Oh, so close…

In partnership with the Children’s Book Review

About the Book

Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies

Written by Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Illustrated by Bex Sutton

Ages 3-8 | 34 Pages

Publisher: Sandrian Nelson-Moon | ISBN-13: 978-1736512319

Publisher’s Synopsis: Join Itty Bitty Betty in this thrilling story as she tries to sneak a tasty treat without Mommy knowing!

Itty Bitty Betty was small as can be,

About as tall as her mom’s knee.

After a fun day out by the sea,

Itty Bitty wanted cookies for tea!

Buy the Book

A Note From the Author

Wishing you all continued blessings and love. I am a specimen of my experiences. I am a survivor, super mom, entrepreneur, author, and future civil rights attorney. I love sweets, travel and good hugs. I have a background in business and project management and enjoy a fun discussion about our economy. However, as a political child advocate and PTA president for 2 schools I fight for and with families against sexual trauma, personal and civil rights. I enjoy a good book, smiles on faces when I tickle them and the imagination a child’s mind can conjure. I pray my book open eyes, spark life and give you warm feelings. Thank you for visiting me here. Happy reading!

For more information, visit https://nelsonmoonkids.com/, Instagram, and Facebook.

My Review of the Book

Betty is a tiny toddler who barely comes up to an adult’s knee. On the other hand, Betty possesses a big appetite and a tremendous amount of determination.

After spending a day at the sea, Betty comes into the kitchen and spies a jar of her mom’s delicious cookies on a high shelf. She enlists the aid of her cat and finds a ladder to assist her in her mission. Kerplunk! Betty lands on her bottom with a thud. Undeterred, she refuses to give up until she hears, her mother cry “FREEZE”

Betty is an adorable character with whom toddlers and preschoolers will readily empathize. Beautiful multicultural illustrations and expressive rhymes are sure to please the zero to five age audience.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon
• A copy of Itty Bitty Betty & The Cookies: Activity And Coloring Book
• A $25 Amazon gift card
• A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers

Two (2) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon
• A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers

The giveaway begins April 12, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends May 12, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282217/

Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies Tour Dates

Monday, April 12, 2021 The Children’s Book Review A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Lisa’s Reading An article by the author Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 The Fairview Review A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Thursday, April 15, 2021 Library Lady’s Kid Lit An interview with Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Monday, April 19, 2021 Comfy Chair Books A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Life Is What It’s Called An interview with Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Over Coffee Conversations A Beyond the Book Activity for Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Friday, April 23, 2021 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Monday, April 26, 2021 Confessions of a Book Addict A book giveaway of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

The Boy Who Was Left Behind

Written by Gita V. Reddy

Aman is only two years old when his parents depart India for London. He is left in the care of his grandmother. Aman’s parents rarely visit.

Aman is a happy child who is extremely close to his grandmother. When he is eight years old, Aman learns that his parents will be returning to India permanently. Aman experiences conflicting emotions. Then he overhears a phone call that changes his life. A car accident has killed his father and his mother is hospitalized.

Aman’s grandmother goes off to London and leaves Aman in the care of her nephew. She decides not to tell him anything about the accident. She finally returns with Aman’s mother, but she has not made the recovery that Aman desired. The tale traces the boy’s anguish which impacts his health and his studies.

The author does a good job of portraying the characters’ emotions and cultural traditions. I believe the book could help children cope with similar feelings. This book could lead to productive discussions with middle-grade and teen readers.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out all my learning opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Baking Book Free 14-Recipe Sampler! 

Provided by Food Network Magazine

This recipe sampler is the perfect way to entice budding young chefs into the kitchen. They are the types of foods that children are interested in eating so they will be attracted to baking them. Muffins, brownies, cakes, and cupcakes are definitely favorites among this age group. Perfect choice for middle-grade readers who can read and follow these recipes independently or to use as a family project to involve all the members of a family working together.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out all my learning opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jasmine A. Stirling

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Found Her Voice

Written by Jasmine A. Stirling

Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Ages 4-12 

48 Pages

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

ISBN-13: 978-1547601103

Publisher’s Synopsis: Witty and mischievous Jane Austen grew up in a house overflowing with words. As a young girl, she delighted in making her family laugh with tales that poked fun at the popular novels of her time, stories that featured fragile ladies and ridiculous plots. Before long, Jane was writing her own stories-uproariously funny ones, using all the details of her life in a country village as inspiration.

