Posts from the ‘children’s books’ Category

Oi Gets Lost – virtual blog tour and giveaway

#oigetslost

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bright Lights Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by Yevheniia Melnyk

Ages 6+ | 124 Pages

Publisher: Bright Lights Books | ISBN-13: 9781739985318

Publisher’s Synopsis: Set in Kenya, Oi is a naughty kitten who lives with his Mummy and siblings in an outdoor shed. Despite Mummy’s warnings, Oi has a tendency of wandering off and exploring. But one day, after nearly being attacked by a dog, Oi ends up in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And this time, he’s not sure he’ll be able to find his way back home…

Oi’s adventure is sure to delight children and cat-lovers alike.

‘A brave and vivid adventure’ —Ijeoma Isichei

‘A sheer delight for all kids, a gem of a story’ —Okenna Nzelu

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3qg4FRe

https://brightlightsbooks.com/ols/products/oi-gets-lost-the-oi-series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorna Likiza is a Kenyan writer, tutor of French, and Founder of the Heroe Book Fair. Oi Gets Lost is her first published book. She considers Literature as one of her passions and lives in Mombasa.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

LOST AND FOUND

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by YevheniaMelnyk

An adorable chapter book with beautiful color illustrations. Oi, an adorable kitten, who lives in an outdoor shed near a shopping center in Kenya, narrates this story.

Oi possesses an insatiable curiosity that befuddles his mother and fellow siblings. He particularly enjoys wandering off to the shopping center where he encounters wondrous sights and smells. One day he gets too ambitious and finds himself in a shop where he causes damage and gets into trouble. A patron decides to bring Oi home to kill outdoor rats. Oi wonders if he will ever find his way home.

After befriending his new owner’s housecat, they become friends and allies. But these two cats have lived in different worlds. Can either of them be happy in different circumstances?

Elementary and middle-grade readers will learn a bit about Kenyan culture and customs as well as animals in this beautifully illustrated and well-written multicultural tale. Recommended for beginning readers, reluctant readers, and cat lovers everywhere.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Oi Gets Lost!

Ten (10) winners receive:

A copy of Oi Gets Lost

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/f87IG/oi-gets-lost-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 31, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off
Thursday, March 31, 2022Afrikanah Book ClubInstagram Live with Lorna Likiza10:15 a.m. Central Standard Time (North America)
Friday, April 1, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Saturday, April 2, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Monday, April 4, 2022Writer with WanderlustAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza
Tuesday, April 5, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Wednesday, April 6, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Thursday, April 7, 2022James Murua’s Literature BlogA podcast episode withAuthor Lorna Likiza
Friday, April 8, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Saturday, April 9, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Tuesday, April 12, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Wednesday, April 13, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Thursday, April 14, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Friday, April 15, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Saturday, April 16, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofOi Gets Lost
Tuesday, April 19, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza

IT’S WORTH A TRY…

Denny and Penny: A Fun Rhyming Picture Book

Written and Illustrated by Silas Wood

Denny and Penny are fox friends. Penny is smart, sensible, and even-tempered. Denny tends to be negative, grumpy and has a terrible sweet tooth.

One day, Denny is out of food. He visits Penny to ask for something sweet. She cooks him a healthy meal instead. Will Denny enjoy it? What can he learn about kindness and gratitude?

This book contains large colorful and simple illustrations with a minimum of text on each page. It is the perfect picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. Also, it might serve as practice for children beginning to read.

Parents who have finicky eaters or children who love animal books will find it especially useful.

Looking for more teaching resources?

Subscribe to my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

#TheKindnessMachine – virtual book tour and #giveaway

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Kindness Machine

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press | ISBN-13: 9781955119085

Publisher’s Synopsis: Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.

This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.

The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3COBXwa

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781955119085

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.

Learn more about Christina at www.christinadankert.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS

Kindness for All

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

What a wonderful message for elementary school children! This multicultural book portrays a diverse second-grade class with a wonderful role model as a teacher.

Mr. Wilson is a popular teacher with a penchant for invention. One day he brings one of them to class. He hides the invention under a bedsheet. The children are excited and curious. What could it be?

Mr. Wilson asks the class to identify their superpowers. When they claim not to have any, Mr. Wilson shows them how his invention is the kindness machine that will reveal each student’s superpower.

Can this be true? One by one the students step up to the machine and learn how each possesses a unique superpower that can help them to spread kindness.

The author includes wonderful illustrations and discussion questions to use before, during, and after the reading, making this picture book a valuable teaching tool.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!

