#Review: Manner-Man by Sherrill S. Cannon/ Illustrations by Kalpart

Summary: 
"I am strong, and my flash is bright, And I will defend you and make things all right." These are the magic words to call upon Manner-Man - a superhero who can help control bullies and teach children ways to be considerate of others. Manner-Man arrives, shouting "To the Rescue", helping children learn about sharing and warning about not 'hitting with words.' He teaches that if someone starts pushing, just shout out "not nice!" Meet the children who form the Manner-Man team and find out how to join! Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of Cannon's earlier books - helping children learn how to cope with bullies and look within themselves for their inner superhero!

My review:
Every kid I have ever known needs some kind of hero to look up to. Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman are certainly all heroes that kids still may look up to but, they are getting pretty old. *wink*
They do not deal with the kinds of things kids today deal with, like bullying! So, what is a kid to do?

Enter Manner-Man: A new kind of hero for today's kids!
Author Sherrill Cannon created Manner-Man after a request for a superhero from one of her grandchildren.

This superhero helps children to learn kindness and manners. He shows children how by asking to share toys, not fighting, and definitely no bullying. When Manner-Man is called upon, all such things stop immediately but gives children the tools to be brave too.
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Sherrill Cannon created a complete book in poetic form just as she has other books. This is enough to make the book a winner, which by the way it is, but add in the illustrations by Kalpart and you have an amazing book.  I love her poetry for kids!

She takes on the subject matter full force but also brings in characters from her other books that had some issues. They all learn that having good manners and getting along is where it is at. A few of her previous books appear in this book as well. Look for them!

If that is not enough coolness, she even allows kids to join in with Manner-Man  and the crew by having a not-so-secret link to grab a Manner-Man Badge Sticker. Kids can get there own badge out of the back of the book too (that is, if you want to cut it out).

So, do you want to join the greatest and latest superhero, Manner-Man's crew? Well, then buy the book and find out how.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received this book for my open and honest review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours.
~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

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High Summer Read-a-Thon...want to join in? #HighSummerRAT

Last year I participated in my very first Read-a-thon called, "Winter's Respite." I am getting ready to do another read-a-thon hosted by the same blogger called, "High Summer Read-a-Thon" which I think will be just as fun. This one is held July 21-July27th.

The nice thing about this is there is only one Twitter party, prizes, and very few rules. Not to mention you can get those TBR piles down to a good working pile. If you are like me, you have one that just about hits your ceiling as it is.

Since I am mostly a kids lit blogger, it is nice she allows children's books to be read during the week. However, she does ask that you are reading at least one adult book. That does not seem like too much to ask.

So, what are you waiting for? Join in the party that happens four times a year. Hurry, go now!

~Naila Moon

Book Blast: A Different Kind of Safari by Helen C. Hipp & #Giveaway

    

Disclosure from Naila Moon: I have not read this book but you can see a summary from MDBR. I was asked to promote this book and received no compensation other than a link on the rafflecopter.~Naila Moon

About the Book

Title: A Different Kind of Safari | Author: Helen C. Hipp | Publication Date: March 19, 2013 | Publisher: A Different Kind of Safari LLC | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 Summary: What do you need to feel happy about being different? Based loosely on real life experiences, this heartwarming and powerful book illustrates how self-awareness, and courage help a young boy named Raymond learn the difference between seeing things as they appear to be and seeing things as they are. Feeling "different and lonely" Raymond befriends a hippo while on Safari in Africa. Unlike other grey hippos, this hippo is pink. Ray is soon carried into a world beyond labels and challenging assumptions. You will never guess what happens next!  

The Inspiration Behind the Story by Helen Hipp

Inspired by real-life adventure, the story behind the story unfolded when I went on an African safari back in 2001. The trip was lead by my father whose dream was to share the safari experience with his family. Little did I know that this trip was going to incite me to write a children’s adventure book but it did. The storyline made it appearance when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink! My son Ray fourteen at the time immediately named her “Rosie”. Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo we asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why the pink hippo stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that “Rosie” was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt a strong affiliation with Rosie’s situation as did my son Ray who has experienced his own challenges with acceptance. Inspired, I decided to share the story with the world by weaving them into a children's adventure book that celebrates differences. The book is entitled “A Different Kind of Safari”. Find out what you can learn from Rosie the pink hippo, and how you can share those lessons with the children in your life.  

