What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know Cover Reveal

Welcome to the cover reveal for What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know by Rachelle J. Christensen and Connie E. Sokol!

Is your daughter asking questions about friends, peer pressure, school, and even her weight? As a mom, are you wondering how to answer them? 

Welcome to the club. 

But you can relax. Because we’ve asked real sixth-grade girls to dish on their top secret questions. And, we’ve provided time-tested real-life answers that work. Add to that an enjoyable format. The “Just for Girls” section speaks right to your daughter in words and ways she understands. The “Just for Moms” section talks straight to moms, giving you information, resources, and easy-to-share answers. We include tips for how to start, handle, and enjoy the conversations no matter the situation. 

Create connected conversations with your daughter as you explore these life questions together. Get plain facts and jumpstart questions. Discuss the provided scenarios so she can practice responses to use in real-time. Download decorative cards with positive statements and fun fill-in sentences. Use What Every Girl Needs to Know About 6th Grade to make it happen. Together, answer questions and create connection. You got this.

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Author Connie E. Sokol

Connie E. Sokol is a mother of seven and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a core contributor on KSL TV's “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for "Motherhood Matters" at www.ksl.com. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications and newspaper and magazine columnist. Mrs. Sokol is the author of twelve books including Faithful, Fit & Fabulous; Create a Powerful Life Plan; The Life is Too Short Collection; 40 Days with the Savior; and Caribbean Crossroads. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

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Author Rachelle J. Christensen

Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who loves connecting with her children and wrote this book in answer to questions from her two daughters. She also has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. An award-winning author, she has written several mystery/suspense novels, and she solves the mystery of the missing shoe on a daily basis. Rachelle graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and, of course, reading.

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$25 Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/1/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Review: Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy

Title:		Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy
Author:		Lisa & Michael Cohn
Illustrator:		Heather Nichols
Publisher:		Canines and Kids Publishing
Pub. Date:		11/2014
Pages:		39

From an award-winning Mom-Son team featured on the Today Show, Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy is a contemporary boy-and-dog book. Bash’s dog, Lucy, helps coach his soccer team, and Lucy leads the team to the championships. But Bash is overcome with jealousy when Lucy enchants a team of Special Olympics kids who say they want her to coach their team. Can Bash overcome his jealousy and learn to share Lucy with kids who say they need her? This is Book Two in the Bash and Lucy series, following Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence, a Mom’s Choice Silver Award winner and finalist, USA Best Book Awards. Co-Author Michael Cohn, age 6, has appeared on the Today Show, on SiriusXM Radio, in Disney’s Babble, in The Oregonian and other media.

              **************************************************

Bash and his loyal dog Lucy have a lot of adventures together. Lately Lucy has been helping Bash's soccer team with fun and encouragement. When another team of Special Olympians ask for Lucy's help, Bash isn't so excited to offer Lucy up. Can Bash overcome his jealousy of Lucy helping another team? Bash will have to find a way to  help make everyone play the best that they can.

This was a very sweet book. Bash loves his dog and all the help she gives to the soccer team. When a team of special needs kids ask for Lucy's help though, Bash doesn't deal quite as well. He gets very jealous of all the attention that Lucy gives the other team. After all, Lucy is his dog! This book helps to teach some important lessons about sharing and finding ways that we can help others lives easier. The pictures are bright and cutely drawn. This is a fun book that helps teach some very important lessons.

Book provided for review.

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for I Hope They Call Me on a Mission by Benjamin Hyrum White and Corey Egbert!

It’s never too young to prepare! This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches children what it’s like to be a missionary, from riding a bike to studying the gospel to having a companion, and everything they can do now to be ready so that when the time comes, they’ll be the best missionaries they can be. Colorful and cute, it’s a perfect gift for baptisms and birthdays.

About the Author:

Ben White is the author of 10 Questions to Answer while Preparing for a Mission. He has been a Seminary Teacher from 2003 to the present. He has a M.A. in Religious Education from BYU, B.S. in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU. He is an EFY speaker and has recorded two talks with the Mormon Channel on their “For the Youth” program.

