Mama, I Got A Dollar & If Shapes Could Talk by Rella B. #giveaway #kidfinances #kidlit #spotlight

 

 

A bite sized introduction to finances that will begin a dialogue about money with your little ones.

 Join the adventure of learning valuable money lessons from family members. With delightful storytelling and playful illustrations, it's a must-have for teaching financial basics to kids in an enjoyable way. Get ready for a delightful journey into the world of money!"

**Only .99cents!**

Amazon *  Goodreads

A gentle reminder that even though our lives are all different there are things we can appreciate and be thankful for.

 Join young readers on a delightful journey into the world of shapes and families. In this heartwarming tale, Rhombus learns the importance of family, love, and gratitude. With engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, this book teaches kids about acceptance and the joy of being unique. Order now to share this valuable lesson with your child and celebrate the beauty of love and diversity in families!"

**Only .99cents!**

Amazon * 

Becoming Rella B was a journey from chasing adulthood's conventional goals to embracing my passion for children's education. With backgrounds in education, business, and tech, I've come full circle, blending my love for writing and self-development.

My books consist of very relatable characters and storylines; ranging from being different at school, peer pressure or learning the fundamentals of money. I pride myself on creating books that will foster conversations within families. Most of my books are accompanied by coloring pages, stickers, bookmarks, and a workbook that coincides with the topic. I hope to provide a vast amount of educational value and endless smiles within the 'Rella B Books' community.

My mission? To inspire self-love, self-confidence, and self-expression in the next generation. 'Rella B' is here to encourage kids to think outside the box and relish their youth. I want to help them enjoy being little and explore the world through learning and play! 

Website 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

A Swag Bag of Rella B merch and signed children's books,

$20 Amazon giftcard 

– 1 winner each! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras by James Rice #review #childrensbooks #holidays

Summary:

Gaston the green-nosed alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on a tour of Mardi Gras.

My review:

This book is simply what it is, a review of what Mardi Gras is and is not. It seems odd to me to have a book on Mardi Gras to begin with as it is really an adult ideal. However, children do live in New Orleans and experience the many parades and balls as do the adults, thus the reason I wanted to read a children's version.

I thought when I started reading that this (again children's book) would be a dumb-downed book explaining the holiday. The cover version I read has a cartoonish alligator on it. In the book, it makes him to look like any other revelers. What really happened was a larger detailed version, complete with a list of the krews, what they do, and the parades they host.

Overall, though, it is the illustrations that make this book. The story itself is so-so. It is also why I can only throw out a 3-star review to the crowd.

~Michelle
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. My review here is 100% my own opinion and may differ from yours.

Maxwell by Jeremy C. Gredone #spotlight #childrensbooks #kidlit

 

Children's Book

Date Published: October 5, 2021

Publisher: Mascot Books

Maxwell is a unique children's book that celebrates the power of imagination and dreams. It’s a story about transcendence, and the extraordinary blossoming out of the ordinary. It is about the timeless and ever-expanding bond between parent and child, and the priceless lessons of love they hold for each other. While Maxwell is primarily created for children, parents will be delighted at the extras designed with them in mind. Truly something for all ages to enjoy!

- 40-page children’s book with vibrant and layered illustrations that will encourage many a reading to discover all the hidden magic within.

- Children will become part of this interactive story themselves as they are invited to take part in the “imaginative process,” creating new roles and adventures for “The Amazing Maxwell!”

- Includes a separately bound 28-page “True Story of Maxwell + Time Capsule” attached in back pocket of the book–Read the true story of Maxwell (a wild spider) as the author experienced it AND take part in your very own “Time Capsule” between you and your children–the making of a keepsake that can be handed down for generations!

Purchase Link

Amazon

 

A Child Called You by JD Wise #review #giveaway #picturebook

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Winner of a Mom’s Choice Award

This book is about you! That’s righttt, it is about YOU! You can love others for who they are by showing them kindness without judgement. The first book in the Kindness is for Everyone series, this book will teach you that celebrating our differences is the true expression of kindness the world needs.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Mascot Books

JD Wise is a West Virginian-born author who believes that the world can be changed for the better, by one person, one time, doing the right thing.

“Just think what would happen if we all did that,” said Wise.

Wise is happily married to the love of his life. Together, they have four wonderful children, who are the true inspiration for the book.

MY REVIEW HERE

$10 Amazon giftcard,

Print Copy of A Child Called You

- 1 winner each!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mia and Nattie by Marlene M. Bell #Kidlit #nonfiction #giveaway @ewephoric

Synopsis:

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

My review:

This is the true story of a little lamb who was abandonded by its mother because she could not feed her.

I loved the sweetness between the little girl, Mia, and the lamb. Mia's willingness to stand up to her Grandmother for something she believed in was admirable. At the same time she learned to be patient.

I think some children will get these concepts. However, I think the true message is to take care of each other and be kind. All children will know that with love of animals.

Terrific story.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

About the author:

Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience.
The third book in the Annalisse Series releases in 2021. Calico Raven is an international mystery with touches of romance--at a killing pace. Stolen Obsession— and Spent Identity, books one and two, received numerous awards including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery in 2020. Her mysteries can be found on marlenembell.com.
In 2020, Marlene offers the first of her children's picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch, it's a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.

GIveaway: 

One Autographed Mia and Nattie picture book, One Nattie Plushie , One Boo Boo Ball ™ , (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner) (US only) (ends Feb 12)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk #review #petloss #griefrecovery #humanesociety #kidlit #rainbowbridge #grief #petlosssupport #petmemorial #giveaway

Synopsis:

Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy, the letter shares relatable, real life examples of how the boy (and therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any family pet that has stolen your heart

My review:

For anyone that has ever lost a pet, this book is a sweet story. It is meant for children but I think adults could read it and still gain the strength of it. As the synopsis says, it is written as a letter from the boy's beloved dog that has obviously just passed away. The dog helps the boy through his grief and beyond.

The author gave good advice in how to maybe honor the beloved pet by planting trees or flowers or donating the pet's items to the humane society. These were really great ideas and spoke to the author's years as a grief counselor for lost pets.

I had only two issues with this book. The first is in the middle of the book the story went off into a direction of  what it looked like in doggie (animal) "heaven". This was meant to let the reader know that all the animals 'there" are getting along and enjoying their time 'there."  I understood what the author was trying to do but, I felt like that might give a false illusion to children as we really have no idea what that might look like. Up until that point, the book seemed more nonfiction. I felt like this section could have been left out and still made the book fantastic.

My second issue was I would have liked to have seen this book more multicultural and girls put into the story or at very least make a girl version.   Maybe it could have been a brother/sister that lost the pet. I think it would make the book more rounded.

In spite of those two issues, I really did love this book and think it would be a great resource for children who are grieving the loss of a pet. I loved that there are pages in the back where a child could write to and draw about their beloved pet. A resource in the back is about a dog constellation that can be seen in the sky. That was a neat addition as well.

I would have given this book 5 stars if it had not been for the two items above. None-the-less, I am still giving it 4 1/2 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here are !00% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Leigh Ann Gerk MA, LPC has been in the counseling field for over eleven years. She is certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning and the founder and owner of Mourning to Light Pet Loss providing individual and family counseling for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. She currently offers 3 free pet loss support groups in Northern Colorado and is excited to branch out and offer more. Having grown up on a farm, Leigh Ann's childhood playmates included baby calves, horses, bunnies, dogs, and 32 cats that set up house in a boxcar that also served as her playhouse. This upbringing introduced her, at a very young age, to the human-animal bond and instilled in her a deep understanding of, and love for, this extraordinary relationship. Leigh Ann and her husband, Andy, live in Loveland, Colorado, and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters, Heather and Heidi. Their family is made complete by their first grandchild and their cherished therapy dog, Gracie. 
 website  ~  Facebook  

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of DEAR BRAVE FRIEND (1 winner) (open to Amazon.com customers) (ends Feb 12) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: M.C. Plays Hide & Seek by Eva Grayzel #selfhelp #cancersurvival #kidlit @EvaGrayzel @iReadBookTours.

About the book:

M.C. is a cancer cell who shares just enough information about the nature of the disease to promote dialogue and minimize fear. The scary part of cancer is the unknown. Learn about doctors who look for cancer. Understand feelings children experience and learn ways to cope. Empower children with knowledge and how to make a difference. 

My review:

Cancer is a subject that is hard enough for adults to deal with but with children, it is downright scary. This book is guide that helps children unmask the scary part or at least one would hope so.

The book introduces M. C. a gender neutral character who tells what it does in the body and how hard it is to find it. M.C. shares the different kinds of doctors and what they do to try to find it. M.C. gives basic information and is a conversation starter for feelings for children. It does not go much further than that and gives symptoms or what a patient might look like. Maybe it was not supposed to. Again, it only let's children a glimpse of what it really is.

The only thing I did not like about the book is that M.C. looks pretty much like s green booger from the nose in human form. I am not sure this was the way to go but then, how do you make a cancer cell look like to a child? Hmm?

Otherwise, I liked the photos and illustrative ideas to try to help children and maybe, even an adult too.

Overall, I am giving this book 3 1/2 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own and may differ with your opinions. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Eva Grayzel is a motivational speaker, storyteller, and cancer survivor. When her children were five and seven years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. Their fear of losing her was deep, real, and suppressed. When she got a second chance at life, she created the Talk4Hope book series to help children understand cancer and make it less scary.

website ~facebook ~ instagram

Giveaway:

FIND IT HERE

The Story of Wobbly Willie Cranford by Richard Quisenberry #Kidlit #Picturebooks #giveaway #kindness

 

The Story of Wobbly Willie Cranford
By Richard Quisenberry
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Giveaway: $10 Amazon, Signed Book

About the book:

When it comes to starting the new year off right! The Wobbly Willie Kindness Book Collection just might be what you and your family need to help brighten the minds of our future on important issues that they may or may not understand.

Join Wobbly as he embarks on a journey that not only teaches us how to embrace our uniqueness but he reminds us of how to be kind to ourselves. When we address these reminders head-on, the power of a being kind brings us together. Wobbly Willie’s differences help identify and bring awareness to what it truly means to be kind to one another. This book will help redirect the behavior and mindset of children who are having difficulty understanding the value of Kindness, which results in a community that now is aware of the valuable life skills necessary in order to make a positive impact for generations to come.


Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Website  ​

​


About the Wobbly Willie Kindness Organization
Wobbly Willie's Kindness Organization was founded on the belief that everyone has the opportunity to be kind and that kindness can be cultivated through an intentional practice. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and motivate individuals to understand that kindness matters. We want to empower individuals with the tools and support to boost each person's confidence, while being prescribed new ways of embracing others differences and administering kindness. The Wobbly Willie Organization is broken down into a variety of services, such as Kindness Children's Books, Kindness Education Programs, and Kindness Professional Speaking Engagements. Explore more with us as we push to spread kindness across the country.

Find out more here - https://www.wobblywillie.org/ 

About the author:

​

Richard Quisenbury (Coach Quis) has achieved and is still in pursuit of every dream he has set his mind to, including graduating from college, becoming a principal, driving across the country, learning many hobbies, traveling out of the country, falling deeply in love, creating a beautiful family, and identifying his life purpose, to name but a few.
With over 40 years of experience in the educational industry, Coach Quis is just as passionate today, as he was on his first day, about developing tomorrow’s personal and professional leaders. As said by Coach Quis, “If you want a different result, you must be willing to first take a different action. With the near epidemic proportions of unhappy employees, the need for personal and professional integration has never been more imminent.”
Note that he didn’t say work/life balance; he believes such a thing is both impossible and undesirable for we spend a disproportionate amount of our time working. Instead, the goal is to integrate all aspects of life so we thrive at our careers & our personal lives equally as well, where we aren’t leaving a part of us behind as we spend our days at work wishing we were somewhere else… anywhere else; or trying to be home with our children while distracted by the things not getting done at work. Instead of balance, it’s the power of presence we seek.

Giveaway:

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

July 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop #KLBH #KidLitBlogHop

Hello, welcome back to another month of terrific children's literature. We welcome you to the July 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop. This hop takes place every 3rd Wednesday of the month. It is designed to engage a  group of people who love everything that has to do with children's literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!

Summer is winding down and the kids will be returning to school soon. There is still a number of Summer reads left for kids around the blogsphere. Let's show them off again on the blog hop and see what else you are reading!

***I recently read and reviewed a book about Miss Lena Horne. What an incredible woman she was. Read that review HERE.***

Have you seen the  Kid Lit Blog Hopper Facebook fan page? This page has all the news and information related to the hop plus ongoing posts, giveaways, news articles, etc. related to Kid's Lit. Check it out and of course, please like the page.

So for our hop, please make sure that your posts are related to children's literature only and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are a children's book author, feel free just to link to your blog. Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the one or two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.

It would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post. If you tweet and/or posted on Facebook about the blog hop, we can continue to grow this wonderful community.

Thanks for sharing your great children's books with all of us!

We will be around to see you.

Happy Hopping!

Reading Authors

The Bookshelf Gargoyle

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Jump Into A Book

 Carpinello's Writing Page

KID LIT BLOG HOP-June 2017

Hello, welcome back to another month of terrific children's literature. We welcome you to the June 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop. This hop takes place every 3rd Wednesday of the month. It is designed to engage a  group of people who love everything that has to do with children's literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!

We have already seen some Summer books for kids around the blogsphere. Let's show them off again on the blog hop and see what else you are reading!

Have you seen the  Kid Lit Blog Hopper Facebook fan page? This page has all the news and information related to the hop plus ongoing posts, giveaways, news articles, etc. related to Kid's Lit. Check it out and of course, please like the page.

So for our hop, please make sure that your posts are related to children's literature only and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are an author, feel free just to link to your blog. Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the one or two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.

It would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post. If you tweet and/or posted on Facebook about the blog hop, we can continue to grow this wonderful community.

Thanks for sharing your great children's books with all of us!

We will be around to see you.

Happy Hopping!

Reading Authors

The Bookshelf Gargoyle

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Jump Into A Book

 Carpinello's Writing Page

KID LIT BLOG HOP-March 2017 #KLBH #KidLitBlogHop

HAPPY SPRING! We welcome you to the March 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop. Apologies for missing last month's blog hop but life sometimes gets in the way. This hop takes place every 3rd Wednesday of the month. It is designed to engage a  group of people who love everything that has to do with children's literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!

This month I want to point you toward a review I did for the Multicultural Kid's Book Day that I did in January. This children's version of the story of Malala is excellent. Check it out! REVIEW HERE

Have you seen the  Kid Lit Blog Hopper Facebook fan page? This page has all the news and information related to the hop plus ongoing posts, giveaways, news articles, etc. related to Kid's Lit. Check it out and of course, please like the page.

So for our hop, please make sure that your posts are related to Children’s literature only and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are an author, feel free just to link to your blog. Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the one or two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.

Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post. Note: Make sure you have the newest badge as the old one goes to the wrong page.

We would also be grateful if you tweet and/or posted on Facebook about the blog hop. Let’s grow this wonderful community.

Thanks for sharing your great children's books with all of us! The hostess will be around to see you.

Happy Hopping!

Reading Authors, Hostess

The Bookshelf Gargoyle, co-host

BeachBoundBooks, co-hostess

Pragmatic Mom, co-hostess

The Logonauts, co-hostess

Spark and Pook, co-hostess

Carpinello's Writing Page, co-hostess

#Review: Mama's Knight: A Cancer Story of Love by Aurora Whittet @AuroraWhittet @iReadBookTours #kidlit #fightingcancer

Summary:

Once upon a time . . . It’s how all heroes begin their story, and you’re a hero, too! Your mama has cancer, and it’s a scary journey, but you can help your mama just by being you—special, wonderful, YOU. Your mama loves you just the way you are. You are your mama’s knight.

Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is an emotional toolbox that can help kids and parents communicate about what it means for Mama to have cancer. The book is filled with tools and activities designed to make coping with illness easier on both parent and child, and can be personalized for each child.

My review:
My interest in reading this book is because I have known so many people fighting cancer including my cousin-in-law. Several of the people I know have young children and frankly, it is scary enough for an adult, but for a child it is almost too much. Kids are curious and as with many things in life, I think it is great to have books that help explain things on a child's level.

This book puts the explaining cancer and its symptoms in very simple terms, to me almost too simple, but then again, it is hard to explain to anyone much less a kid. This book is not written though to share, this is written to personalize to an individual child. For example, there is a page that has activities that could be done by a "helper" when Mom is too sick. Yet, another has a page for photos of fun times together when Mom could do things with an individual child. There are very few pages to actually explain the illness itself. In essence, this book really is more of a self-help book.

The illustrations are minimal and okay but not overly fantastic.
Overall, the book is intended to be an individuals love for her child and to help her child through what Mom is going through and for that it is great! As a book for children in mass, it is just okay.

3 stars from me.

Disclosure: This book was given to me from the author. I was not required to leave a review but the opinions here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Today, she has completed Bloodmark, Bloodrealms, and Bloodmoon of the Bloodmark Saga trilogy and started her journey into children’s books with Mama’s Knight in honor of her own mother who lost her battle with cancer. She’s a national award-winning graphic designer and birth doula in her day jobs. Aurora lives with her family in Minnesota.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

C.L. Murphy's "Selfies In the Wild" Blog Tour- $200 Amazon or Paypal #Giveaway and Activities #SelfiesInTheWild #KidLit

This is a new book out by author C. L. Murphy. I will be hosting a stop on my blog in the near future but I wanted to spotlight this as there is a very generous giveaway attached to this tour.

In addition, the author has produced some fun activities to go along with this tour. Check it all out below and stop by on August 22nd to see what I have to say about the book.

ACTIVITIES

a Rafflecopter giveaway