The Big Brass Band Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for The Big Brass Band by Pam Bonsper and Jessica Ziegler!

Title: The Big Brass Band | Author: Pam Bonsper | Illustrator: Jessica Ziegler | Publication Date: August 18, 2014 | Publisher: AroSage Publishing | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 

Book Summary: 

A parade! Watch from the sidelines, as a little fellow follows the magnificent marching band go by. He is overcome by the sounds of the big brass band, and every instrument is his favorite. How can he decide which instrument he will play? Will it be a bassoon, a drum, a tuba? In this delightful rhyming tale about a parade, a band, and a boy, Pam Bonsper and illustrator Jessica Ziegler take us on a very loud, decision-making journey while we learn the names of the instruments in a marching band. But be aware...your children may want an instrument after reading this book! Which instrument will they choose?

Now available both in print and as an e-book!

Amazon (Print) * Amazon (eBook)* AroSage * StoryTots * Goodreads

About the Author: Pam Bonsper

Pam Bonsper has been a free-lance writer for many years. Her articles have appeared in numerous periodicals and professional publications. She is currently a feature writer for Coastal Canine magazine. Pam also enjoys writing children's poems and stories and has been published in The Bee Hive, Mexican World, Happy Times and Classmate and Bumples.com. She has now published her first children's rhyming book and will launch her new Friends and Feelings Series in December. She lives with her husband in Carmel Valley, California and is inspired daily by her two young grandchildren.

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About the Illustrator: Jessica Ziegler

Jessica Ziegler is the author and illustrator of the StoryTots collection of customizable children's books, available at Storytots.com. She is also a cartoonist and writer for ScienceofParenthood.com, and an illustrated parenting humor blog.  

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: December 19, 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 Pam Bonsper 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

Sing Along Construction Song Book Review Blitz

Welcome to the book review blitz for Sing Along Construction Song by Louise Lintvelt!

Title: Sing-Along Construction Song | Author: Louise Lintvelt | Illustrator: Julie Sneedon | Publication Date:August 11, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 1 to 5

Summary:  

** This book features vivid illustrations and kindle pop-up text**
** A free song download for this book is available at LouiseLintvelt.com **

A fun sing-along book for little construction enthusiasts.  Visit the construction site early in the morning and join the rough and tough construction vehicles, as they go about their daily work.

About the Author

I am from South Africa and I live in a city called Pretoria. I am a Chemical Engineer by day and a children’s book writer by night. I am married to a wonderful man and we have a beautiful two year old daughter called Allegra. I love writing stories for my daughter, who is a constant inspiration.

I have always loved reading. My childhood was filled with books and you would often find me crouched the corner of my room devouring the pages of my favourite book. I lived for Tuesday mornings as this would bring with it the excitement of a trip to the local library for story hour and the opportunity to take home a new book. I was the local librarian’s worst nightmare. I would arrive a few minutes early to check that she had not mistakenly chosen a book that had already been read in story hour.

I was a very bossy three year old with an insatiable appetite for books! This has not really changed much in the last twenty seven years. Dr. Seuss was my absolute favourite and to say that my copy of One, Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish was well read would be an understatement.

When it comes to writing, my daughter is my biggest inspiration. I love seeing her face light up with excitement when we sit down to read a book before bedtime. My daughter was fascinated by giraffes after we went on a safari trip in late 2012. This planted the seed for my picture book called How Andrew Got His Spots which is a rhyming adaptation of a story I originally wrote in the third grade. My daughter has since grown into a healthy two year old with a passion for aircraft which was the inspiration for writing Goodnight, Sleep Tight, What a Wonderful Flight.

I am sure that there are many parents in the world (myself included), who are quite decidedly sick and tired of reading the same favourite picture book night after night. I believe that the words of Oscar Wilde best describe how children should feel about picture books when he said, If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.

Happy Reading!

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Review:

This book takes a familiar tune and makes a fun new story for children to enjoy. There are bright and beautiful pictures of different types of construction equipment and uses song to explain how they work. The pictures will keep children entertained and engaged in the story and song. This book is very cute and is able to be enjoyed by so many people. It is interactive and fun, so check it out if you have a young one.

Book provided for review. 

Jeremy's Christmas Journey Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for Jeremy's Christmas Journey by Scott A. Johnson!

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he’ll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

Meet the Author:

Scott Johnson spent most of his childhood in Orem, Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents.

Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years and served as a yearbook writer and photographer in High School. He published his first book, Nutrition: A Word of  Wisdom, in 2009, and has published more than 175 editorial pieces in various online publications.

Scott, his wife and four children reside in Utah County where they enjoy the mountains and outdoors. Scott is regularly asked by his children to share an original story, which he gladly obliges.

Review:

Jeremy has had an unfortunate life. Due to a car accident when he was a toddler, Jeremy is no longer able to walk. There is no medical reason why which proves to be even more of a hardship for Jeremy. While his parents have great faith that he will walk again, Jeremy cannot see why they believe this. They cling to their religion while Jeremy questions if Jesus Christ was even real. Then one night he has a dream, one in which he is exposed to some amazing things that will change his beliefs and life forever.

There are two parts of this book that wind together to make an amazing experience. The first is Jeremy's story. I felt bad for Jeremy because I know he had a very difficult life. I don't blame him one bit for having a hard time with something his parents believed in so strongly but that he didn't feel. I think these are normal responses, especially for someone in Jeremy's circumstances. I did think he was a little repetitive in his complaining though. After a bit it came off more whiny than something that made me feel sympathy. Once his dream started this was not a problem at all though. The dream part was handled very well. It was so moving to see all these perspectives and to really get to feel what all these people felt. I thought that was really well done.

The part that wrapped it all together was the music. There are songs for each of the characters in Jeremy's dream that give testimony of the things they saw. The songs were so beautiful. I actually listened to them after I had read the story part, but they still had great impact. I think in the context of the story they'd be even more moving. This is a wonderful combination of story and music that are so touching together. They are able to move this beyond just a story to a great testimony. This would be beautiful to listen to any time of year, but I think it would be of most impact around Christmas and Easter. I really loved the story and music, and I think they will bring a wonderful spirit into your home.

Book provided for review.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour. Thanks for visiting!

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title:		Saving June
Author:		Hannah Harrington
Publisher:		Harlequin
Imprint:		Harlequin Teen
Pub. Date:		11/22/2011
ISBN:		0373210248 (ISBN13: 9780373210244)
Pages:		336

When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life.

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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Harper was always jealous of her older sister June. June had the perfect life- great grades, great looks, great boyfriend. When June suddenly commits suicide, Harper is sent into a bit of a tailspin. Harper desperately wants to know why June did it or if anything could have stopped her. While going through June's room, Harper discovers a mix CD that was unlike anything June ever listened to. Harper decides that June's ashes need to go to the one place June always wanted to escape to- California. The mix tape leads Harper to Jake, someone so unlike anyone June ever associated with that Harper can't figure out his connection to June. Harper, her best friend Laney, and Jake soon embark on the road trip of a lifetime to see that June gets to California.

This book turned out much different than I ever imagined it would. For me, the most marvelous part was how tightly things were tied in to music. I love music so much, and I think it really helped heighten the emotional response I had as a reader. Harper, Laney, and Jake were all kind of misfits in different ways. They came together to make a wonderful trio though. The road trip vibe was alive and well, and it made me remember so many random journeys I made when I was younger. There's a certain feel of freedom from the real world that you get while road tripping, and you could feel that throughout the book. This disassociation from real life allowed Harper to really search through her feelings on everything, and you get the feeling this trip was as much for her as it was to deliver June to where she always wanted to be.

Like any good book, there are secrets and conflicts and all kinds of interesting plot points. They never take away from the real plot though-Harper discovering how she feels about life. At first I thought Harper was a trying a bit too hard to be a rebel, but as I got to know her through the plot and the music associated I saw where she was coming from. By the end of the book I loved Harper, Laney, and Jake so much. I read this book so fast because I was just drawn into the story, and I really wanted to know how everything was resolved. A little bit rock and roll, a little bit therapy, I thought this was an amazing book that I would highly recommend to everyone.

Galley provided for review.

Review: Book of Mormon Christmas by Michelle Kendall

Title:		A Book of Mormon Christmas
Author:		Michelle Kendall
Publisher:		Cedar Fort Books
Imprint:		C F I Distribution
Pub. Date:		09/08/2011
ISBN:		1599555085 (ISBN13: 9781599555089)
Pages:		32

Relive the first Nephite Christmas with pictures, scriptures, and family-favorite Christmas carols. Bring the Savior and His birth into your home through the stories told in the Book of Mormon. A Book Of Mormon Christmas is perfect for family home evenings, primary programs, or any family gathering. Invite the Spirit to touch your family as you begin a new, heartfelt holiday tradition.

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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This is a beautiful book. Using pictures and music, it goes through the Christmas story using the New Testament and Book of Mormon scriptures. It has beautiful illustrations as well. Each verse goes with a picture and song. This would make a wonderful Home Evening or special Christmas devotional. The songs are traditional Christmas carols so they should be familiar to most people. I think this will definitely be a wonderful new tradition to start with my family, and a beautiful way to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

Book provided for review. 

Review: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Title:		Virtuosity
Author:		Jessica Martinez
Publisher:		Simon & Schuster
Imprint:		Simon Pulse
Pub. Date:		10/18/2011
ISBN:		1442420529 (ISBN13: 9781442420526)
Pages:		304

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?

Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.

Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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Carmen is a child prodigy on the violin. She's had world tour, CDs, even a Grammy. The last thing she needs to really make it is the prestigious Guarneri prize. She really only has one person to worry about beating her, and when she hears him play she becomes quite worried. However, when Jeremy, the other violin player, e-mails her out of nowhere, things take an interesting twist. Soon Carmen and Jeremy are spending more time together, and Carmen's mom is not pleased. Carmen will have to decide who she's playing for and why she plays. Her decisions could change her life forever.

I enjoyed this book a lot! I found the contrast between Carmen and Jeremy fascinating. Who has it better? The one who has more natural talent but has everything handed to them? Or the one who has to fight for everything because of their passion for music? Somewhere in the middle of becoming violin famous, Carmen has forgotten about her love of music. I wanted so much for her to be able to rediscover her passion for playing. Although Jeremy was competitive, he was still very nice. Not perfect by any means, but someone who will certainly have readers swooning.

I was honestly surprised with where the plot ended up going. There were some twists and turns that made the book even more exciting. Through it all you really feel the author's passion for music. This was translated so well throughout the book. I highly recommend this book. It's an interesting study on music, competition, romance, and true motivations.

Galley provided for review.