Trailer

 

The Buzz About the Book

"A timeless book, that will speak to everyone. To be enjoyed over and over again! A fun, yet very thought provoking story for all ages. If books had a satisfaction guarantee, this one would be on the top of the list. " ~ 5 Star Review, Adden B. Chrystie, Amazon

"A Different Kind of Safari is truly a different kind of children's book! The beautiful artwork bring a very special story to life and I am excited the book is now available in audio format for an added bonus while driving kids around town! I particularly love the message of the book, which teaches us to celebrate our unique differences through Rosie the Pink Hippo rather than allow them to keep us from exploring our potentials. I highly recommend this book to all parents and special needs educators in particular. Thank you for writing this wonderful story!" ~ 5 Star Review, missladyjane, Barnes and Noble

"I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were beautiful. I found this book to be very interesting and it was written from real life experiences. A Different Kind of Safari draws you in along with Ray on his journey to find his happiness and the answers to his questions. I recommend this book to children that are of grade school age but yet many younger children may enjoy the illustrations." ~ 5 Star Review, Whittle House, Goodreads

"The book has a great story. The illustrations are amazing!!!!! Get this book! All children from the young to the old will love this book. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mel, Amazon

"A Different Kind of Safari is not only a good book, but a great story! It is not only for caregivers, teachers and parents, but for anyone who has ever felt out of place. A pink hippo named “Rosie” and her friend “Ray” take a journey and explore their similarities and differences on the river of life. Self- acceptance and the acceptance of others is exquisitely conveyed in a fresh, FUN way through this sweet tail. It is a prize for all libraries!" ~ 5 Star Review, Anna Wood, Barnes and Noble

 

Purchase

Amazon (Hardcover) | Audible (Audiobook) | Barnes and Noble

 

About the Author: Helen C. Hipp

Helen Hipp’s experience raising a special needs child led her to an M.A. in clinical psychology and certification as a life coach. She began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching, focusing on individuals with special needs and their families. Helen uses her 13+ years of counseling experience and 20+ years’ experience as a successful advocate for individuals with special needs by helping them reveal their innate ability to solve difficult situations. Her debut book " A Different Kind of Safari" puts into words the essence of Helen's teachings addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities. For more information, visit the books official website and to see a picture of the real Rosie the real life pink hippo that inspired this story, go to www.adifferentkindofsafari.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 6, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: 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, Helen Hipp 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

Review: How We Became A Family by Teresa & Bernard Villegas

Summary:
To build a family, first of all you need love. But how do you talk with your child about their in vitro origins? How do you tell your children they were conceived with the help of a donor?

• Adding children to a family -making a baby- takes all the same parts needed to make any baby animal.
• Knowledge of science and our bodies is a smart and beautiful thing.
• This complex story is explained in an easy and positive way that children can accept and be proud of.

This book is for couples who understand that their children's well-being comes from knowing how much they are wanted, who they are, and how they came into this world and into their family. Celebrating the story of your child(ren)'s origins through the simple act of reading can reinforce your family's journey of deep bonding and open communication.

My review:

When I first got the opportunity to read this book, I thought it might be interesting. There are certainly all kinds of families including ones that were created through in vitro.

My curiosity was peaked because I have never seen a book that explains how such a child would be born. I was hoping that it would be done tastefully.
Truthfully, this is where my review begins and ends. To say they wrote the book tastefully is true. I will give the authors that. However, I had some major issues with this book otherwise.

First, this book is targeted for ages 2-10, although that information is not on Amazon. That is quite a difference for this type of book. I would not begin to read this book to kids unless they were 5 or older and maybe get a tiny grasp of the concepts.

The photos in this book are not real either. They try to gloss the whole human concept over by making the people look like birds. Seriously, we are not in the 1950's anymore! I am not saying we should have an all out basic human chart either. Which brings me to my next issue...

There are two side by side pages in the book that cover terms and body parts with real but hand drawn pictures. The terms are watered down: "seeds=sperm, eggs=comes from females, a nest=safe nurturing place for baby to grow..."
Seriously, do you think a child is going to understand any of that? Not to mention eggs coming from a female is true but I can just envision a child never wanting to eat chicken eggs ever again. Yuck!

I will say this lastly in the authors defense, they are open to the fact they had three children born this way and it is admirable. They attempted to write and illustrate a book that would help other couples in the same situation. For that, I cannot totally hate this book because they did try but in my opinion fell short in so many ways.

Therefore, I can only give this book 2 stars.
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The view expressed here is 100% my own and may differ with yours.

Where to find the authors:

Amazon
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Review: What Is the Statue of Liberty? By Joan Holub/ Illustrated by John Hinderliter

Summary:

In 1876, France decided to give the United States a very big and very special present--the Statue of Liberty. The gift was to commemorate the 100th birthday of the United States, and just packing it was no small feat--350 pieces in 214 crates shipped across the ocean. The story of how the 111-foot-tall lady took her place in the New York Harbor will fascinate young readers.

