#Review: A Different Kind of Safari by Helen C. Hipp

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!   

My review:
This book was a truly enjoyable read. Anyone who is different from the mainstream of people can relate to the experiences of Raymond, the main character. I liked how his "safari" introduced him to animal characters that helped him to see that he might be different, but his difference is what makes him special and to embrace those things.

The artwork is simple line drawings and does not add that much to the story in my mind but they are cute none-the-less. This book seems to be targeted for children who are a bit older and read fairly well but younger children would enjoy the book just as well and may get the concept of it.

I could certainly see this book being used in a classroom as a jumping off place to discuss differences among classmates and respect for each other.

What makes this book even better to me is that Raymond is based on the authors real-life son and the hippo character in the book was an actual hippo that her family saw on safari. Rosie was the name her son actually gave the hippo and it stuck with her. Cool, huh?

This is the kind of "safari" I could sink my teeth into and it gets 4 stars from me.

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

Where to find the author:


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 | Facebook | Goodreads

Read-a-thon updates. #WintersRespite

I totally blew the @boutofbooks read-a-thon. I mean I read books, sure I did. I even attended the Twitter party, which was totally fun. I met some new people including a gal all the way from Serbia...Russia...oh, dang...somewhere around there. Sorry! Anyway, cool beans!!
So, I started off great but then it went all down hill from there.

I don't know what happened but...ok, I do. I simply let everything else get in the way and did not take it seriously enough. Ah well...next time! Really, I promise!

As it turns out it is once again time for the Winter Respite read-a-thon. So, I guess next time is here?

Right on the heals and during the same week is Multicultural Day. I am so excited!

So, join me will you?

Happy Reading!

Naila Moon

#Review: The Firebird Mystery by Darrell Pitt #mysteries, #steampunk, #YABooks

Summary:

Welcome to London. A city of fog and snow, filled with airships, steamcars and metrotowers soaring into space.

Before his parents died Jack Mason was an acrobat, travelling around England in the circus. But when the world-famous detective Ignatius Doyle comes looking for a young assistant, Jack's new training begins. And when Scarlet Bell's father disappears, they are all plunged into a mystery so baffling that the future of the whole world may be at stake.

My review:
In the last year I have really started liking the whole steampunk genre and everything about steampunk that goes along with it. That is why when I was introduced to this book, I had to read it.

What makes this book even more fantastic for me is that the book is steampunk meets Sherlock Holmes, although the character is not called Sherlock. In fact, in a fun play on words, the character admits that he is cousin to a famous detective but never mentions who. Although, we readers know!
The book is filled with these fun inside jokes but also is just a good read too.

I loved taking off with the characters in a steampunk air balloons on a mystery of epic proportions. I also loved how the children related to the detective and vice versa. The whole book was full of steampunk themes right down to the clothes the character wore or the places they visited.

In addition, a few historical characters and themes were introduced which made total since for the book as a whole. Even though I knew who the killer actually was before then end, it did not matter. I loved the twist of it all. As I said, all of  it made for good reading.

I recommend anyone who likes, mystery, a little history, or steampunk novel should check this one out! 5 stars!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author for my open and honest review. The views expressed her are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Facebook
Goodreads

#Review: Paris Hop! by Margie Blumberg/ Renee Andriani (Illustrator) #kidsbooks #whatsinaname2015 #NetGalley

Summary:
On a visit to Paris for just one day, Grandma Goldie is eager to show her granddaughter, Aimee, how the city sparkles in the sun from the top of the Eiffel Tower. But the other joys of "Paree" create delightful detours along the way. Will this peppy pair make it to the tower before sunset? Find out in this charmingly illustrated rhyming tale about the City of Light . . . and happy surprises.

My review:
This mostly picture book was cute as far as the pictures go. They were nicely line drawn with lovely colors. The gave action to the book as a whole.

I really cannot say I was overly impressed with the poetry that accompanied it. The author incorporated French words into the poetry which I did find impressive but at the same time annoying. Even though a glossary was added to the beginning of the book it just did not seem like a right fit to me. Maybe if the author had made this as more of a bi-lingual book, I could understand it more. Maybe that was her intention?

I will give her credit where credit is due though. It was fun to see Grandma and grandchild working their way through Paris to a well known icon only to be stopped by other sites on the way. It was a fun way to introduce these great sites to see.

Overall, this book was ok for me. 3 stars.

Disclosure: I received this ARC from the author and NetGalley for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Book Nook Friday #booknooks

For awhile now, I have been posting on Facebook book nooks for kids and adults. However, it occurred to me that maybe many of you do not follow me on Facebook. I would love it if you do!

Anyway, so I have decided I will start posting here, on my blog, every Friday, so you can share in the wonderful nooks that I find.

I want to share this one because I love how you have to step into it, just like you would step into books.

Happy Reading! ~Naila Moon

#Review: Anthony Any Goes To France by Julie Bettendorf #kidsbooks #worldtravel

Summary:
Join Anthony Ant as he travels around the world! Hi, my name is Anthony Ant, and I love to go places. When I travel, I can fit into some pretty small spaces. Once I curled up in a suitcase, as snug as could be. When I came out, I was in beautiful France. Whoopee! These are the tales of Anthony Ant, a child's travel companion and all-around great adventurer. Anthony travels in style, comfortably lodged in a suitcase, and he never knows what strange, new country he will find himself in. In Anthony Ant Goes to France, he travels to Paris, where he meets Lulu Ladybug. Together they explore the food, culture, and sights of the city. Anthony visits the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, eats French pastry, and gets to know the French people, all with his new friend Lulu.

My review:
This book is a first in a series for this author. She is know to be a world traveler and has started writing books based on some of her travels. This book takes the reader on a trip to France.

A tiny ant by the name of Anthony is the main character. He and a companion he meets along the way show the reader all of the well known sites of France. The book is written in first person poetry so Anthony's thoughts about each site is conveyed. This is a darling way to portray  this character and I think adds to the appeal of the book.

The pictures in the book are slightly cartoon-ish, large, and colorful making this an all around fun and like-able book. I look forward to maybe seeing more books from this author.

I give this world traveler 4 stars!

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

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Kid Lit Hop Episode 51 #KidLitHop

Please post our button

Hello one and all!  I am truly excited to be co-hosting another Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

This is our 51st episode of the hop. Enjoy hopping around and meeting some Kid Lit bloggers and authors! Of course by all means, post your own Kid Lit post and we will be by to see you.

Please read the rules below and enjoy the Hop!

This year, as last year, I decided to join several reading challenges. It is exciting to finish them knowing I had read some great books. 

This year I have challenged myself to incorporate more diverse books into my reading and reviewing. I feel it is necessary for children of all races, abilities and home life to see themselves in books. I feel it gives kids a sense of self worth if they can read about kids just like them.

If you follow me, you have probably seen some books already. Be watching for more and join me January 27th when I, along with several other bloggers, celebrate Multicultural Children's Book Day.

This is a book I recently reviewed: Dancing Drum

~Naila Moon

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

Naila @ Reading Authors Facebook * Google+

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!

4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!

5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.