In times of joy, Jane’s words burst from her pen. But after facing sorrow and loss, she wondered if she’d ever write again. Jane realized her writing would not be truly her own until she found her unique voice. She didn’t know it then, but that voice would go on to capture readers’ hearts and minds for generations to come.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2O2scVx

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781547601103

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio and Link

Jasmine A. Stirling is the debut author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, a picture book biography of Jane Austen about persistence and creative mastery. Jasmine lives on a cheerful street in San Francisco with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. From a young age, she loved to write poems and stories and worked her way through nearly every children’s book (and quite a few for grownups, too) in her local library. When she’s not writing, Jasmine can be found hiking in the fog, singing songs from old musicals, and fiddling with her camera.

Jasmine first fell in love with Jane Austen as a student at Oxford, where she read her favorite of Jane’s six masterful novels, Persuasion. A Most Clever Girl is her dream project, done with her dream team—award-winning illustrator Vesper Stamper and Bloomsbury Children’s Publishing. Jasmine also has a YA/New Adult history of the women’s suffrage movement out soon, titled We Demand An Equal Voice.

Visit www.jasmineastirling.com to get a free Jane Austen paper doll kit with the purchase of A Most Clever Girl. While you’re there, enter to win a Regency tea party gift basket!Follow Jasmine on Instagram and Facebook @jasmine.a.stirling.author where she posts about kidlit and life with two young girls.

My Review of This Book

FINDING HER WAY

A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice

Written by Jasmine A. Stirling

Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Jane Austen grew up in the English countryside in a large family. Her father was a rector and a tutor; her mother wrote poetry. The home was filled with books, joy, music, and song. Jane’s father provided her with a study and writing materials. Although Jane completed three novels before reaching her mid-twenties, something felt wrong.

Jane was born ahead of her time. She disdained the eighteenth-century books that portrayed women as weak, sickly, or pessimistic. She preferred to observe the visitors to her home and based her characters on their actions and behavior. But when her brothers grew up and her father retired, Jane, her sister, and mother were forced to move to the city. Jane suffered depression and ceased to write.

After a time, one of her brothers furnished them a small house in the countryside. Jane’s spirits lifted She found the inspiration she needed to revise her earlier writings and create the novels for which she became famous worldwide.

Stamper employs color effectively in her illustrations to portray the changing moods and circumstances of Jane’s life. The author includes some of Austen’s famous quotations and a concise biography as well as resources and a bibliography to encourage further exploration of Austen’s life and work.

This forty-eight-page picture book is appropriate for elementary age readers but will also interest middle-grade and older readers interested in Austen and eighteenth-century life in England.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a glorious Jane Austen-themed picnic basket, including a hardcover copy of A Most Clever Girl autographed by Jasmine A. Stirling!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A picnic basket filled with:
  • A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling
  • A vintage teacup
  • 1 oz of tea From Adagio Teas
  • Truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates
  • Gardenia hand cream
  • A set of Jane Austen playing cards
  • A $15 gift certificate to Jasmine A. Stirling’s Austenite Etsy Shop, Box Hill Goods

Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling

The giveaway begins March 16, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends April 16, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282211/