About the Illustrator:

Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn’t have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Buena Vista, Virginia, with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

Review:

For young LDS children, hearing about missions starts at a young age. Many questions may arise though. Like what exactly does a missionary do anyway? Why do we go on missions. This book takes these questions and gives straightforward answers. It even tells what children can do to prepare for their mission now. It's bright and colorful pictures and clear explanations are sure to entertain and teach our children what exactly a mission is all about.

Since I have a young son, I love children's books. Especially ones that help teach him. This was a fantastic book in that respect. The pictures are bright and fun. They help to illustrate the points very well. I absolutely loved the different topics touched on in relation to missions. I think my favorite one was actually that missionaries get rejected. What a beautiful way to give realistic expectations yet still teach some important life lessons about being true to oneself. This is definitely a book that so many people will enjoy. It keeps the topic light and fun while still being able to teach on a level that children will understand. 

Book provided for review.

Seek & Find Book of Mormon Stories Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for Seek & Find Book of Mormon Stories by Jason Pruett!

Search for Nephi, Moroni, and other hidden prophets and characters from the scriptures in this fun picture game book. Featuring scenes from the Book of Mormon, this book will keep kids entertained as they look for their favorite scripture heroes and hidden objects in the colorful illustrations. Perfect for home, church, or on the go, it makes learning the scriptures fun for everyone.

Jason Pruett has a BFA in Industrial Design from Brigham Young University and an MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University. He has created art for games and animation. Jason currently illustrates picture books and the children’s comic book Jimmy Brass, 2nd Grade Detective. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife.

Review:

There are books that help teach us the stories in the scriptures. There are stories that let us have fun. This book aims to do both. In the history of classic seek and find books before it, Seek & Find Book of Mormon Stories takes those familiar stories from the Book of Mormon stories and adds a fun new angle. With many things to find in the pictures, this book will be sure to entertain while helping people to remember some of the great Book of Mormon stories.

I was so excited for this book because my son loves these seek and find books. They are a staple of our Sundays. After several Sundays, I can say for sure that this passes the child and parent test. The pictures are bright and busy. Some of the things are relatively easy to find while others required much more searching. There are also bonus things to find in each picture. To be honest we haven't even looked for those because we have so much fun doing the main things in each picture. This is a book that all ages can enjoy. It is Sacrament Meeting quiet tested and approved in this family!

Book provided for review.

Teaching Children About Sex Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for Teaching Children About Sex: Using the Temple as Your Guide by Cherri Brooks!

It’s time for the talk. Teach your children the truth about sexual intimacy in a world of shifting values and ideas. With expert advice and age-appropriate wording, you learn how to use the temple as a beautiful analogy to discuss with your kids the sacred subject of sex. Timely and clear, this book is a must-read for parents, teachers, and leaders.

About the author:

Cherri H. Brooks grew up in Centerville, Utah and attended Utah State University where she earned her M.S. in Family and Human Development. She is the author of the LDS Living Magazine article, “Talking to Kids about Sex.” Her blog is www.timelesstemples.blogspot.com. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband and three children.

Review:

Ah sex. Talking about it to children is often viewed as trial to be endured. However, it is a very important topic the becomes even more important as the world around us changes. This book uses the temple and temple preparation as an example for a way to discuss everything with your children starting from a young age. It gives straightforward answers from both biological and value viewpoints. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can allow for a truly wonderful experience.

My son isn't old enough that I've had to worry about going into a lot of detail about sex, but I have tried to be honest and truthful about things like where babies come from. I was both excited and a little scared about reading this book. I wasn't sure if it would approach things from a point-of-view that I would agree with. I was so pleased to be surprised. This book is amazing! I love how positive this book was. So many times talking about sex becomes a negative thing because we want them so much to understand the importance of chastity. This is not always the best approach though. We need to find a balance so that children and youth understand how important sex is and why we save it for the appropriate time and place.