My review:

Here we are on the cusp of the United States celebration of Independence and what better symbol of our country to read about for the occasion. I was fortunate enough to get to visit this enormous statue in 1976 during the Bicentennial. Yes, I walked up the 354 steps up to the crown and got to see out. It was glorious. However, that is not what I am here to talk about am I? 

Joan Holub along with her illustrator, John Hinderliter began the book with the inception of the statue before it was even on paper.  The duo gave complete history of the Statue of Liberty right on into present day.

The creator of the Statue of Liberty was Frederich-Auguste Bartholdi who saw the vision and created smaller versions until the statute we know now came to be. Gustave Eiffel from the later Eiffel Tower fame created the inner structures that help the statue together.  This was news for me!

In fact, even though I visited this now American icon all those years ago, I learned a lot from this book. A few facts to share without giving away the entire book:

*Even though the statue was a gift, it was almost rejected by the American people, in particular the upper American wealthy at the time.

*Only the arm and the torch were originally brought to the U. S. for display. People paid to walk up a ladder to the top of the torch.

*The island the Statue of Liberty was placed on was chosen by the artist, originally called Bedloe Island.

* The statue was shipped in 350 pieces which had to be reassembled like a puzzle. The problem was  that some of the boxes were mismarked upon leaving France. 

*The sandals of Lady Liberty were 25 feet long, which is the equivalent of size 879.

I will not reveal more but there is so much more to read and fascinating history and people involved.

The book also includes 16 original black and white photos which were absolutely amazing to see.

Overall, if you ever get the chance to see our nations Statue of Liberty you will not be disappointed. Until you can get there, read this book and learn a little about her before you go. You won't be disappointed in that either.

This book gets 5 stars!

Disclosure:I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Where to find the author:

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Blast: Starchild Series by Vacen Taylor and Giveaway

Disclosure from Naila Moon: I personally have not read these books but you can view the summary of each via Renee from MDBR. I was asked to post this on behalf of the author and received no compensation other than a link on the Rafflecopter. ~Naila Moon

Title: Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book 1) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date: March 6, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 135 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | 

Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: When Mai is chosen to take a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts to train with the oldest and wisest master of their people, an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. When the Starchild returns to the planet of Sage, the foreknowledge of the prophecy begins to gain strength. Four children come together and become linked to the events that lie ahead. In The Age of Akra, the first stage of their journey has them facing the deadly spiderflax, only then to be confronted by a creature of the underworld, an evil Dementra called Amual. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard. And it will not come easy. This journey is only the beginning.   

Buzz About Book 1

"The Age of Akra is a riveting, well-written, and imaginative story featuring an intricate plot and stellar cast of characters that is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by tweens, teens, and even adults who love a great science fiction tale. This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend this book to children aged 10 and older. I just loved it and to think the author has seven books planned for the series ... I'm salivating." ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"What an imagination!! Absolutely fabulous. What a great read. The characters came to life so easily. Their physical descriptions have me a visual idea but their personalities evolved and developed quickly so they were my friends and heroes before very long. I cried when Mia was selected and was on the edge of my seat when it looked like Long wouldn't make it. I couldn't put it down. A very clever story with wonderful likable characters in amazing places with fascinating skills and weird animals. I went through a range is emotions with these characters where I wanted to hug them, love them, give them a good slap, protect and spend time with. I cannot wait for book 2. Highly recommend this series of books and hope they make a movie from it would be a blockbuster!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dannielle S., Goodreads

"Masterfully told from different viewpoints, Starchild is neither a "boy" nor "girl" book, but rather an everyone book. Struggling readers will enjoy the simple truths of the characters, and more advanced readers will delight in the journey of Mai, Long, and Akra. A journey that introduces multifaceted characters, whom I hope will make an appearance in subsequent titles in The Starchild Series, because I'm already attached to them. Even the slightest of creatures was placed in Starchild with the greatest of skill, care, and thought. Outstanding job, Ms. Taylor, and I look forward to continuing my journey through the series." ~ 5 Star Review, C. Bullard, Amazon

 

Purchase Book 1

*Available as a 99 cent E-Book through Amazon *

Amazon | Barnes and Noble  iTunes | The Book Depository

 

Book 2: The City of Souls

Title: Starchild: The City of Souls (Book 2) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date:October 14, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 137 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | 

Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: In The City of Souls, the pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts continues. Having already triumphed against dangerous adversaries in The Age of Akra, the four children -- Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib -- now face the evil melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. When they reach the safety of the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, the children are confronted with the challenge of locating the Singing Soul. But the underworld is searching for it too, and will do anything to stop the young pilgrims from finding it. The prophesy is at risk of being extinguished unless the children succeed in their quest.  

