Posts tagged ‘Halloween’

Grandma’s House is Haunted – virtual blog tour and giveaway

This post is sponsored by Stephen Bowling. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grandma’s House is Haunted

Written by Stephen G. Bowling

Illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka

Ages 4+ | 34 Pages

Publisher: Valley of Mexico | ISBN-13: 9781950957248

Publisher’s Book Summary: Everything is fun until nighttime comes. Are the howls in the dark only in their imaginations, or do ghosts and goblins become real when the full moon rises?

The children love visiting Grandmother. Playing great games and reading cool books goes perfectly with eating her delicious cookies and cakes. But when bedtime comes and off go the lights, things get a little scary as they say their goodnights.

The kids shiver at the creepy sounds from the attic and the strange shadows floating through the air. But Gran’s not worried at all; in fact, she has a secret to share…

Will they find a way to get over their dread, so they can finally rest their heads?

Grandma’s House is Haunted is a delightful children’s picture book, both spooky and sweet. If you like Halloween fun, bumps in the night, and doting grannies, then you’ll adore Stephen G. Bowling’s cheerfully eerie Picture Book that shows children there’s nothing to be afraid of when the lights go out.

Read Grandma’s House is Haunted to happily hide under the covers today!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen G. Bowling is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Much like Peter Pan, Steve never wanted to grow up. Or rather, while he didn’t mind getting older, he never wanted to lose the child-like enchantment of imagination and wonder. Creating colorful worlds and stories for children has allowed Steve to both preserve his own imagination while sharing the joy of learning with children worldwide.

Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brandeis University. He is an entrepreneur who has worked on and holds several U.S. Patents. He heads The Prometheum Foundation, a non-profit philosophical organization that helps teach students critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the marketplace of ideas. He is a lifelong weightlifter, an avid student of history and philosophy, and has a fascination with astrophysics.

Visit his website ➜ stephengbowling.com

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/stephengbowling

Instagram:➜ https://www.instagram.com/stephengbowling

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

NO GREMLINS OR GHOULS

Grandma’s House is Haunted

Written by Stephen Bowling

Illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka

A charming picture book that is clever, charming, and creative. The narrators are a brother and sister who describe their experiences when visiting their grandma’s house. While they thoroughly enjoy reading books, playing games, and laughing during the daylight hours, grandma’s old house transforms into a scary place at night.

The children imagine ghosts, goblins, shadows become witches, wolves, and all manner of beasts when darkness descends. Grandma calmly dispels all their fears by pointing out the sources of their imaginary visions and sounds.

I love the vintage feel of the illustrations painted with emotional expressions and coupled with crisp rhymes. The author deftly uses onomatopoeia and alliteration that promotes a fun read aloud. Vocabulary can be difficult in spots, but readers are encouraged to use context clues to stretch their reading comprehension.

I would highly recommend the book to both elementary and middle-grade readers for a Halloween choice or any time of the year.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a set of five books by Stephen G. Bowling, including Grandma’s House Is Haunted, and a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A paperback copy of Grandma’s House is Haunted

– A paperback copy of Calvin the Christmas Tree

– A paperback copy of Simon’s Tree Party

– A paperback copy of Simon’s Search for the Scary Dragon

– A paperback copy of Rocket to the Moon

– A $25 Amazon Gift Card

One (1) runner-up winner receives:

– A paperback copy of Grandma’s House is Haunted

– A paperback copy of Calvin the Christmas Tree

– A paperback copy of Simon’s Tree Party

– A paperback copy of Simon’s Search for the Scary Dragon

– A paperback copy of Rocket to the Moon

Six (6) runner-up winners receive:

– A paperback copy of Grandma’s House is Haunted

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/eG5D2/grandmas-house-is-haunted-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 12, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Wednesday, September 13, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Thursday, September 14, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Friday, September 15, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Monday, September 18, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Stephen G. Bowling
Tuesday, September 19, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Wednesday, September 20, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Thursday, September 21, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Friday, September 22, 2023My Reading GetawayBook Activity to Pair with Grandma’s House is Haunted
Monday, September 25, 2023Shooting Stars MagBook Activity to Pair with Grandma’s House is Haunted
Tuesday, September 26, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Stephen G. Bowling
Wednesday, September 27, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Thursday, September 28, 2023Because I Said SoBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Friday, September 29, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Giveaway of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Monday, October 2, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Stephen G. Bowling
Tuesday, October 3, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted and Little Free Library Drop
Wednesday, October 4, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Thursday, October 5, 2023Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted
Friday, October 6, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Grandma’s House is Haunted

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WHAT DOES HALLOWEEN MEAN TO YOU?

