Review of Fox Talk by L.E. Carmichael & Giveaway

I had the opportunity to review the e-book Fox Talk by L.E. Carmichael and was somewhat fascinated. This is a non-fiction science book based upon the domestication of foxes. Several years ago a group of scientist were attempting to figure out communication of dogs with humans and other species.

As dogs, wolves and foxes are all related they chose to study the different  foxes over a course in time. They bread them and watched them to see if over time their DNA would change to become domesticated. Through experimentation the scientist were able to learn communication and how that relates to other animals in their same species, in this case, dogs. They were also able to domesticate a group of foxes so well that now they can be pets. The scientist were careful as to not 'train' the animals but allow natural evolution to occur over time.
---------------------------
There are only two issues I did have with the book that I must mention. The first is the print was really small and that made it a bit difficult to read. It is possible that was due to it being an e-book. The second issue I had was some editing issues which could easily be corrected and may again be because it was an e-book.

However, overall, I really liked this book and could see a middle-elementary school child even up to young teens liking this book. This is the kind of book that animal lovers would dream about and want to know more just based on the book alone.

A great feature for Fox Talk  was words highlighted in orange that when hovered over gave the reader a  full definition. Also, blue dots on some pages when clicked on gave the reader a question to further enhance reading or let the reader ponder a particular point.

This book gets 4 stars.
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I received a free e-book copy for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed her are 100% my own. This review is also a part of the blog tour for Mother/Daughter blog tours of which a giveaway is attached. See below to enter.

Where to find the author L.E. Carmichael:

Amazon
Goodreads

*Blog\ToBlog Tour launch for the non-fictional, educational title "Fox Talk" by L.E. Carmichael. Includes giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash + an author Skype visit to a school of the winner's choice. Naila Moon of Once Upon  A Time is not responsible for prize delivery. Open WW. Ends Feb. 21, 2014 Open WorldwideGiveaway*

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The 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 publisher, Ashby-BP Publishing 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

Winter Read-a-thon week #WintersRespite

This week I will be participating in a Read-a-thon. I found this via another blogger who posted that she too was going to participate. This looks to be just what I need to get that to be read pile down to manageable. Of course is the pile ever really manageable. I think not! That is the joy of reading!

Anyway, I look forward to this seemingly laid back week. The only main rule I have seen is that you must read some novels or novellas during the week. You can read other books too including children's literature which for me, is a good thing.

If you want to join in, hit the link above and sign up. I believe there are to be prizes too. Stayed tuned for more this coming week.
~Naila Moon

#Giveaway: Carole P. Roman's Mega Bash #3-"I Want To Do Yoga Too" book & #Yoga Mat for kids (5 winners)

I have read and reviewed this cute book by Carole P. Roman. You can read that review HERE.

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine and play the way they do. Her I Want To Do Yoga Too book was born out of  her own love of yoga.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to learn a little yoga too. She is doing this by having this mega giveaway for 5 winners of her book, "I Want to Do Yoga Too" and kid's yoga mat.

Hurry and enter below today before this giveaway sails away to the high seas!

About Carole P. Roman:
Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this giveaway.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway. Once Upon A Time is promoting this giveaway and has been compensated for this post.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 24 at 12AM MST through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Giveaway: Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan (3 winners)

I receive no compensation for this post other than a link on the Rafflecopter and to help promote this author.

In an attempt to get the attention they need from you, your child dies.
What would you do? How would you cope? If your child called you for help & you were to busy to take their call!

It's been seven months since her son's death and Megan has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter Jenna, hoping that a change of scenery might help with the crippling grief that has taken over their lives.

But Megan soon begins to sense that something strange is happening in Moonlight Creek. The water has a will of its own. It can think, move, even transform. Just as easily the water in this town can give life, in a heartbeat it can also take it away!

Has  Megan realized in time that their lives are in danger or will she lose another child? 

 Drowned Sorrow is a must read for anyone that loves the suspense of a great thriller. 

About the Author: Her novel, Drowned Sorrow, was inspired by horror films such as Dark Water, Dead and Buried, The Wicker Man, and Dagon.

She is also behind the popular Avalon Cat Cartoons.

The film based on her book, The Strangers Outside, is currently in production; Drew Barrymore is slated to direct Drowned Sorrow.

Her screenplay, A GOOD MAN, is in production to become a feature film.

What others have to say:
"The female version of Stephen King" - Pedro Chaves, director of Reiki

"Vanessa Morgan has the gift of pacing and spookiness" - Scott Nicholson, author of They Hunger and The Farm

"A startling new voice in horror" - Lucky McKee, director of May and The Woods

The author has graciously offered to give a copy of Drowned Sorrow in the winners choice of format to 3 lucky readers. 

Giveaway Dates: 01/24/2014 to 02/24/2014

Disclaimer: Naila Moon of Once Upon A Time is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.
Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Review of Tom T's Hat Rack by Michele Spry

Blurb:
Shelby Summers has a zest for life that can't be tamed. Tom Tucker has a dream of helping others who are facing the challenges he faced not too long ago. Shelby and Mr. T join forces to give back to their community.

My Review:
Tom T's Hat Rack is a feel good chapter book for kids ages 8-12. This book tells the story of Tom Tucker, known throughout the book as Mr. T, who has an almost grandparent-like relationship with sweet Shelby Summers. It is revealed early in the chapters that Mr. T. had suffered from cancer the past year and Shelby often went with him to his doctor appointments and chemotherapy. She would stay by his side throughout and often cheer up other patients too. In addition, Shelby's Dad is Tom Tucker's doctor.

One Summer just as Shelby is going to be headed to 5th grade, Tom and Shelby embark on a yet to be revealed project. Everyday Shelby arrives at Mr. T. and Mrs. T.'s home eager to get to work on their project. After the Summer is almost gone, Shelby discovers that the project they have been working on are hat racks for the cancer center.

Shelby and Mr. T. deliver the hat racks along with several hats, to the cancer center on a very special day. The sweet twist that goes along for this event is truly special.
Only a week later does Shelby decide that something more needs to be done and even lends her own allowance to get it done.

In the end, Shelby is awarded not by "what's in it for her" but by what she has done to give back.
-----------------
I loved this book! The character Shelby is not your average going-to-be 5th grader. She is caring of others, sweet and kind. She goes out of her way to appreciate all of the teachers she has had, her friends and her family.

She works constantly to see what others may need before she thinks of herself and has fun in doing so. I think this is something maybe we all need to take a page from.

Author Michel Spry wrote this book based upon her relationship with her own Mr. T. who has suffered and fought cancer. She felt that she needed to give back and partnered with her local school district in Missouri to do just that. Even the purchase of this book goes to help the Pay It Forward foundation.

In addition, Michele Spry leaves directions in the back of the book for how to make your own hat rack to donate to your local community cancer hospital. She challenges all of us to find a way, even if it is small, to make a difference in our own communities.

This book deserves its 5 stars from me.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Naila Moon
----------------

Where to find Michele Spry:
Facebook
Amazon
Web site

Carole P. Roman's Mega Bash Book Giveaway #2-Four Book Series of Captain No Beard (5 winners)

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine the way they do. Her Captain No Beard Series of books was born out of the imagination of play time with her grandchildren and a dare from her own son to write a book.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to have a chance to sail along with Captain No Beard and his crew. She is doing this by having not one but five winners for this mega giveaway.

Hurry and enter below today before this giveaway sails away to the high seas!

About Carole P. Roman:
Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this paperback set of books.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 24 at 12AM MST through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carole P. Roman's Mega Book Giveaway #1- Cultural Book Series (5 winners)

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. This is giveaway #1.

She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine and ask questions the way they do. Her Cultural Books Series was born out of the questions from her grandchildren and trying to explain different cultures to them at a level they could understand.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to learn about other cultures in the world we live in. She is doing this by having not one but five winners for this mega giveaway.

Hurry and enter below today for your chance to win.

About Carole P. Roman:

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this paperback set of books.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 23rd through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.

a Rafflecopter giveaway