One (1) winner receives:

A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners’ school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/xE0ba/the-kindness-machine-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 22, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, March 23, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Thursday, March 24, 2022Books Are Magic, TooA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Friday, March 25, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Kindness Machine
Monday, March 28, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Tuesday, March 29, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, March 30, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Christina Dankert
Thursday, March 31, 2022Book Bug CAA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Friday, April 1, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Monday, April 4, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Tuesday, April 5, 2022Younger Family FunA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, April 6, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article byAuthor Christina Dankert
Thursday, April 7, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

TIME TO SLEEP

How Animals Say Goodnight: A Sweet Going to Bed Book about Animal Sleep Habits

Written by Esther Pia Cordova

Illustrated by Anastasiya Provozina

What a beautiful rhyming picture book!

The author presents bright, colorful illustrations of different animals as they prepare to rest. I learned a lot from this book. Did you know that giraffes sleep only twenty minutes a day? When a snail closes its eyes, it can sleep for three years. Ducks sleep in rows and have a system to protect each other from danger.

This book is a good choice for a simple bedtime story or read-aloud for toddlers or preschoolers. It contains lots of interesting information about animals for older children who may want to do additional research.

Looking for more book suggestions?

Check out my Pinterest Board https://pinterest.com/bamauthor

Don’t Quit Podcast – Why Learning History is Important For Your Life, A Discussion with Nick Mann

Take a listen, March 20, 2022

ELIJAH GOES TO CLEVELAND – VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY #elijahgoestocleveland

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Mark Darden

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Written by Mark Darden

Illustrated by Anh Bui

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Buckeye Muscle Media | 9871736703007

Publisher’s Synopsis: Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grandparents when he finds out that his favorite music band will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tickets are free, but there is a catch: You have to do a scavenger hunt to find band members at various landmarks throughout Cleveland. With the help of his grandparents, will Elijah be able to secure tickets to see his favorite band perform? Pick up a copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland to find out.

https://buckeyemuscle.com/shop/elijah-goes-to-cleveland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Darden is an author, sports travel blogger, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2017, Mark has documented his sports travel adventures on his blog, buckeyemuscle.com. Originally from Cleveland, Mark’s first book is IT’S GAME TIME FOLKS!: Quest for 30, a travelogue of his journey visiting all 30 MLB ballparks during the 2017 season. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).

For more information, visit https://buckeyemuscle.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

SEEING THE SITES

Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Written by Mark Darden

Illustrated by Anh Bui

Elijah is so excited to be visiting his grandparents in Cleveland, Ohio. After he arrives, he views a commercial for a concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elijah notes his favorite band will be performing and there is a contest to win free tickets. He immediately asks his grandparents to help.

They will have to scour the city because to win the prize the contestant must follow the clues to a scavenger hunt. During their mission, the family visits the town square, a museum, the zoo, a theater, a park, and the Hall of Fame. Will Elijah win the prize? What does he learn about Cleveland?

I enjoyed the beautiful multicultural illustrations, the map, and the warm family relationships portrayed in the story. Recommended for young children as a picture book, a travel guide for Cleveland, and a beginning reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of ten autographed copies of Elijah Goes to Cleveland—5 books will have a gift card to one of the following places: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Karamu House!

Five (5) winners receive:

A signed copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

A gift card to one of the following places: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, or Karamu House!

Five (5) winners receive:

A signed copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/2022/03/elijah-goes-to-cleveland-awareness-tour 

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 7, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off
Tuesday, February 15, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Tuesday, March 9, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Wednesday, March 10, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Mark Darden
Tuesday, March 15, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Wednesday, March 16, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Thursday, March 17, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Friday, March 18, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland
Wednesday, March 23, 2022Tales of a Wannabe Superhero MomA beyond the book activity forElijah Goes to Cleveland
Thursday, March 24, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article byAuthor Mark Darden
Friday, March 25, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, a LOT TO UNPACK

Extraordinary Women in History, 70 Remarkable Women Who Made a Difference

Written by Leah Gail

This book is packed with information. The author explores the lives of 70 women, some of whom are well-known and others left forgotten in the annals of history.

Familiar faces include Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart, Dian Fossey, and Joan of Arc. Their field of endeavor ranges from military heroes, activists, athletes, inventors, and creative thinkers. The book harkens back to ancient and medieval times as well as contemporary examples. These women are representative of many races and many countries.

There is a bibliography for additional research. This book would be a good starting point for research on women representatives to be used in the study of woman’s history. My reason for a lower rating is that the writing is choppy in sections which can make it difficult to read. I would still recommend it as a reference book, particularly for middle-grade students.

Looking for more educational resources?

Check out my youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

FACING THE MUSIC

I Don’t Want to Turn 3

Written and illustrated by Gramps Jeffrey

Jordan is about to turn 3 years old and he is not thrilled. He believes that up to now he has succeeded in doing pretty much as he pleases. Jordan swipes prized possessions and toys from his siblings and cousins. Then he hides them in his room.

