdz

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

Changing Things Up

Think Outside the Box

Written by Justine Avery

Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk

This delightful picture book invites children to explore innovative ways of thinking. It appeals to a wide audience because the illustrations allow young children to grasp the message, while a careful consideration of the message is just as appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Avery encourages her readers to go beyond following the rules. Children might also use their imagination to explore doing things differently. For example, why not examine a problem by standing in someone else’s shoes or looking at it from someone else’s point of view. Take things apart and put them together a new way, stop and wait for inspiration or be brave and do something you are scared to try.

Syotiuk’s unique, bold illustrations combine color and abstract design that align well with the message. I highly recommend this book for children ages four through twelve.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Think Outside the Box prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

Ten (10) winners receive:

  • A hardcover copy of Think Outside the Box.

Ten (10) winners receive:

  • A paperback copy of Think Outside the Box.

Giveaway begins June 15, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends July 15, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

To Enter click on link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282172

TOUR SCHEDULE

June 15The Children’s Book Reviewhttps://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/Book Review
June 16Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Momhttp://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/Book ReviewPay
June 17Life Is What It’s Calledhttp://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/InterviewNo Pay
June 18Over Coffee Conversationshttps://www.gmarciano.blogspot.comGiveawayNo Pay
June 19Satisfaction for Insatiable Readershttp://insatiablereaders.blogspot.comBook ReviewPay – Amazon Gift Card
June 22Teacher Dancehttps://www.teacherdance.org/Book ReviewPay-Amazon Gift Card
June 23icefairy’s Treasure Chesthttp://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/Book ReviewPay-Amazon Gift Card
June 24Barbara Ann Mojica’s Bloghttps://bamauthor.meBook ReviewPay
June 25Confessions of a Book Addicthttp://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/GiveawayPay
June 26Heart to Hearthttps://tynea-lewis.com/Book ReviewPay
June 29Word Spelunkinghttp://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/Book ReviewPay
June 30Fairview Elementary School (Library)https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/Book ReviewPay
July 1Shooting Stars Maghttps://shootingstarsmag.net/Book ReviewPay

A QUESTION OF SURVIVAL

Dragon Thunder (Dragon Dreamer Book 3)

Written by J.S. Burke

This book may be read as a solo sci-fi, fantasy adventure. I have been fortunate to read the first two books in this series and can fully appreciate the development and depth of the characters in Book Three.

The ice dragons fled their homeland due to a volcanic eruption. The golden dragons and creatures of the sea have all been forced to relocate. Drakor, leader of the ice dragons, is young and inexperienced. He is wary of Mardor who has already challenged him and lost. Now Drakor must gain the trust of the dragon colony who are wary of their leader.

There are two parallel stories. Readers follow Scree and Orm, the octopi who hunt the seas and ally themselves with the dragons. Arak leads the golden dragons who will need to decide whether to fight or trade with the ice dragons in the New World. There will be food shortages and new enemies like the Dwire, who become new threats to survival.

This book is a fascinating and intriguing combination of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, biology, environmental science and societal mores. Readers will experience many scenarios, war, peace, empathy, division, healing, and generational struggles.

A highly engaging read for middle-grade, young adult and adult readers.

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#AuthorToolboxBlogHOP

For today’s linky, I would like to share my review of this quick read about working with an editor.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How to Work with an Editor: A Guide for (Nervous) Authors

Written by Mark Dawson and Jennifer McIntyre

This book covers the basics. As the title implies, it is a good choice for new writers. Topics covered include who should seek an editor, the types of editing that may be needed, how to find an editor, what questions to ask, and how much one can expect to pay.

There is a section on frequently asked questions and several appendices that provide examples of pieces that were edited. I recommend the book as a quick read for writers who are looking for basic information without superfluous material.

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#VIRTUALREALITY #SECONDLIFE #CHILDRENBOOKAUTHORS

CHECK OUT OUR DISCUSSION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULT BOOK AUTHORS moderated by Draxtor Dupres

Nadine Kaadan

Margi Preus

Carole P. Roman

Barbara Ann Mojica aka LittleMissHISTORY

WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Kid Legends (True Tales of Childhood from the Books Kid Artists, Kid Athletes, Kid Presidents, and Kid Authors

Written by David Stabler

Illustrated by Doogie Horner

This book will inspire children to address their fears and reaffirm their aspirations. It is divided into three parts. The first part explores difficulties overcome by J.K. Rowling, Peyton Manning, and Charles Schultz before they became successful. The second part discusses the struggles of Pablo Picasso, Muhammed Ali, and Ulysses Grant during childhood and how they overcame their handicaps to achieve fame. Part Three examines the role that family life played in the early lives of Jeff Kinney, John F. Kennedy, and Gabby Douglas. Before closing, the author and illustrator reveal facts about themselves

The illustrations are rich in detail and humorous. They are fun to look at and read. This book is perfect for middle-grade readers who are dealing with the same type of issues, bullying, family and peer relationships, and self-esteem. The book also provides an opportunity for jump-starting group discussions.

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IS THE GRASS ALWAYS GREENER?

Just a Stage: A Newfoundland Story

Written by Corey Majeau

The main character of this book is a stage. I believe that the author is referring to the Middle English meaning of stage which is a dwelling or floor of a building. The red stage in this book is personified. At the beginning of the tale, he is situated on a rock where he spends his day fishing. When he becomes bored, the stage decides to try being a logger. Eventually, he becomes dissatisfied once more and decides to try the prairie and finally the frozen North. As the Red Stage travels across Canada, he realizes that satisfaction with one’s life comes from within.

The text and rhymes in this picture book are easy and fun to read. Illustrations are attractive and appealing to the eye. Recommended for preschool and primary grade readers.

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AT DEATH’S DOOR

Witch Hearts the Discovery of Magic and Power

Angharad Thompson Rees

This is the first book in a fantasy series for young adults. Triplets Morganne Amara, and Fae despair because their mother appears to be nearing death. They live in a secluded cottage at the edge of Mystic Wood.

Desperate to find a cure for their mother’s mysterious illness, the sisters venture into the woods in search of a cure. Little do they realize their problems are just beginning. Something or someone appears to be following them.

Once captured, the girls are deemed to be witches. How will they be able to save their mother? Will they succeed in escaping or are they doomed to the pyre?

I was impressed with the writing. The author succeeds in creating the mood and getting the atmosphere right. For a book that is fewer than one hundred pages, the characters are remarkably well-developed. This is a clean read and would be appropriate for advanced middle-grade readers as well as teens and adults.

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#GrowThroughIt #BLOG TOUR #GIVEAWAY #BOOKREVIEW

This book review and giveaway is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review. Please note that 100% of the profits from book sales are donated to COVID-19 relief efforts.

ABOUT THE BOOK

GROW THROUGH IT

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Jacob Chalkley, Darren Geers, Feras Khagani, Mike Shaposhnikov, Ishmam Ahmed, and Axel Schmidt

Publisher’s Synopsis: Ellen is stuck at home. There’s no school and no friends, and Mom is working all the time. It seems terrible until she learns about the choice each day offers: GET through it or GROW through it. See how starting each day with purpose and gratitude can make all the difference! Created during the CV-19 pandemic, 100% of the proceeds from sales of this book are donated to coronavirus relief efforts.

Ages 5+ | Publisher: Kraine Kreative | May 17, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-0989810876

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/36kAr4D

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

Grow Through It

This is the first children’s book on Covid -19, which I have read. Dee writes in a graphic novel style to portray in pictures and words the emotions and frustrations of an elementary school child in dealing with the pandemic.

Ellen feels angry because she cannot go to school and play with her friends or resume the lifestyle to which she is accustomed. Her mother tells her that she has a choice. Ellen can choose to spend her time complaining, watching TV, or hiding in her inside tent. Her other choice is to grow through this crisis by finding new opportunities to learn and help others in her community. Ellen struggles with this decision. She shifts back and forth between the two extremes. How can she stay positive? She desperately wants to see her grandmother to celebrate grandma’s special day.

This book speaks to the disappointments children are experiencing. Ellen’s mother provides a good example as to how parents may assist their children cope with this crisis. I would highly recommend it for elementary school age readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily agreed to read and review it with my honest opinions.

OFFICIAL LINKS

www.krainekreative.com

www.GrowThroughItBook.com 

Facebook.com/krainekreative

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of  Grow Through It, by Jay Dee and a group of six illustrators!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

  • A paperback copy of Grow Through It.
  • A $50 donation will be made in the winner’s name to UNICEF for COVID-19 relief efforts.

Nine (9) winners receive:

  • A paperback copy of Grow Through It.

Giveaway begins May 25, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 25, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Enter the giveaway by clicking on the link below:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282171/

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

May 25The Children’s Book Reviewhttps://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/Kick-Off
May 26Word Spelunkinghttp://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/Book Review
May 27Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Momhttp://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/Guest Post
May 28Over Coffee Conversationshttps://www.gmarciano.blogspot.comGuest Post
May 29JrsbookreviewsHttp://www.jrsbookreviews.wordpress.comBook Review
June 1The Children’s Book Reviewhttps://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/Book Review
June 2Shooting Stars Magwww.shootingstarsmag.netInterview
June 3Barbara Ann Mojica’s Bloghttps://bamauthor.meBook Review
June 4Satisfaction for Insatiable Readershttp://insatiablereaders.blogspot.comGuest Post
June 5Fairview Elementary School (Library)https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/Book Review
June 8Heart to Hearttynea-lewis.comBook Review
June 9icefairy’s Treasure Chesthttp://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/Book Review
June 10Younger Family Funhttps://YoungerFamilyFun.comBook Review
June 11A Dream Within A Dreamhttp://adreamwithindream.blogspot.comBook Review
June 11Woodpecker Bookshttps://www.woodpeckerbooks.com/Book Review
June 12Confessions of a Book Addicthttp://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/Giveaway

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