TOUR SCHEDULE

March 16	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
March 17	Life is What It’s Called	www.lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com	Interview
March 18	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Book Review & Guest Post
March 19	Austen Prose	https://austenprose.com/	Book Preview & Guest Post
March 20	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review
March 21	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
March 22	Jane Austen’s World	https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/	Interview
March 23	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review & Guest Post
March 24	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
March 25	Heart to Heart	tynea-lewis.com	Book Review
March 26	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Guest Post
March 27	Eccentric Eclectic Woman	http://finamoon.blogspot.com	Book Review
March 28	J.R.s Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
March 29	My Jane Austen Book Club	http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/	Interview
March 30	Jane Austen in Vermont	https://janeausteninvermont.blog/	Book Review & Guest Post
March 31	Some the Wiser	https://somethewiser.com	Book Review
April 1	Austenesque Reviews	www.AustenesqueReviews.com	Book Review
April 2	Absolutely Austen	https://absolutelyausten.com/	Book Review
April 3	Faith, Science, Joy, and Jane Austen	brendascox.wordpress.com	Book Review
April 4	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
April 5	Comfy Chair Books	https://comfychairbooks.com/	Book Review
April 6	Reading Is My SuperPower	https://readingismysuperpower.org	Book Review
April 7	ShootingStarsMag	www.shootingstarsmag.net	A Beyond the Book Activity
April 8	Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk	glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com	Book Review
April 9	Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb	http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/	Interview
April 10	The Fictional Cafe	https://www.fictionalcafe.com/	Review + Interview
April 11	Ingenious Baby	https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNfesiHAPnqc4STgBn-Ljw	Interview
April 12	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Guest Post
April 13	Tucked In Tuesday	https://www.instagram.com/tutoringyoutoexcellence/	Instagram Live: Tucked in Tuesday

Little Bluebird: A Hero in Me and You

Written by Erin Murphy

Illustrated by Mykyta Harretts

Edited by Nadara Merrill

A very short book for preschoolers. This picture book teaches we may look different on the outside, but our uniqueness is also our strength. Cute illustrations that are multicultural and include disabilities.

Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

The Boy Who Painted the World: A Middle Grade Novel

Written by Melody J. Bremen

While the subtitle of this book indicates a middle grade novel, this book can be enjoyed by adults as well. It tells the story of Indigo, a ten-year-old boy who is abandoned by his mother. He finds a friend with Jade, an older teen, who tries to take care of him until fate intervenes. They are separated and Indigo is forced to fend for himself. Indigo has a passion for painting. It fuels his desire to survive. He is resilient and resourceful. While Indigo is wary of trusting others, he gradually learns to reach out and experience a connection to others.

Bremen does a marvelous job of painting her characters and developing them for her readers. Each page reveals a different layer. This book is addictive, once opened the reader will have difficulty putting it aside. Readers cannot wait to discover what will happen to Indigo and his newly found friends and enemies.

This is a powerful story about resilience, homelessness, and adoption. These issues are addressed within a moving novel that encourages deep thought and discussion. Highly recommended for readers aged ten and older.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out my learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Right Before Sleep (Milo and Cat)

Written and illustrated by Miro Tartan

Milo is trying to get to sleep. His pet cat snuggles with him. Putting their heads together, the two friends are determined to find a way to fall asleep. After trying some common tried and true remedies like counting sheep, drinking warm milk, and putting on warm socks, they decide to play music and then make the bed comfortable. Still, they are unsuccessful so the friends try to combine them together. Will they ever find a way to close those eyes?

This is a cute, rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers who find it difficult to wind down at the end of the day. Remarkably, the solution is quite simple.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED BUTTON in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out my learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Idia of the Benin Kingdom (Our Ancestries)

Written by Ekiuawa Aire

Illustrated by Alina Shabelnyk

Idia is the daughter of a warrior in the African village of Benin. One night she has a strange dream. She sees a woman first fighting a vicious battle and later treating the wounded with herbs and medicine.

Idia is a vivacious child who loves to dance and play, but the dream continues to trouble her. What can this mean? Women do not fight as warriors. So, one day she asks her father to teach her about warfare. He informs Idia that this is not the province of girls but promises to answer her questions if she works hard on her dancing. At the same time, Idia asks her mother to teach her about medicine and healing. As Idia continues to mature, she learns both the skills of the warrior and those of the healer.

When it comes time for Idia to marry, the young prince asks for her hand. A native doctor performs a ritual ceremony and Idia falls into slumber. She experiences the same dream which now reveals to her clearly its meaning and what her decision needs to be.