Up to this time, adults have made excuses for him, saying he is only two. Jordan must face the consequences when his “stash” is unexpectedly discovered in his room Dad sits everyone down for a serious talk. Jordan learns that bad behavior brings consequences.

The large and colorful illustrations appeal to a preschool audience. Children can follow them while an adult reads the story aloud. One suggestion I have is that the text near the end of the story be spread out on several pages to make the story flow read better.

Highly recommended read for children ages two through six.

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Check out more teaching tricks at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

A FINDER’S KEEPER

Logan Scott Files: A Spoiled Brat is Missing!

Written by D.C. Spaar

This is Book One of a chapter book series that is perfect for a beginning or reluctant reader. The print size is large and the short chapters are easy to follow.

Scott possesses the talent of finding lost objects. The local police department decides they could use his help in their secret division. They recruit Scott, offering him lots of fancy tools like glasses that see-through buildings and a spray that makes him invisible.

His first case involves finding the daughter of an influential citizen. It turns out she is a spoiled brat. Will Scott follow the clues to discover her whereabouts? Can he use his smarts to close the case?

Children love a mystery to solve. This book of about fifty pages is a quick read with lots of appealing characters. Recommended especially for ages six through ten.

Looking for quality books that teach the truth? Check out http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.COM

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY? #READYOUWORLD

MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY 2022

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 (1/28/22) is in its 9th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

MCBD 2022 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

SUPER PLATINUM: Make A Way Media

PLATINUM: Language Lizard

GOLD: Barefoot Books, KidLitTV, Candlewick, Capstone, Abrams Books

SILVER: Pack-n-Go Girls, Charlotte Riggle, Kimberly Gordon Biddle  

BRONZE: Carole P. Roman, Patrice McLaurin, Dyesha and Triesha McCants/McCants Squared, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Redfin Mortgage, Redfin/Title Forward, Create & Educate, Star Bright Books, Vivian Kirkfield, Dr. Eleanor Wint, Kind World Publishing, Snowflake Stories, Lisa Wee, SONGJU MA, Melissa Stoller, J.C. Kato and J.C.², Crystel Patterson, Audrey Press, Pragmaticmom, TimTimTom, Wisdom Tales 

MCBD 2022 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Charlene Mosley (official MCBD2022 Poster Creator)
Illustrator Isabelle Roxas (Class Kit Poster Creator)

Alva Sachs, Brianna Carter, Ebony Zay Zay, Rita Bhandari, Gwen Jackson, Lois Petren/The 5 Enchanted Mermaids, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Josh Funk, Afsaneh Moradian, Eugenia Chu, Maritza Martínez Mejía, Diana Huang, Kathleen Burkinshaw, CultureGroove, Sandra Elaine Scott, Dorena Williamson, Veronica Appleton, Alejandra Domenzain, Lauren Muskovitz and Sandfish Publishing, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kimberly Lee, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher, Nancy Tupper Ling, Winsome Hudson-Bingham, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Sivan Hong, Michael Genhart, Debbie Dadey, Elizabeth Cureton, Stephanie Wildman, Maryann Jacob, Sherri Maret, Rochelle Melander, Dia Mixon, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young, Shereen Rahming, Linda Thornburg and Katherine Archer,  Rebecca Flansburg and BA Norrgard , Maxine Schur  Natalie McDonald-Perkins

MCBD 2022 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

MCBD 2022 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!

Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents

Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit

FREE Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Raising Awareness on Systemic Racism in America Classroom Kit

Gallery of Our Free Posters

FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

Join us on Friday, Jan 2, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party! Be sure and follow MCBD and Make A Way Media on Twitter!

This especially fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. See you all very soon on Twitter!

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

I HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO PARTICIPATE IN MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY SINCE ITS INCEPTION NINE YEARS AGO. HERE IS MY AUTHOR’S REVIEW FOR 2022!

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY?

To Carnival!

Written by Baptiste Paul

Illustrated by Jana Glatt

Melba lives on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. She feels excited because tomorrow the town will celebrate Carnival. Her Uncle has chosen her idea for his band’s costume. Melba hopes they will win a prize in the parade.

The next morning, Melba hurries to catch the bus into town, but people and things along the route distract her. Will she arrive on time? Her idea might be the winner.

This adorable, multicultural picture book contains beautiful illustrations created in childlike images. It also reinforces the sequence of events told in the tale that enhances a child’s reading comprehension skill. In addition to the charming cultural tale, readers learn about the creole language, customs, and the geography of Saint Lucia.

Highly recommended for elementary and middle-grade students. An excellent choice for parents and teachers to open a discussion of Caribbean language, customs, and traditions.

Looking for more great books, click on the link below: