Book Blast: "Mice + Spiders + Webs ... Oh My!"

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the picture book "Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My!" by Sherrill S. Cannon.

Title: Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My! | Author: Sherrill S. Cannon | Illustrator: Kalpart | Publication Date: March 19, 2015 | Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC | Pages: 30 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: Is your child a good listener? Rosemary is a little girl who is worried about returning to school after her teacher warns the class that they would soon have some mice, spiders, and webs in the classroom. Could Rosemary have misunderstood something? How can mice and spiders and webs belong at school? Full of "Computer Speak," this story introduces young readers to basic computer terms in a delightful way! See if your child can discover the mystery of the misunderstood words, and learn about the fun of computers with Rosemary.

Please note that 50% of the cost of Sherrill Cannon's books go to the following two organizations: http://sbpra.com/curejm and http://sbpra.com/imbullyfree. Here are Ms. Cannon's other books:

My Fingerpaint Masterpiece deals with perspective, perception and self-esteem as a child fingerpaints artwork in class, and later discovers it as part of the town’s Art Contest.       Manner-Man is a Superhero who helps children cope with bullies, and teaches them how to look within themselves for their own superhero.       Gimme-Jimmy is about how a bully learns to share. His “New Polite Rule” helps him learn to make friends.       The Magic Word helps Elisabeth learn the magic word “please”, and to use it every day. Please and Thank you are words that everyone needs to use!       Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, helps parents cope with whining, disguised as a fun story. Peter is a rabbit who whines all the time, and might have to join the Whimper-Whineys.       Santa’s Birthday Gift includes Santa in the Christmas story. (After reading a story of the nativity to her granddaughter, she was asked “But where’s Santa?”)      

The Buzz About the Book

"Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My! features a wonderful rhyming tale with an important underlying message about "being a good listener". As an added bonus, the book also features bright and kid-friendly illustrations with cameo appearances of characters and covers from previous books. I highly recommend this (and other books by Sherrill S. Cannon) for children ages 4 to 8 years." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"I adored this fun story and know it will become a fast favorite among readers." ~ Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks

"This book is educational, while entertaining too, and is a great teaching tool on being a good Listener." ~ Lu Ann, Rockin' Book Reviews

"This is a very fun book for both children and adults. It carries an important message, but at the same time introduces computer terminology that perhaps not every child will be familiar with." ~ Crsytal @ Castle View Academy

 

About the Author: Sherrill S. Cannon

Sherrill S. Cannon is a former teacher and a grandmother of ten, who is also an Award-Winning Best-Selling Author! Her multi-cultural books have received thirty-six 2011-15 National and International awards. Most of her books try to teach something, like good manners and consideration for others. All of her books are part of two fundraisers, one to help find a cure for Juvenile Myositis, an incurable children's disease at http://sbpra.com/curejm/ and another for the anti-bullying campaign at imbullyfree.org at http://sbpra.com/imbullyfree 50% of the cost of her books on these sites will go directly to each organization! Sherrill is also the author of seven published and internationally performed plays for elementary school children, She is a resident of New Hope, PA and travels with her husband of 55 years throughout North America in their RV, sharing her books along the way!

Website * SBPRA Website * CureJM Website

Google+ * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest * Goodreads

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 9, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Sherrill S. Cannon and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: The Chronicles of the Stone

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade adventure series "The Chronicles of the Stone" by Fiona Ingram.

Book 2 "The Search for the Stone of Excalibur" is available for FREE from Amazon (e-copy) between November 18 to 20, 2015.

 

About the Books

Book 1: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Title: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Author: Fiona Ingram

Publication Date: December 30, 2008

Publisher: iUniverse

Pages: 272

Recommended Age: 10+

Amazon (U.S. Print) * Amazon (U.S. Kindle)

Book Depository * Barnes & Noble

 

Summary: In this exciting Middle Grade adventure set in Egypt, a 5000-year-old mystery comes to life. A scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out!

Awards:

• Finalist Children's Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
• Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
• Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards
• Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
• Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
• Finalist Children's Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
• Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
• Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
• Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children's Literary Classics Awards
• 2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards
• Winner Gold medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards

   

 

Book 2: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

Title: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 2) Author: Fiona Ingram Publication Date: October 6, 2014 Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing Pages: 376 Recommended Ages: 10+

GRAB A COPY FOR FREE FROM AMAZON - Nov 18 to 20, 2015

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Goodreads

  Summary: A modern-day adventure as our protagonists search for Excalibur and the treasures it holds! Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur. However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them? Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped. Awards:

• 2015 Children’s Literary Classics Award Seal of Approval and finalist
• 2015 Children’s Literary Classic Silver Medal (Pre-teen & Tween)

 

The Buzz About "The Chronicles of the Stone"

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab:

"Wow! That was an action-packed story! I loved how Ms. Ingram just dove right into the story. From the time that Adam is given the scarab to the time that Adam and Justin return home, there is non-stop action. Through Ms. Ingram’s fantastic writing skills, I was able to visualize all of the events as they were occurring. I can totally see the story in this book transformed into a screenplay for the big screen. I think it’s a fabulous story filled with mystery, intrigue, and action." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Author Fiona Ingram mixes history and legends in this fast action adventure that keeps you reading till the very end. The characters are cleverly written. Young readers can easily step into the shoes of these two cousins and experienced this exciting adventure that takes you into the heart of Egypt. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery..." ~ 5-Star review from Coffee Ramblings "Billy", Amazon (US)

"This story ROCKED! It was exciting, action-filled, adventurous and history filled book! It pretty much had everything me (as a boy) would want in a book - danger, mystery, legends, exciting setting, myths and much more. The story was written really well and it kept me reading page after page. I really liked the simple pencil illustrations in the book. I liked the characters of Justin and Adam. They were both nice, smart and brave. The book has no bad language or graphic violence in it..." ~ Tween Review, Erik @ This Kid Reviews Books

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur:

"The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is an enthralling sequel to The Secret of the Sacred Scarab and features strong character development; an exciting, action-filled adventure; an unpredictable plot featuring many twists and turns; and many interesting and educational historical facts seeking to clarify Arthurian legend and folklore." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Character development is the key to the story, and the dialogue is snappy... If there are young reluctant readers in your family, this might just be the kick they need to get over that hump. (5 Stars)" ~ Lit Amri, Readers Favorite

"Fiona Ingram has once again taken myth and legend and blended it into an exciting page turner. The mystery will keep the reader on the edge of their seats as they follow the cousins in their search for clues in old books and on the grounds of a Scottish castle. The story is well told and is suitable for tweens and up. (5 stars)" ~ K. Springs, Amazon

 

About the Author: Fiona Ingram

Fiona Ingram is the author of the middle grade adventure series The Chronicles of the Stone, which includes the multi award winning The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, and soon to be published The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

     

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: December 2, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Fiona Ingram and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Frankie Dupont and the Lemon Festival Fiasco

Frankie Dupont, boy detective extraordinaire (aged 10 and 3/4) is back in his second adventure, accompanied by his faithful ex-sniffer hound Sherlock (the subject of a class ‘show and tell’) and his cousin Kat. In this adventure, the mystery starts off when he attends a combined class at school, taken by Mr. Mulberry (Mr. M) and assisted by Miss Chestnut. Miss Chestnut has very kindly brought along a fresh baked pie with zesty lemon filling. It smells utterly delicious. Mr. M is invited to taste first, but the results are horrendous, with Mr. M being taken terribly ill after just one mouthful, and Sherlock acting very strange after sniffing the pie, which ended up all over the floor. Once Frankie is told to take Sherlock home, he grabs the opportunity to test some of the pie filling, which landed on Sherlock’s coat, using his special catalysing agent from his evidence sampler kit. The results are very scary. Who has tried to poison Mr. Mulberry? Was it Miss Chestnut because she wanted to be in charge and not just assist? How will Frankie question a suspect who is a teacher?

Frankie hasn’t got time to do much more because the class goes off to Enderby Manor to help pick lemons for the lemon festival the next day. Enderby Manor has a slightly sinister past and that’s the reason Frankie feels a bit uneasy. The problem with sinister pasts is that some bits of it might come back… Given that several characters from Frankie’s first adventure are still resident at Enderby Manor, Frankie thinks his gut instincts are right. Even more so since Miss Mercure, previously the hotel receptionist but now occupying a higher position, is there, as snarky as ever, and has taken charge. Even more worrying is the fact that once the lemons are picked for the festival, no one is allowed back into the orchard. There’s something very strange going on to do with the past ownership of Enderby Manor and Frankie is determined to find out what it is!

Frankie is an endearing character and will truly win young fans who are interested in mysteries, detective work, gadgets, and a bit of science thrown in. And yes, the Fingerprint Diagnostic Device makes another appearance! Readers who began with Book One: Frankie Dupont and the Mystery at Enderby Manor will love seeing familiar faces from Frankie’s first mystery such as chef Simon Le Mont with sous-chef parrot Ingrid (who looks just like her predecessor Igor and with the same kind of vocabulary!) and of course stalwart garden gnome Gerome who does his bit as well. The pace is fast, the action is non stop, and the clues come thick and fast as Frankie and Kat have to race against time to save Enderby Manor from unscrupulous developers.

I enjoyed the age appropriate language and style, which make Frankie and his friends really believable. Kids are encouraged to think for themselves and to work things out, based on information they find. I also enjoyed Frankie’s Mum who is quite a character, albeit in brief cameos. This is such a fun series that gets kids involved in both adventure and science, making facts fun and entertaining. Once again the black and white illustrations add to the mayhem and help create the scenes for budding young detectives. New characters move the series forward for more adventures but I’d advise young readers to start with Book One to really help cement the back history of the series and add to an enjoyable read.

Book Blast: Book Elves Anthology Vol. 2

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the second volume of the "BookElves Anthology" featuring some of your favorite middle grade authors. Now available - just in time for the holiday season!

 

About the Book

Title: BookElves Anthology, Volume 2 | Authors: Jemima Pett, Cheryl Carpinello, Rebecca M. Douglass, Wendy Leighton-Porter, S.W. Lothian, Annaliese Matheron, Ben Zackheim | Publication Date: November 12, 2015 | Publisher: Princelings Publications | Pages: 176 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 14 Summary: Seven authors, seven new tales to twang your heartstrings as you snuggle up cosy and warm during the long winter nights. Will the Christmas fairy be ready to grant your wishes? Will Shirley Link solve all the clues to her presents? Will a keen inventor steal the heart of a lady? Will another lady have her life saved by a horse? And will Santa's reindeer, a lost and forlorn hero, and a boy under the spell of a wicked witch find their way home when they are left out in the cold at midwinter? Find out in this second anthology from the MG BookElves, a selection that older children will love, and adults will enjoy reading to younger children.

• Shirley Link's friends help her rediscover the joy of Christmas by setting her musical puzzles to solve - and with her detective skills, maybe she's the only one who can! Ben Zackheim (Shirley Link Detective Series, the Camelot Kids)
• Max the talking Tonkinese cat has an unpleasant surprise when he finds himself trapped in the attic one night and, while pondering his escape, discovers that he’s not alone. Help comes from a rather unexpected quarter … and the Twelve Days of Christmas will never seem quite the same again! Wendy Leighton-Porter (The Shadows from the Past series)
• Not only does Melvin Finklestein plan to impress his peers with his brilliant cracker at the Beverly Hills College of Gifted Inventors Xmas Reunion Spectacular, he’s determined to win the heart of the wonderful Trixie Tragik. What could possibly go wrong? S W Lothian (The Quest series, Time Square series)
• If you found a lost reindeer in the woods, could you hide him away long enough for him regain his ability to fly? Find out who else Dougall meets when he befriends Reinhardt the reindeer. Jemima Pett (The Princelings of the East series)
• Halitor can't find the people who need his help on the long night of Midwinter. But they find him, and there may be some holiday magic in the air. Rebecca M Douglass (The Ninja Librarian series, Halitor the Hero)
• Once this warhorse carried a mighty king; now he carries a cargo more precious - the young girl destined to be his queen. Cheryl Carpinello (Young Knights of King Arthur series, Young Guinevere)
• The Witch War is over, but the scars of their spells still cause havoc in Werifesteria, even King Aldridge is affected. When Jacob’s father is taken by the witch of The Dark Wood he and the king set out on a quest to return him. A fun fairy-tale adventure by Annaliese Matheron (Ninja Nan series)

  Each tale weaves its own seasonal magic. Each magician has already warmed the hearts of thousands of young readers with their stories. Enjoy these frantic races to meet the Christmas deadline while you curl up in your favourite reading spot this winter.

Amazon (Print) * Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (UK)

Smashwords * iTunes * B&N * Kobo * Goodreads

 

About the Authors:

Cheryl Carpinello is a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, her profession introduced her to writings and authors from times long past. Through her studies and teaching, she fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, she hopes to inspire young readers to read more through her Quest Books set in these worlds. Website: http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com     Rebecca M. Douglass has been reading and writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She has a special fondness for fantasy thanks to childhood visits to Narnia and Middle Earth. Ms. Douglass uses her word-processor near San Francisco, CA, where she lives with her husband and two teenage sons, while her imagination runs where it will, in this world and out. She is the author of the beloved Ninja Librarian books, as well as a picture book for outdoor families, a mystery for the parents, and of course the middle-grade fantasy, Halitor the Hero. Website: http://ninjalibrarian.com   Wendy Leighton-Porter devotes her time to writing books for children after 20 years of teaching French, Latin and Classical studies. Shadows from the Past is a series of time-travel adventure stories, featuring three children and a rather special Tonkinese cat. She lives in France and Abu Dhabi, and is currently working on the ninth book in the series, The Shadow of the Tudor Rose. Website: http://www.wendy-leighton-porter.com   S.W. Lothian is the creator of edge-of-your-seat time-travel adventures that provide thrills for all ages. From his sun-drenched home in Australia he pens exciting books that launch readers into epic settings filled with amazing action. Great characters, mystery, and humour make a broth of irresistible tales. Through recent personal experience, S.W. has become a passionate advocate of raising awareness of Childhood Cancer. Improved awareness leads to increased research, which hopefully will lead to a cure. Website: http://swlothian.com   Unlike many authors Annaliese Matheron never knew what she wanted to be. She wanted to do a million and one different things – be an ice-skater, or an archaeologist, or an astrophysicist, or a theatre director – luckily she realised that by being an author she could be all these things and more. Annaliese now spends her time making stuff up and writing it down. Her humorous adventure story Ninja Nan and Sidekick Grandad was a finalist in the 2013 People’s Book Prize. Website: http://annaliesematheron.com   Jemima Pett lives in a three-bedroom red-brick castle surrounded by water, along with her guinea pigs, the inspiration for brain-twisting The Princelings of the East. She writes their adventures as fast as she can, but sometimes writes science fiction adventures about asteroid miners and their friends instead. She lives in Norfolk, writes in UK English and occasionally in US English or double Dutch. Website: http://jemimapett.com     Ben Zackheim started writing Shirley Link in 2011 and hasn't stopped since. He's up to book five in the series, which will be titled Shirley Link & The Party Poopers. He lives in Massachusetts, at 42.5098° N, 72.6995° W, surrounded by the Forbidden Forest, with his wife and son. Website: http://benzackheim.com      

Follow the MG BookElves on Facebook: http://facebook.com/mgbookelves and elsewhere using #MGBookElves.

Please also give your support to the other MG BookElves not included in this year's Anthology: * Melanie Abed * Julie Anne Grasso * Paul Hewlett * Fiona Ingram * M G King * S. Smith

 

Goodreads Giveaway

Prize: 2 copies of the "BookElves Anthology, Volume 2", the paperback edition, worldwide. Open: Worldwide Giveaway Ends: Nov 26 2015

Goodreads Book Giveaway

BookElves Anthology Volume 2

by Jemima Pett

Giveaway ends November 26, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 26, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors of the BookElves Anthology, Volume 2 and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: The Ifs

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade book series "The Ifs" by J.D. Pooker (November 12 to 14, 2015).

 

About the Books

Title: The Ifs | Author: J.D. Pooker | Illustrator: Frank Walls | Publication Date: April 22, 2013 | Publisher: Little Devil Books | Pages: 146 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12 Summary: Landon and Broden are brothers. And some days they DO NOT get along very well. They spend most of their days fighting, arguing and plotting ways to get revenge on each other. Then, strange things start happening…

Noises in their room that are not the cat.

Homework is mysteriously finished.

A broken shoelace repairs all by itself.

Clothes are put in the hamper on their own.

The brothers want to share their weird experiences, but they don’t know if they can trust each other. But when they find out who’s behind all the strange things around the house, they are called to battle. Battle? Whoa! Right there in the forest by their house! A battle with the most unusual creatures and wildest of beasts. And when the battle turns more dangerous than they imagined, Landon and Broden must face their fears, put their grudges aside and learn how to work together.  

Title: The Ifs Return | Author: J.D. Pooker | Illustrator: Frank Walls | Publication Date: May 17, 2015 | Publisher: Little Devil Books | Pages: 131 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12 Summary: “Gage escaped.” These are the worst words Broden could hear from his big brother Landon—just one day after they battled alongside Slade’s Ifs and his army of forest beasts. Sure, the brothers had learned to work together to fight and capture the evil If Gage. But, now, Slade has informed them that Gage has escaped! Fear and distrust have entered the boys’ world. Why should they help Slade if he can’t keep control of his prisoners? Will they be able to fight against a familiar foe? Plus, Landon has more news… “Gage has magic.” What kind of magic? Will he use it against them? As the boys are drawn into yet more adventure with the Ifs, they find out just how powerful, and dangerous, Gage’s magic can be.  

The Buzz About the Books

CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPTS OF REVIEWS FROM

"THE IFS" BOOK REVIEW BLITZ

The Ifs: "A good and exciting read for a middle school age child. I like the message this story projected, brothers no matter what!" ~ 1977 Books

The Ifs: "I am in love with this book!. Action packed, adventurous and thrilling!" ~ Naznin Azeez

The Ifs: "This book is packed full of mystery, adventure, action and some brotherly love. It’s a fun read and will be enjoyed by both girls and boys." ~ Stitch Says

CLICK HERE TO READ EXCERPTS OF REVIEWS FROM

"THE IFS RETURN" BOOK REVIEW BLITZ

The Ifs Return: "This book is very exciting.Children and up would absolutely love this book. I’m ready for book 3!" ~ Jane Ritz

The Ifs Return: "There is a lot of quick paced action which children enjoy. The characters are great and ones your kids can relate to as well. I recommend that you check out The Ifs books if your kids enjoy a good adventure." ~ Christy’s Cozy Corners

The Ifs Return: "Summed up, this is a fun adventure for kids ages 8+ which will send their fantasy on a wild ride and make the search for a hidden tiny fold adventure of their own." ~ Bookworm for Kids

 

About the Author: J.D. Pooker

J.D. POOKER lives in wonderful Wyoming with her husband and two sons, along with a black lab named Ryder and a sweet kitty named Alia. J.D. likes to spend time with her family and go camping, fishing, and snowmobiling. Her sons, Landon and Broden, were the inspiration for The Ifs and The Ifs Return. The brothers enjoy camping, fishing, and snowmobiling with their parents. They also enjoy wrestling, playing with their Wii, their toy guns and bows and arrows, and their pets. J.D. can’t wait until her boys get older. She is sure they will have many fabulous adventures.

Website

   

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 25, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by J.D. Pooker and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: The Knights before Christmas

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the newly released picture book, "The Knights Before Christmas" by Joan Holub (November 6 to 8, 2015).

About the Book

Title: The Knights Before Christmas | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Scott Magoon | Publication Date: September 8, 2015 | Publisher: Macmillan / Henry Holt | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 4 to 8

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Goodreads | Indiebound | iBook | Kobo

Book Description:

'Twas December 24th, and three brave knights were just settling in for the night when out on the drawbridge, there arose such a clatter! The knights try everything to get rid of this unknown invader (Santa Claus!), a red and white knight with a fleet of dragons . . .

But nothing would stop their white-whiskered foe. No matter their efforts, he just would not go!

This parody of Clement Clarke Moore's well-known poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is kid-friendly, clever, and just plain silly. Sure to become a holiday classic of a different kind!  

Sneak Peek

 

The Buzz About the Book

“There's an excellent interplay between the amusing illustrations and the polished text, with lots of clever jokes for readers to discover in the art. These knights know how to keep the castle safe and the readers entertained”~ Kirkus Reviews

“A royal romp of holiday pratfalls and punnery. Yule love it!” ~ Tom Lichtenheld, bestselling illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

“A royal delight of a book! Sure to become a favorite holiday read-aloud in every household throughout the land!” ~ Judy Schachner, creator of the bestselling Skippyjon Jones

"A great premise...Magoon's illustrations are vibrant and fun...!" ~ Publishers Weekly

"This rousing, ridiculous medieval “Night Before Christmas” parody jingles with castle- and holiday wordplay. Cheeky digital illustrations brim with good cheer." ~ Horn Book

 

About the Author: Joan Holub

Joan Holub is the author of 140+ books for children including the acclaimed picture books Little Red Writing, The Knights Before Christmas, and Mighty Dads, a New York Times bestseller. Joan co-authors (with Suzanne Williams) three series: Goddess Girls (ages 8-12, Greek mythology with a middle school twist), Grimmtastic Girls (for ages 8-12, fairy tale adventure with a middle school twist), and Heroes in Training (ages 6-11, Greek mythology adventure chapter books). Watch for her upcoming chapter book, What Was Woodstock?, and her board book, This Little President, both available in early 2016!  

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 19, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: The Story Tellers

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the newly released middle grade book, "The Storytellers" by Laurisa White Reyes (November 5 to 7, 2015).

 

About the Book

Title: The Storytellers | Author: Laurisa White Reyes | Publication Date: October , 2015 | Publisher: Skyrocket Press | Pages: 234 | Recommended Ages: 10 to 14 Summary: 12-year-old Elena Barrios' father has AIDS, a new disease in 1991 with a 100% fatality rate. Rather than face certain ridicule and ostracism, Elena tells her friends anything but the truth, fabricating stories about her father being a writer and researcher. But the reality is that Elena resents her father’s illness and can’t face the fact that he is dying. When she is befriended by a woman named Ang who tells stories about her own father, Elena is transported into these stories, allowing her to experience them first hand. With Ang's help, Elena gains the courage to stand up to the bully at her school, mend her relationship with her father, and finally say goodbye.

Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Print) * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

 

Excerpt

Elena stood at the street corner, the toes of her sneakers timidly peeking out over the curb. Waves of heat rose from the asphalt, warping the air like water ripples. She took off her glasses and wiped them with a tissue. Then she put them back on. No, it wasn’t her glasses. The air really did seem to move. Elena had never seen that before, not in Idaho where October mornings were cool and crisp. But now the term ‘Sunny California’ made sense to her. It was as hot as a July afternoon back home. She shifted her backpack from one shoulder to the other. Would the light ever turn red, she wondered? This neighborhood was nothing at all like Idaho, everything concrete and brick, the only patch of earth being a vacant lot squeezed in between apartment complexes. And the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Lake Avenue seemed as wide as the Grand Canyon, with cars zooming past in all directions. Elena wanted to cover her ears and run all the way back to the farm where she had spent her entire life until now, but unfortunately that was something she just could not do. Everywhere Elena looked, there was movement. Across the street in front of a café, a man wearing a white apron around his waist held up a large square of red and white checked fabric. He snapped it in the air before letting it glide down onto a round table. At a florist shop next to the café, a woman arranged bundles of roses and lilies in long, black canisters. Across the street on the opposite corner, a large man with a thick brown mustache stiffly swept the sidewalk in front of a drugstore. And there were people everywhere, men in business suits, women in high heels or active wear, kids with backpacks—everyone walking or jogging or even running. Elena suddenly missed Idaho more than ever. “Off to school, are you?” Elena started. Was someone speaking to her? She glanced around. On the steps of the building next door to Elena’s sat an old woman with skin the darkest shade of brown Elena had ever seen. She wore a flowered bandana tied around her head, and in her hands a strand of yellow yarn twitched between two long, metal needles. Elena wondered what she was making. Mittens? A sweater? No, not in this heat, she thought. The woman looked up from her knitting and spoke again, a little louder than before. Her accent sounded slanted and round, like people who came from the South. “I said are you headin’ off to school?” Elena allowed herself a brief glance in the woman’s direction but then quickly looked back to the street. This was the city after all, and Papi had warned her about strangers. The light turned red and the flow of cars stopped, their engines grumbling and growling like animals pulling against invisible leashes. Elena reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a brown plastic tube the length of her palm. She held the inhaler to her lips and pressed the button on the bottom of the canister. A cool mist filled her lungs. She felt a little better now, but the cars still snarled at her, and the street loomed in front of her like a black void that could swallow her whole. Elena knew she should cross. She would be late to school if she didn’t. There was nothing epic about it, really. She just had to take one step after another. But the longer she waited the harder it was to pry her feet from the curb. “What’cha scared of?” said the woman. Elena felt her staring at the back of her head. “Cars don’t bite, y’know. The way you jus’ standin’ there, you’d think they was a pack of alligators.” The woman was talking to her, but why? What could she possibly want? Elena stiffened. She had to get to school. It was her first day, after all. As she willed herself to step off the curb, she tried to picture her farm and the way the fading daylight cast lacy shadows across the barley fields. She took a deep breath and lifted her foot. Suddenly, the street rippled. Elena leapt back with a start. Scrunching her eyebrows, she peered curiously at the street, which swelled and sloshed like water in a bucket. Then the color of it shifted from black to a sickly shade of green. Elena looked up at the city’s squat concrete buildings with their sharp, straight edges. She watched with astonishment as her new neighborhood, section by section, began to transform—the café, the florist shop, even the apartment buildings all melted into mud, street lamps sprouted leaves and became trees, and where the cars had been appeared the ridged backs of alligators half submerged beneath the murky water. Soon the entire city had vanished, replaced with a hot, humid swamp that smelled of earth and damp moss. Elena listened to the sound of croaking frogs and swatted at a mosquito buzzing in her ear. For a single moment, she forgot about the cars, and the city, and school, and just stared. She was too amazed at her new surroundings to be afraid. Then, curiosity getting the better of her, she dipped the toe of her left sneaker into the water. All of a sudden, a monstrous gray gator sprang up like a giant mousetrap and snapped its tooth-filled jaws, missing her by inches. Elena threw her arms in front of her face and screamed. The frog sounds and the mossy smell vanished, and the all too familiar stench of exhaust fumes filled her nose. Elena lowered her arms. She was back on the corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard, the woman’s knitting needles clicking away. The signal turned green, and the cars at the intersection lurched forward. Elena turned and ran as fast as she could up the front steps to her complex. Then she rushed inside, down the hall to her apartment, and slammed the door shut behind her.  