Buzz About Book 2

"The City of Souls is the second book in a science fiction fantasy featuring an intricate and engaging plot, well-developed characters who are faced with new challenges, a well-described setting reminiscent of Star Wars with a hint of Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones-style action and suspense. I’m in this series for the whole haul as I feel completely invested in what happens next as the prophecy continues to roll forward. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to science fiction aficionados ages 10 years and older looking for something a little different. ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"The author graciously sent a signed copy of this 2nd book in her series to my daughter Emily. Emily read Vacen Taylor's first book in the Starchild series: The Age of Akra. She very much enjoyed the adventure and getting to know the characters. Emily eagerly anticipated the next book! Emily was thrilled when her copy of The City of Souls arrived and did what she could do to avoid her homework so that she could sneak and read The City of Souls. She read the book with much interest and said that she loved every bit of it. As a parent, it's a big comfort and joy to me when my kids find stories written for their enjoyment! The Starchild series captured the heart and imagination of my daughter. And she very much looks forward to book three." ~ 5 Star Review, Vonda N., Goodreads

"Ms Taylor provides masterful descriptions that don't bore the reader. Thank you. I think the writing is at its best in the action, but the character building, backstory and forewarning is all there and relevant to the overall building of good storytelling. I'm assuming the introductions to some of the other multifaceted characters will have relevance in future books. I do hope so. Overall, a great read for children who are looking for something refreshingly new and unique." ~ 5 Star Review, Kirt T., Amazon

 

Purchase Book 2

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | The Book Depository

 

About the Author: Vacen Taylor

Vacen Taylor is an Australian author, writer, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She loves creating stories for children and reading to her young readers. She is a happy person with a zest for life and exploring the world at large. Vacen collects comics and loves superheroes. Her favourite superhero is Spider-Man. Vacen also believes in expressing the uniqueness of self. She has had several short stories published for adults online. Starchild is her first novel for children and is the first book in a series of seven.

Book Website | Author Website | Twitter

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* Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 1, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: 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, Vacen Taylor 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

Review: Running Through A Dark Place by Michael Bowler- Book 2 of 5

Summary: 
King Arthur and his extraordinary young Knights used ‘might’ for ‘right’ to create a new Camelot in the City of Angels. They rallied the populace around their cause, while simultaneously putting the detached politicians in check. But now they must move forward to even greater heights, despite what appears to be an insurmountable tragedy. 
Their new goal is lofty: give equality to kids fourteen and older who are presently considered adults only when they break the law. Arthur’s crusade seeks to give them real rights such as voting, driving, trading high school for work, and sitting as jurors for their peers charged with criminal behavior. 
Understanding that the adults of California will likely be against them, Arthur and his Knights must determine how best to win them over. 
However, before the king can even contemplate these matters, he finds himself face to face with an ally from the past, one who proves that everything isn’t always what it seems – even life and death. 
The Knight Cycle Continues…

My review:
Not long ago I reviewed the book Children of the Knight which was Michael Bowler's first book. Little did I know that this was only the first book in a series of five. I loved his first book and thought when I got the chance to read this second book, that it would be great.

The book picked up where the last had ended with Sir Lance's death. Or is he? We find out soon enough that he is not and that pushes Lance into an unintentional celebrity status. The book throughout deals with his celebrity status and how he becomes accustomed to it. Even the appearance of a ancient wizard does not trump his status. This first few chapters was certainly author privilege but I thought it was an interesting twist right off the bat.

The book also deals with very dark and horrible issues of molestation and child rape. These topics, although I know they happen, were hard for me to take. If anything, I wanted so desperately to just hug the characters and let them know someone truly cared. It was sickening to me and I think unless this is an older teen to young adult reading (which this book is targeted for), this book would need a conversation prior to reading.

Also among the pages was adoption issues,  the usual teenage angst, sexual identity, (Ricky and Lance"s relationship-drove me nuts!) teen drinking and bullying. These were not so hard to take but the repetitive issues of them was a bit much for me.

In fact, I found the whole book to be quite repetitive and the chapters long. I thought this book could have been much shorter than it was especially since this was just book two of an entire series. However, I was just really getting into the book when...WHAM...the book ends abruptly in a cliffhanger!
I have mentioned before in other reviews how much I hate that!

So, where does that leave me overall? Well, I think Michael Bowler's series is interesting and understand where he is coming from as he most likely has run into children much like the characters. I was able to get into the characters for the most part and understood them but in the long run, the book I simply did not like as much as the first.

Still, an overall ok book and for that I give 3 stars. I hope to see a better book in the next round.
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I was given a PDF copy of this book for review with my open and honest opinion. The review is part of a book tour but I was not required to give a positive review. The views expressed here are 100% my own.

Where to find the author:
Amazon
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Goodreads