This is a beautiful picture book with an important message for young female readers. It also contains a map and interesting history of the kingdom of Benin. While the book is targeted for readers in the four to eight age range, the text is rather advanced and will appeal to older readers as well.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Noelle The Best Big Sister

Written by Mikaela Wilson

Illustrated by Pardeep Mehra

Noelle is excited. Today is the day her baby sister is coming home. Noelle has made big plans to share her favorite books and toys, but when she sees her mother holding the baby she feels left out. Soon Noelle figures out ways she can share responsibilities and chores to create a unified loving family

The illustrations are large and cartoonlike with expressive multicultural characters that will appeal to young readers who are about to add a sibling to their family. There is a link to coloring pages to download as a free bonus. This book is a quick read aloud to help parents ease the transition of a new family member to children or a good choice as a gift for these families.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

CHECK OUT ALL MY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT http://www.LITTLEMISSHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Harper Collins Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

One Jar of Magic

Written by Corey Ann Haydu

Publisher’s Synopsis: Magic is like a dream. Delightful. Terrifying. Unreal.

Rose Alice Anders is Little Luck. Lucky to be born into the Anders family. Lucky to be just as special and magical as the most revered man in town—her father. The whole town has been waiting for Rose to turn twelve, when she can join them in their annual capturing of magic on New Year’s Day and become the person she was born to be.

But when that special day finally comes, Rose barely captures one tiny jar of magic. Now Rose’s dad won’t talk to her anymore and her friendships have gotten all twisted and wrong. So when Rose hears whispers that there are people who aren’t meant for magic at all, she begins to wonder if that’s who she belongs with.

Maybe if she’s away from all the magic, away from her dad telling her who she’s meant to be, who she has to be, Rose can begin to piece together what’s truly real in a world full of magic.

Ages 8-12 | 352 Pages | Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780062689856

PURCHASE LINKS

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

Audible: https://amzn.to/3oOWkjS

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780062689856

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Corey Ann Haydu is the author of Eventown, The Someday Suitcase, and Rules for Stealing Stars and four acclaimed books for teens. She grew up in the Boston area, earned her MFA at the New School, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her dog Oscar.

Find out more at www.coreyannhaydu.com.

My Review of the book:

THE MAGIC WITHIN

One Jar of Magic

Written by Corey Ann Haydu

Rose Alice Anders lives in Belling Bright. Here everyone gathers magic in jars, and it appears that magic can make their world a beautiful place. Her father has the most magic in the town and is widely respected, but as the reader gets to know them better, one learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Rose is called Little Luck by her father. He believes that she will be even more powerful than he. Soon she will reach her twelfth birthday. On New Year’s Day, she will travel with the other twelve-year-old children to Too Blue Lake, where they will gather magic in their jars. Rose’s older brother, Lyle, assures her she will be successful.

Rose has her doubts. Lately, she does not feel lucky. Her best friend Cindy seems to turn away from her, and her father’s mounting pressure on her to succeed fuel her doubts. Things are not going well in the family. Her parents fight often.

When the big day arrives, it brings surprises for everyone. Rose learns about family secrets and the possibility of a vastly different future. What does Rose discover and how will she use this information to create a future for herself, her community, and her family?

This novel brings to light many of the worries and fears middle-grade students experience. As they mature, they begin to question things formerly accepted, learn to manage relationships, and create new friendships based on understanding themselves better.

The author also provides a list of resources for readers who discover themselves in situation like that of Rose. This book is highly recommended as a read-aloud discussion book for classrooms and library book clubs.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a set of books by Corey Ann Haydu, including One Jar of Magic.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of One Jar of Magic
• A hardcover copy of Eventown
• A hardcover copy of The Someday Suitcase
• A hardcover copy of Rules for Stealing Stars

Four (4) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of One Jar of Magic

The giveaway begins February 9, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends March 8, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282209/

TOUR SCHEDULE

February 9	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
February 10	Crafty Moms Share	https://www.craftymomsshare.com/	Book Review
February 11	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Interview
February 12	Lisa’s Reading	https://lisasreading.com	Book List
February 15	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
February 16	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book List
February 17	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review
February 18	J.R.s Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
February 19	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Interview
February 22	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Guest Post
February 23	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
February 24	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review
February 25	Bookbugca	https://bookbugca.wordpress.com/	Interview