About the Author: Laurisa White Reyes

Laurisa White Reyes is the author of The Celestine Chronicles and The Crystal Keeper series. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Middle Shelf Magazine, a digital publication about books for middle grade readers.

Author Website * Author Blog

Facebook * Middle Shelf Magazine

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or $50 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 18, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Laurisa White Reyes and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the picture book "Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence" by the mother-son writing team of Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn (November 3 to 5, 2015).

 

About the Book

Title: Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence | Authors: Lisa Cohn & Michael Cohn | Publication Date: September 10, 2013 | Publisher: Canines And Kids Publishing | Pages: 34 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Summary: "Bash and Lucy," whose authors were featured on the "Today Show," is a Mom's Choice Silver Award Winner, and Finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards. In this contemporary boy-and-dog tale, talkative Bash has a big problem in soccer: His beloved dog, Lucy, is a pro at nabbing the ball, but sometimes at the wrong moment. Coach wants to ban Lucy from soccer practice and games, separating Bash from a companion who boosts his confidence in sports--and life. In this picture book for kids age 4-8, Bash and friends help Coach understand that with Lucy by their side, they feel more confident, laugh more often, and are comforted when they make mistakes. Award-winning author Lisa Cohn and her 5-year-old son (now 7), Michael, wrote the book and started "Michael's Dog Blog" to help overcome their grief over the sudden death of their dog, Lucy. Watch them on the Today Show here: http://www.today.com/video/today/53985936#53985936

Amazon (Print) * Audible

 

The Buzz About the Book

“Bash and Lucy,” an endearing story about a boy and his soccer-loving dog, is a book that kids (and the adults who read it to them) will enjoy. Any kid who plays soccer, any parent who’s watched or coached soccer, and anyone who’s loved a dog will find something to love about this book! ~ Susan Moshofsky, teacher, parent, and former soccer mom

"Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence" is a wonderful story that teaches kids and their families about the important relationships we can have with dogs and illustrates beautifully how there can be more than one way to do something...and that the best way isn't always the obvious way! It promotes relationships above results and creative thinking above the status quo. A great read for any dog lovers! ~ Phoebe Spier, Musician and Child/Youth Development Professional