Ruby Loves Halloween

Written by Steven Zollars

Ruby loves Halloween. In this short picture book, Ruby tells readers about some of her favorite costume choices, and the things she likes to do on Halloween with her friends.

The drawings are simple child-like creations. This book might be a good choice to introduce the Halloween holiday in a non-scary way to toddlers and preschoolers.

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AN EXTRA PINCH

The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophie

Written by Kirstie Watson

Illustrated by Magdalena Sawko

A witch’s cat decides to cook his witch lunch, but things don’t go as he planned. When the orange cat comes across what he thinks is a cookbook, he gets to work on his surprise treat.

Unfortunately, the cat decides to add a few extras. When the witch sits down to her lunch, she receives an unexpected surprise. The cat tries to undo his mistake and only succeeds in making the situation worse.

There are lots of laughs and surprises for elementary school readers in this richly illustrated and fun picture book. A perfect read-aloud for Halloween or any time of the year.

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HALLOWEEN POTPOURRI

Trick or Treat Free For All: A Halloween Kids Book

Written by: Marina J. Bowman, J.K. Campbell, Richard Clark, Eli Cranor, Connor Grayson, Deb Logan, Scott Peters, D.M. Potter, and M.K. Radican

Here is a book that will please beginning and middle-grade readers. There are ten different stories. Each is written by a well-known children’s author.

These stories have different themes that correspond with the genre and characters familiar to each of the authors. Detective story fans, magic fans, folktale fans, and mystery fans will find a story to love. Reluctant readers will be enticed by the shorter length and off-beat characters.

Teachers might read one of these each day or the collection might be read aloud at a Halloween party. Anthologies are not common for young readers, but I think it is a good way to introduce readers to a wide variety of different genres and book series.

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HOORAY FOR HALLOWEEN

ADDISON’S HALLOWEEN: a collection about festivals and celebrations around the world, and of fashion

Wriiten by Ana Alvarez

llustrated by Andrés Balcázar

This book is part of a series of picture books that feature multicultural festivals and celebrations. In Book 5, Addison eagerly anticipates celebrating Halloween in the United States. She brings readers with her as she shows them decorations around her house, a play at school, her family’s preparations for their Halloween party, her friends and their Halloween costumes enjoying food and friendship at her party, and finally the whole group trick or treating in the neighborhood. At the end of the story, readers receive a bonus. They may choose a link to dress Addison in several different paper costumes.

This book contains lots of fun illustrations and suggestions for enjoying the Halloween holiday. I highly suggest it as a read aloud for children, especially those ages three through eight.

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

MISHAPS AND MAYHEM

Down with the Dance (Middle School Mayhem)

Written by C.T. Walsh

This book is the first in a new series. The story opens on the first day of middle school for Ben. He is smart and clever but haunted by his older brother, Derek. Derek is just eleven months older. Unlike Ben, he is athletic and popular.

Middle-school readers will delight in the colorful characters like Mr. Buthaire, the principal students love to outsmart. Ben desperately wants to take Sophie to the Halloween Dance but there is a plot to derail it and destroy Ben’s plan. The book contains lots of humor, sibling and peer rivalry, and smart kids determined to outsmart the adults in their lives.

This book is a good choice for readers in grades four through six, though reluctant readers and many young adults will also find it an interesting read.

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FEAR NOT

Scaredy Bat and the Frozen Vampires: An Illustrated Mystery Chapter Book for Kids 8-12 (Scaredy Bat: A Vampire Detective Series 1)
Written by Marina J. Bowman
Illustrated by Yevheniia Lisavoya

Ellie is a twelve-year-old vampire who loves to solve mysteries. The fact that she is afraid of almost everything fails to deter her. Ellie fears loud noises, spiders, and clowns, among many other things. One thing she does have is a large network of friends who come to her aid. When Ellie attends a vampire wedding, everyone freezes solid. How can she overcome her fears and solve the mystery before it is too late?

The author includes bonuses for budding detective readers. She offers a quiz to test if the reader qualifies to be a detective. Readers receive a guide to analyzing suspects and recording evidence.

Lisavoya draws excellent black and white illustrations to sustain interest levels. The book is not too lengthy, which encourages reluctant readers.
One caveat, I read the Kindle version which contains formatting errors. I would rate the book three stars in the Kindle version, but five stars in the paperback edition.

Recommended for middle-grade readers in the print version.

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#mattmonroebooks #Giveaway #bookreview

Edward Torba’s Matt Monroe and the Haunted House blog tour!

Sponsored by The Children’s Book Review and New Shelves Books

GIVEAWAY
Enter For A Chance To Win A Matt Monroe Series Gift Basket!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

  • A copy of Matt Monroe and the Secret Society of Odontology (Book 1)
  • An advanced reader copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)
  • Dental supplies!

Two (2) winners receive:

  • A copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)

Two (2) winners receive:

  • A digital copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)
    • This digital prize is open to worldwide entrants

Giveaway begins October 1, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 31, 2019, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

New Shelves Books is responsible for prize fulfillment.

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2019/10/matt-monroe-and-the-haunted-house-by-edward-torba-awareness-tour.html

ABOUT THE BOOK
Matt Monroe and the Haunted House

Written by Edward Torba

Publisher’s Synopsis: A haunted mansion. A community at risk. A group of teens with mysterious abilities. Strange sightings at the Payne mansion and baffling incidents in the countryside place the community of Kingston on edge. Did opening the portal to Paragon draw evil entities to Kingston? In facing this new threat, Matt Monroe soon realizes he is not the only one who has secret talents. Many of his companions have hidden abilities that are exposed as Matt and his friends confront a terrifying, ethereal foe.

Ages 9-12 | Publisher: All Points Press, LLC | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0985082765

PURCHASE LINK
Amazon

OFFICIAL LINKS
https://edwardtorba.com

My Review

Matt Monroe and The Haunted House

Written by Edward Torba

This book is the second in the middle-grade adventure series featuring the Monroe boys and their select group of friends known as The Brotherhood. Matt and his older brother, Josh, live in the town of Kingston located in rural Pennsylvania. In Book One of the series, the boys discover wooden tablets and a mysterious ring in the attic of the family home. Together with their five friends who all have special talents, they move through a portal to a magical dimension, Paragon. Here they battle the evil one, Damien. During the battle, Josh is wounded by a dragon and still suffers from the injury.

Book Two opens with Matt discovering two children, Annabelle and Nathaniel, dressed in early twentieth century clothing, who a hiding from their evil stepfather. Matt has been experiencing strange dreams and is determined to save these children. At school, there are some curious new additions to the faculty. As the story evolves, new friends are introduced, each of which possesses a strange power. Rico Steele, the school bully, plagues and conspires against Matt and the Brotherhood. The parents of the children also have connections to Paragon.

The story contains magic, tarot readings, fantasy, and time travel as well as the usual conflicts of peer and student relationships. When Halloween arrives, they must all meet at the Payne house once again to confront the evil forces of Paragon. Will the Monroe family and their friends be able to overcome them?

There are many different story elements in this adventure that will appeal to a wide variety of preteen and teen readers. Many twists and turns keep the plot exciting and keep the reader in suspense. For me, the only con was it took a while to get up to speed on the characters because I did not read Book One.

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HANDY FOR HALLOWEEN

23 HALLOWEEN CRAFTS for KIDS: Halloween Costume Ideas and Spooky Décor

Compiled by Prime Publishing Décor

 

This book is an interesting read that can be shared by the whole family. Halloween costumes have become ridiculously expensive. There are some good ideas here for easy to make costumes from materials found around the house. Skeletons, monsters, knights, fairies, and superheroes are featured. Directions are included for luminaries, wreaths, pinecone owls and spooky spider webs. Monster snot is a meringue dessert that is sure to please.
Younger children can help with the simpler crafts and older children can get involved with paper mache, cutting and gluing materials. What a fun way for a family to share a chilly, Fall weekend afternoon or evening!
Recommended for siblings and families to share or a classroom project.

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SCAREDY CAT

A VERY SCARY PUMPKIN

Written by Jeff Minich

Illustrated by Renee Garcia

Book Three in the Nuggies series featuring Chomper and Coco, who are dog and cat friends. Moving day is here, but when the family arrives at their new home, it turns out to be an old, scary hours that is haunted by a pumpkin. The pumpkin does not want the new owners, so she tries mightily to scare them all away. She even locks daddy out of the house, while she imprisons Coco and Chomper.

One night Chomper and Coco discover the true identity of the ghost and realize she is not scary, but really very lonely. How will the three resolve their issues? Will the family be able to settle peacefully in their new home?

This picture book is well laid out and attractively illustrated. I would caution reading it as a bedtime story for children who have nightmares, but it makes a good Halloween read aloud or book for classroom discussion. Especially recommended for children in the three to six age bracket.

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