I love that this book emphasizes the need for communication on this topic starting from a young age. This book helped me see areas I have done well and areas in which I could use some major improvement. There are questions and answers for each age group that have some great help in them. At the end of there book there is some dealing with "special" topics in this area. They were absolutely full of fantastic information and direction. I wish that everyone would read this book. It manages to be very sex positive while using the temple as a guide to show why chastity is so important to us. This is a book I know I'll reference for years to come. With it's beautiful message and positive tone, it takes what could be a touchy subject and makes it approachable for everyone. 

Book provided for review.

Fearless Fabulous You Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for Fearless Fabulous You! by Melanie Young!

Stay Fearless and Fabulous at every age and stage of your life with inspirational insights, motivational quotes and helpful checklists to face challenges with grace and make the changes in life that are right for you.

Make yourself your Number One priority and project your Amazing Authenticity and Brilliance. Motivational muse, wellness advocate, business woman and breast cancer survivor Melanie Young, author of International Book Award- winning, Getting Things Off My Chest, shares her tips on how to:

• Recharge your mental batteries and revalue your self worth
• Release negative energy and embrace positive change
• Reconnect with your amazing talents and turn road blocks into building blocks
• Reframe the vision of who you want to be and how you want to project yourself
• Reclaim the person you are destined to be and the life you want to live

If you feel stuck in a rut and need a re-energizing mental boost, keep this book by your bed to remind yourself every day that You can choose to be Fearless & Fabulous.

Author Melanie Young has made a career of turning challenges into opportunities as a wine and food marketing and communications specialist. When breast cancer took her on an unexpected detour in 2009-2010 she seized the opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes to stay healthy, manage stress, eliminate fear of recurrence and rethink how she wanted to live her life with renewed purpose. Writing was her therapy and voice to help inspire others to face life’s challenges with grit, grace and wit. Her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest, helps newly diagnosed women navigate their breast cancer journey with confidence. In Fearless Fabulous You! Melanie’s message is: “Be CEO- chief empowerment officer- of your life. Find your passion and purpose; be your own wellness advocate and believe in your self-worth.”

• Follow Melanie on Twitter @mightymelanie
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FearlessFabulousMelanieYoung
• Blog: www.melanieyoung.com
• Email: melanie@melanieyoung.com

Review:

Everyone needs to reevaluate things from time to time. This book shows some ways that you can take charge of your life. It gives helpful quotes, ideas, and tasks to help you take charge of your life. Some of the things in this book are very broad and inspiring ideas, while some are so simple that you begin to wonder why you hadn't already done this. However, all of them focus on helping you be come the best you that you can be.

I appreciate many of the things in this book. There were so many things that I read and though, "Wow, I totally need to work on that." One of the main ideas in here is that you cannot be helpful to others without first taking care of yourself. I liked that this book really helped me to see that sometimes it is OK to focus just on myself. I also liked the discussions on supporting other women and just loving others and ourselves more. Those are things that I am always trying to work on, and this book motivated me to keep trying. I think every person can find something in this book that will inspire and help them to become even better than they already are. It is a fun and helpful book!

Book provided for review.

Apple Pie For You and I Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for Apple Pie For You and I by Denise Mistich and Daniel Buleri!

You can purchase an electronic copy of this book for only $1.00 from Amazon until December 31, 2014 (details below).

   

About the Book

Title: Apple Pie for You and I | Author: Denise Mistich | Illustrator: Daniel Bulleri | Publication Date: November 13, 2013 | Publisher: Apple Pie Books | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Book Description: 

Apple Pie for You and I is one fantastically colorful and happy little children's book! Kids love to count the pieces of the pie as these hilarious critters gobble them down. They also get a little lesson in grammar and find out what happens when they eat too many slices! 

Message from the Author: 

This project was a lot of fun and I know your children are going to love it. I simply wrote a poem about raccoons eating an apple pie. Illustrator Daniel Bulleri brought the story to life. Grab a copy and enjoy it with your little ones. The book is available as a Kindle e-book and the paperback is coming soon!

Purchase the Kindle for Just $1.00 through Dec. 31, 2014

Amazon | Goodreads

 

About the Author: Denise Mistich

 

Author Denise Davidson Mistich, co-founder of Apple Pie Books, writes poems and stories that inspire children to think. She is also a minister and host of The Healing Room, Christian Radio for the Whole Woman.

Website | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

   

About the Illustrator: Daniel Bulleri

The Illustrator, Daniel Bulleri, is a graphic designer and graduate of Chico State University. Other published work includes Your Magical Laugh, written, illustrated and published for the most important people in his life...his own children.

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)
Contest closes: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open to: 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, Denise Mistich 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.

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Mrs Ds New Books Blast

Welcome to the book blast for Mrs. D's New Books!

 

About Book 1

Title: Runaway Clothes | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: May 1, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 44 | Recommended age: 6 to 10

 An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn't want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. "How easy it is to lose something you love so much." She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

 

Book Preview

 

About Book 2

Title: The Royal Palm | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: October 21, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 40 | Recommended age: 6 to 10

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the royal p lam discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.  

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

 

Book Preview

 

About the Author: Mrs. D

Olga D’Agostino (aka Mrs. D.), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College. In 1992 she immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011 she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013, and three are winners in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite contest. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda. Published children's books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, Runaway Clothes, The Royal Palm, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill (short story) and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse. The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories: The Autumn Wind and The Kitten and the Sparrow), and her new book, The Cat Who Wonders, by Itself, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices. She is presently working on her first novel, The Chinese Princess, and a short story, “A Taste of Bread.” For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner's choice) Contest ends: January 9, 11:59 pm, 2015
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. 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 a 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, Mrs. D 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.

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The Magic of Friendship Book Blast and Review

Welcome to the book blast for The Magic of Friendship by Subhash & Sujata Kommuru! I also have a review for this book included in this post, so be sure to check that out. 

Title: The Magic of Friendship | Authors: Subhash Kommuru & Sujata Kommuru | Publication Date: August 25, 2014 | Publisher: Kommuru Books | Pages: 42 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 

A flock of migrating geese stumble upon Tadoba, the land of the fierce tiger Babbar who does not tolerate anyone in his area. Will Babbar show any mercy? Can he change? Will the geese make it to safety? This is a story about change -- a transformation that comes with the magic of friendship. Personality may not change, but nature can surely change. This story will shows the value of friendship and how that can change a person, particularly one who is lonely and never really had the gift of laughter.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About the Authors: Subhash & Sujata Kommuru

Subhash and Sujata Kommuru hail from India. They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself. Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea! These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

Review:

Everyone is afraid of Babbar, the tiger that rules Tadoba. However, things begin to change as Babbar makes friends with Hasmukh, a scared but funny donkey. Can these two overcome their differences to become friends? And what will this mean for the rest of the animals?

I absolutely loved this story. It's a beautiful tale of how powerful friendship is tied in with overcoming our prejudices a bit as well. The animals are afraid of Babbar and find him quite frightening. However, Babbar is just sad and lonely. It's not until Hasmukh meets him and takes a chance on friendship that the two begin to evolve into better animals. Each one is able to help overcome a weakness in the other. What a wonderful lesson for people of all ages. The illustrations are fantastic as well. They really draw me in. This book is full of beauty and fun with a great story wrapped up in it.

Book provided for review.

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: January 8, 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 Subhash Kommuru 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.

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John Bloom and the Victory Garden Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for John Bloom and the Victory Garden nu Leigh Shearin!

Sign-Up to Join the "JOHN BLOOM AND THE VICTORY GARDEN" Book Review Blitz and receive a FREE COPY of the book!

 

About the Book

Title: John Bloom and the Garden of Victory | Author: Leigh Shearin | Publication Date: October 27, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 195 | Recommended Ages: 9+ 

John Bloom and the Victory Garden is the rollicking tale of 3 boys at the dawn of America's involvement in WWII. John Bloom, and his best friends Joe and Chewie live, play, and get into adventures in 1940's era Appleside, NJ. Because children are generally joyful and tend to put more importance on the goings-on of their own worlds than those of grown-ups, the events of the war are woven into the boy's daily lives. Along the way, a bitter and cynical old man is drawn into their hijinks, and contributes his own joy to the lives of these 3. 

Chapter One invites the reader to join John and his friends in Appleside, NJ on the afternoon of December 6th, 1941. Through newspaper headlines and radio bulletins, the boys learn about the incredible events of the war- beginning with the attack on Hawaii by the Empire of Japan. As the story moves along, John and his friends learn that everyone- not just soldiers- can make a difference. They learn that commitment leads to ultimate success and that taking a seemingly insurmountable task one step at a time will make that task simple. John, Joe and Chewie learn about where their food comes from, and how important good food is to the Allies overseas. 

John Bloom and the Victory Garden is not just a story of Homefront USA during WWII. Its about faith, endurance and sturdy values that transcend time and cultural differences. It's about accepting tough times, struggle and adversity and overcoming them anyway. It's about seeing the humor in life, and helping others to see the humor too. But mostly, they just have a gut-busting great time!

Amazon | Goodreads

 

About the Author: Leigh Shearin

I am a Writer, Chef, Baker and Farmer. I earned a B.A. in Studio Art from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and worked as a Graphic Artist and Photographer before earning my A.A.S in Culinary Art. I've worked as a Chef, Baker and Culinary Art Instructor. Most recently, my husband and I have bought rural land and are developing our own small, sustainable farm, Winter'Rest Farm in north Central New York. Through it all, I've written stories and poems, some published, some tucked away. The older I get, the more the stories stalk me, so I hope to move into full-time writing in the very near future.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: January 3, 11:59 pm, 2015
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 Leah Shearin 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.

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A Year in the Secret Garden Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for A Year in the Secret Garden by Valarie Budayr & Marilyn Scott-Waters!

Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters | Publication Date: November, 2014 | Publisher: Audrey Press | Pages: 144 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 99 

Book Description: 

Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret Garden to introduce the beloved children’s classic, The Secret Garden to a new generation of families. This guide uses over two hundred full color illustrations and photos to bring the magical story to life, with fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book.Over 140 pages, with 200 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room.  

Purchase

Great News!

You can purchase your very own copy of this gorgeous book for only $15 (a savings of $5) directly from Audrey Press between Dec. 1 and 7, 2014. PLUS, if you miss these dates, you can still purchase the book between December 8 and 31, 2014 for $15 using the code word "SECRETGARDEN".

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK NOW!!

Amazon * Audrey Press * Goodreads

Month by Month Guide

September

• Indian Style Chicken Curry
• Rangoli
• Magic Carpets
• Misselthwaite Manor
• Character Study: Mary Lennox
• Ploughman’s Lunch

 

October

• Cutouts of the Secret Garden Characters
• Planting Bulbs
• The English Garden
• Character Study: Mrs. Medlock

November

• Hot Oatcakes
• Jump Rope
• Plastic Bag Jump Rope
• Jump Rope Rhymes
• Shovel, Shovel, Spade
• Character Study: Ben Weatherstaff

December

• Bringing in the Evergreen
• Yorkshire Pudding Toad-in-a-Hole
• The Oak King vs. The Holly King
• The Story of Mistletoe
• Character Study: Martha Sowerby

January

• Parkin Cake
• Wutherin' Wind Flags
• Ice Disks
• Yorkshire Phrasebook
• Character Study: Dickon Sowerby
• Perfectly Good Porridge with Treacle

February

• Oaten Pipe
• Garden in a Jar
• Death in Victorian England
• Character Study: Archibald Craven

March

• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Nest Building
• Seed Paper & Packets
• Grow-Me Seed Paper
• Seed Packets
• Class of Hunger
• Character Study: Colin Craven

April

• Robin Cake
• Dickon’s Felt Creatures
• The World of Mason Bees
• Making of a Mason Bee House
• British Money
• Old British Money
• Character Study: Dr. Craven

 

May

• Freezer Strawberry Jam
• Planting a Rose Bush
• Wheelbarrow Race
• Wheelbarrow
• Spot-Sitting
• Character Study: Lilias Craven

June

• A Midsummer Garden Tea Party
• Ladybug Sandwiches
• Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
• Simply Divine Lemon Cookies
• Daisy Chain Crowns
• Midsummer Dancing Ribbon Wreaths
• Flower Pressing
• Character Study: Victorian/Edwardian Family Life

July

• The Secret Meal
• Tin Foil Breakfast
• The Cooking Campfire
• Creating a Garden Journal
• Colin’s Exercises
• Blindfolded Garden Walk
• Colin’s Magic Chant and Affirmations
• Affirmation Stones
• Character Study: Susan Sowerby

August

• Scones and Ginger Tea
• A Taste of Summer
• Paper Garden Model
• Garden Games for Family and Friends
• Blind Man’s Bluff
• Red Rover
• Character Study: Frances Hodgson Burnett

 

About the Author: Valarie Budayr

Valarie Budayr loves reading and bringing books alive. Her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com, inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure. She is founder of Audrey Press, an independent publishing house, as well as an Amazon and iTunes best-selling author. She has written The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Valarie is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and encouraging families and schools to pull books off the shelves and stories off the pages.  

Book Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

About the Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters

Marilyn Scott-Waters loves making things out of paper. Her popular website, www.thetoymaker.com, receives 2,000 to 7,000 visitors each day, who have downloaded more than six million of her easy-to-make paper toys. Her goal is to help parents and children spend time together making things. She is the creator of a paper toy craft book series The Toymaker’s Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling), and The Toymaker’s Workshop: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling). She is also the co-creator with J. H. Everett of the middle grade nonfiction series, Haunted Histories, (Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers). Ms. Scott-Waters illustrated The Search For Vile Things (Scholastic), and created paper engineering for Pop & Sniff Fruit (Piggy Toes Press).

Website | Facebook | Google+

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: December 31, 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 authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters 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.

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I Want to Be Baptized Blog Tour

Welcome to the tour for I Want to Be Baptized by Annalisa Hall and Corey Egbert!

Help your little ones recognize the joy, responsibility, and importance of being baptized. I Want to Be Baptized – from the same author and illustrator who brought you The Holy Ghost Is like a Blanket – depicts what baptism really means for children’s lives by comparing it to objects they remember and relate to. Turn to these heartwarming illustrations and meaningful analogies next time a child asks you about baptism.

About the author:

Annalisa Hall was born in Rochester, MI, to Alvin and Judy Holgerson. She received a merit scholarship to the LDS Business College graduating with honors. She transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo and worked in the Harold B. Lee Library and graduated from BYU with a BA in English. She is the author of Garbage Can Graffiti, published September 2010 in the Friend. She currently lives in Poway, CA, with her husband and three children.

Review:

Baptism is an important part of every LDS child's life. This book shows why baptism is so important by using comparisons to everyday life. Full of colorful illustrations, this book will entertain and teach our young ones about the importance of this sacred ordinance. 

I loved this book. I thought it did an amazing job of making comparisons to things that almost any child could understand. The pictures area all bright and interesting. It includes a list of scripture references and Primary song references as well. While the pictures are bright and fun, the words are not too "little kid" for children closer to 8. It's a beautiful book that will really help show why baptism is so important for all of us.

Book provided for review,

A is for Abinadi Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for A is for Abinadi by Heidi Poelman!

A is for apple but also for Abinadi! Teach your children about some of the greatest heroes in the scriptures with this beautifully illustrated alphabet book. They will love searching for items that represent each letter while they get to know heroes like Captain Moroni and Esther. Along with learning their ABCs, your children will learn to recognize and love these great Book of Mormon and Bible examples.

Meet the Author:

Heidi Poelman has always loved learning about inspiring people. In A is for Abinadi, she found a way to write about many of her favorites. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). When she’s not writing, cooking, cleaning, or carpooling, Heidi enjoys reading bedtime stories and going on outdoor adventures with her family. She lives in Utah with her husband and three children.

Review:

As parents we often work hard to give our children a well-rounded education. One of the first steps is learning  the alphabet, and this book manages to do that in a fun way! Much like a secular alphabet book, this book manages to take the alphabet and apply Bible and Book of Mormon characters or events to each letter. It's a fun way to expose our children to stories we are familiar with while teaching them some basic things in the process.

I love the drawings! Illustrator Jason Pruett has done a wonderful job of making the pictures both explanatory and fun. Kids (or at least my kid) will be drawn to the colors and pictures. I also love that the stories for each letter are fairly short. This would be an excellent way to do very short gospel lessons for young children. It gives them somethings to focus on, the letter and picture, while getting a short and age-appropriate lesson. This would also be a great book for times when you need to keep a child quiet. This is a wonderful and fun book that many children will enjoy!

Book provided for review.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour!

Osteoblasts to the Rescue Blog Tour

Tour Schedule

Welcome to the blog tour for Osteoblasts to the Rescue by Dr. Heather Manley!

Merrin and Pearl are at it again! This time these two young Human Body Detectives are exploring the skeletal system. With the ability to jump in and examine the various systems in the body, Merrin and Pearl’s adventures are fun stories and helpful tools to educate children. In Osteoblasts to the Rescue, Merrin and Pearl navigate their friend, Lily’s, broken arm and learn all about bones. As the fourth in The Human Body Detectives series, Osteoblasts to the Rescue can also stand alone as a book that’s sure to inform, engage, and inspire readers of all ages.  

Amazon

 Author Heather Manley, N.D.

I have always been passionate about healthy foods and exercising. Growing up in Toronto, Canada I would exhaust my allowance at the health food store and write school papers on spices and herbs. It was no wonder I found myself studying biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. I loved animals as well so I initially focused on wildlife conservation and animal biology, however, with some exposure to naturopathic medicine, this health care philosophy rang true for me. I switched to pre-med and I graduated in 1993. I earned my doctorate at the from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon before moving with my family to Hawaii where I became licensed and continue to practice today. Everything I learned in med school came into fruition when my children were born. I realized the importance of teaching them, by example, about healthy food and lifestyle. Telling them what to eat was not enough, so I created and wrote educational adventure stories that explain the physiological systems in the body. Not only did my kids love the engaging and interactive stories but so did their friends. I love seeing kids have fun learning to understand their bodies and how food helps them run faster and be smarter. My focus is on preventative health. I am passionate about encouraging families to seek the value of a simple lifestyle and offering tools to assist them at being proactive and confident in their daily living. I am constantly inspired seeing people make positive changes in their lives. With my website, I am excited to reach more families in a way that will manifest healthy living.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Review:

Merrin and Pearl have an awesome ability. They are Human Body Detectives, able to jump inside others and study their bodies! This time, they are going into their friend Lily's body to investigate her broken arm. While in Lily they will learn a lot about our skeleton, how bones stay healthy, and what they are made of.

I loved this book! It was able to explain some complex-seeming scientific terms into something easy to understand and interesting to read. This book is a fantastic way to introduce young (and not so young) people to important information without seeming threatening. The book also managed to convey information about nutrition and healthcare without seeming too preachy. I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series for my son. It is a fun way to learn, and I think that people everywhere can learn tons from this book. 

Book provided for review

There is a great giveaway also going on with this blog tour, so be sure to check that out below. Thanks for stopping by!

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