In this charming and humorous tale about a boy and his dog, the authors cleverly show us, through the eyes of the boy and his dog, the beautiful life lessons learned about friendship, love and sportsmanship. Lucy-dog embodies the spirit of teamwork as she builds confidence in a boys’ soccer team and encourages them to work together without saying a word! Age-old values such as respect, love and non-violence punctuate the pages. Young or old, one cannot help but smile at the antics of Lucy and her teammates. Bravo! ~ Laura Stipkala, teacher and parent

Such a cute book…awesome illustrations, too. I really like the idea of using the dog to help teach the concept of teamwork, the importance of confidence, and how the dog represented to the boys these ideas. I also enjoyed the flow of the book…It’s a nice story that can teach some great lessons to kids in sports. ~ Kirk Mango, National Champion, Hall of Famer, & author of “Becoming a True Champion”

“Bash & Lucy Fetch Confidence” is a winning picture book that teaches children about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship while also revealing the close bond between children and their beloved pets..a. great choice for kids age 4-8. ~ Erin MacLellan, author and parent

"Bash and Lucy" drives home a valuable lesson -- kids will have the best opportunity to thrive in sports and life if their adult role models provide a comfortable environment that engenders confidence. I highly recommend including this book in your family's bedtime collection." ~ Jack Malley, youth sports coach and author

 

About the Authors: Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn

Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, age 7, are co-authors of the "Bash and Lucy" book and audiobook series. They have appeared on the Today Show, on SiriusXM Radio, in Disney's Babble, in The Oregonian and other media. Their audiobooks feature the voices of Michael and friends, age 7-10. Lisa and Michael's mission is to share their love of books and dogs. They recently launched www.RovingReaderLeaders.com, which features YouTube book reviews by kids, KidLit author interviews by children, and a kids' reading club. You can also visit them at www.BashAndLucy.com.

YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 16, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Lisa Cohn and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Through the Shimmer of Time

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade time-travel thriller "Through the Shimmer of Time" by Jennifer Jensen (November 2 to 4, 2015). Grab an e-copy from Amazon for only 99 cents, November 2 to 4 and for $1.99, November 6 and 7, 2015 (regular price $3.99).

About the Book

Title: Through the Shimmer of Time | Authors: Jennifer Jensen | Publication Date: July 30, 2014

Publisher: Pangur Bán Books | Pages: 216 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12

Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description: A little curiosity never hurt anyone, right? When Jim ditches his little sister to search for a haunted cabin, he gets time-traveled nearly 200 years into the past - right into the middle of a swindler's cover-up. The criminals have murder on their minds now, but Jim is trapped in time. Hannah's life of family and farm chores is turned upside down when a boy in strange clothes suddenly appears in the old trapper's cabin. Should she believe his wild tale? And how much will she risk to lay a friend's ghost to rest? Jim and Hannah struggle to unmask a thief and solve a murder, but it will take all their courage and wits, plus the rocket motors in Jim's pocket, just to stay alive. If you love time-travel, mysteries and the olden days, start reading THROUGH THE SHIMMER OF TIME now.  

The Buzz About the Book

"40 years old and my child inside me could not put it down. This unique writing definately [sic] takes me back to some great stories I have read in my youth. I highly recommend this for anyone that loves time travel." ~ 5 Star Review, CRCurtis, Amazon

"The characters and the story are very engaging, and realistic. By the time I was halfway through it, I was a totally believing in time travel! Bravo, Ms. Jensen. Keep up the good work!" ~ 5 Star Review, Kassandra L., Goodreads

"This story made me feel like a kid again. I loved mysteries as a child, and even as an adult I gobbled this one up. It's middle-grade, and I think it's perfect for that age group. There's mystery, excitement, a hint of danger, and an annoying little sister (not really, but he thinks she is and don't ALL siblings think that?). It's real life, with time travel twists. Love it. If your child likes mysteries and time adventures, they'll love it." ~ 5 Star Review, Melinda V., Goodreads

 

About the Author: Jennifer Jensen

Jennifer Jensen is an award-winning writer who wouldn’t be without her computer or smart phone, but still dreams of living in the olden days. Until someone invents a working time machine, she lives in Indiana and makes do with plenty of imagination, loads of books and as much Dr. Who as the BBC will produce. She’s a longtime member of SCBWI and has received two Indiana Arts Commission grants for her fiction. Through the Shimmer of Time was her first novel. The sequel, RESCUE Through the Shimmer of Time, will be available for pre-order soon.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 15, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Jennifer Jensen and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway