Review: Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson

Book Description: Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world."

Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

About the Author: LARRY PETERSON was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. "Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes" is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 30 years.

Check out his blog - http://www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com/

Here's What I Think: I always love books that have a message and there is no better message than accepting each other's differences. This children's book takes it a step further and reminds us to accept our own differences. I also like the Peterson was able to convey his message without it being totally obvious that a lesson was being learned. My sons loved the illustrations of this book as well as the story.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this book for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like an honest review of your title, please contact me at polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Review: Pirate Vs Pirate by Mary Quattlebaum

PIRATE VS. PIRATE: The Terrific Tale of a Big, Blustery Maritime Match by Mary Quattlebaum, illus. by Alexandra Boiger

Book Description: Who is the mightiest pirate in the world? Bad Bart and Mean Mo both want that honor. And so they hold a series of contests: swimming with sharks, hurling cannonballs, and eating hardtack. Aarrr! The final contest—treasure counting--will decide the winner. This lively story, full of sea-dog lingo, will appeal to both girls and boys. Boys will root for Bad Bart, girls for Mean Mo—and in the end … well, that’s a BIG swashbuckling surprise.About the Author: I grew up in the country in a large family (7 kids), with lots of pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, goats, horses, turtles, chickens, ducks). My earliest memory is of my dad reciting nursery rhymes to me and my brothers and sisters, right before bedtime. We could each choose one. My favorite was “Hickory Dickory Dock,” and one of my sisters always wanted “Little Bo Peep.” Here's What I Think: My boys just loved this book. They are really into pirates right now so were thrilled by this pirate themed book. The story is easy to read and entertaining to even me - which is an aspect of children's stories that is often ignored. After all, the parents have to read the stories to their children and after the tenth time it has to at least be interesting. The illustrations in this book are also really great, very whimsical. All in all I would say this book would make a great summer reading book.

This is an epic tale of adventure, filled with seadog lingo as two rival pirates--Bad Bart, the burliest boy pirate, and Mean Mo, the maddest girl pirate--meet and hold a contest to declare the best pirate in the world. All their bluster turns out for naught as they fall head over heels in love. For more information and some fun pirate activities, go to Mary Quattlebaum's website

 

 

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this book for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like an honest review of your title, please contact me at polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Review: Case Closed? by Susan Hughes

Case Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science by Susan Hughes

Book Description: Egypt's first female pharaoh disappears around 1457 BCE -- was she murdered? Find out how DNA closes the case. The ancient Arabian Peninsula city of Ubar vanishes, seemingly without trace. Find out how old maps and modern space shuttles help solve the mystery. Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage is never heard from again. Find out how spectroscopy points to some probable explanations. Case Closed? examines these and six other mysteries from ancient and modern times. Accompanied by photos, maps, diagrams and illustrations, this book reveals how modern science sheds new light on people, vessels and entire civilizations throughout history that simply vanished. In some cases, the mystery has been solved. In other cases, readers can examine the latest evidence and decide for themselves.

About the Author: Susan Hughes is a children's book writer and editor. Her book No Girls Allowed was chosen as an OLA Best Bet for Teens. Her other works include a picture book, Earth to Audrey, and a novel, Virginia.Here's What I Think: Although this is technically a children's book (intended for ages 8-12), I certainly learned a lot from it. Each of the nine mysteries is broken down by a description of the mystery, a background, "case open" (which describes the recent findings and facts), "mystery solved?" (the conclusions) and ends with either "Case Closed" or The Investigation Continues..." I appreciated that the book didn't "dumb down" the details of each case and gave thoughtful explanations. I also liked that it was a "just the facts ma'am" sort of book. I think that my niece would enjoy this book as well as any child grade 3-7.


Michael Wandelmaier is an illustrator and graphic designer who uses both traditional and digital media in his work. He is the illustrator of Case Closed? Michael lives in Toronto, Ontario.
 

 

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this book for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like an honest review of your title, please contact me at polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Review: GoD and DoG by Wendy Fransisco

GoD and DoG by Wendy Fransisco
Book Description: GOD AND DOG is a phenomenon. First appearing on YouTube, the video of Wendy Francisco's charming animated illustrations and moving song tells of the unconditional love of both God and Dog. About the Author: Wendy Francisco has been a recording artist since the late 1970s and, alongside her husband singer/songwriter Don Francisco, has toured nationally and internationally. She has eight CDs of her own and is currently working on a new one. Here's What I think: I had actually seen the YouTube video before receiving this book and thought it was so sweet. The book is a fun extension of the book. I think this book would be a cute gift to someone special - like for Mother's Day or as a get well soon gift or every a just because gift. It is also something that can be shared with your children. I like the concept of the book and found it heartwarming.

With over 2 million YouTube viewings to date, Francisco's story appeals to all ages, to animal enthusiasts, to people of religious persuasions, and especially to anyone who has been loved by a dog.
Now in book format, Wendy's touching narrative will be expanded on through additional lyrics, illustrations, photographs and some of the powerful mail that is continually being sent to Francisco.

View the Video

Francisco has a degree in fine art from San Diego State University and owned a successful gallery in Colorado. An award-winning pastel artist, Wendy also enjoys painting, printmaking, pen and ink, photography, and a variety of other mediums.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of the this title for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. These are my real and honest opinions.

If you are an author and/or publishing house and would like for me to publish a review of your book, please feel free to contact me at: polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Review & Giveaway: Who Said Coo? by Deborah Ruddell and Robin Luebs

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!
Who Said Coo? by Deborah Ruddell and Robin Luebs

Book Description: Lulu is one seriously sleepy pig. But every time she snuggles in her cozy bed, she's disturbed by the noises of two naughty birds outside her window. Whooooo ... Cooooo ... Lulu must find a way to get her wide-awake pals to pipe down. But as her frustration grows, will she be able to ask them nicely?

Brimming with pitch-perfect rhymes, fun-to-say animal noises, and heaps of humor, this book is a delightful read-aloud that's perfect for bedtime - or anytime!

About the Authors: Deborah - I grew up in a small Illinois town, the oldest of five well-loved children, and I was almost never alone. From day one, I had my twin sister, Robin, at my side – the ideal accessory for a shy kid.

We shared a room, matching clothes, and (to our mother's dismay) a deep devotion to the leisure arts: daydreaming, doodling, and watching the world go by.
Together, we smiled at the good and frowned at the bad, studied ants, drew pictures, and created elaborate scenarios in which we played the starring roles.
Today, when I write poems for children, I use the very same skills I learned in childhood every day. As it turns out, daydreaming, doodling, and watching the world go by are part of the job.
It's a job I love.
And Robin? She grew up to be a wonderful author and illustrator of children's books!


Deborah's Website, Robin's Website

Here's What Think: My kiddos just loved this book. It is so artfully illustrated. This is a children's book with a great lesson - keeping your cool when you are frustrated. All three of my boys loved this book, and it passed the "read it again" test. I can always tell if they really did like a book, if they instantly as for it to be read again. We have already read this one several times and will be reading it more and more I am sure. I think this book would make a great gift for any preschooler.

WIN IT! The good people at Blue Slip Media have agree to give one lucky winner a copy of Who Said Coo? By Deborah Ruddell and Robin Luebs

Here's How It Works:

A Few Rules:

You must be a US Resident. And You must provide a Street Address upon notification of winning (NO PO BOXES)

 Mandatory Entry: (you must do this one first or I will be forced to remove all of your entries)

Become a Follower of BMWL2R In some form - GFC, Twitter, or Facebook.

Please include your email address in your comment. (feel free to use the antiSPAM version - yourname[at]yourserver[dot]com)

Get More Entries: (LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY)

• Become a GFC Follower (if you already are one, just tell me so)
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• Add this giveaway to some one else's giveaway linky (leave me a link to where you added it, and be sure to follow the linky's rules)
• Grab my button (see sidebar) and put it on your blog (include a link to your blog in your comment) (5 entries)
• Add a post to your own blog about this giveaway (include a link to your post in your comment)(8 entries)

All entries must be in by October 21st at 11:59AM PST. I will pick a winner using a Random Number Generator.!

I wish you the best of luck!

Disclaimer: Although, I did receive a copy of this book for review, I received no direct compensation for the post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like for me to review your book please contact me directly: polsen11[at]comcast[dot]net

Review: The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie

The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms
 Book Desciption: This interactive workbook, packed with creative, year-round nature activities, is sure to please everyone ages 8 to 13. Clare Walker Leslie guides kids to observe and record what they see, hear, smell, and touch outdoors, whether they live in the country, the city, or somewhere in between. She offers dozens of fun things to do in every season: write a poem; make a sketch; tell a story; record daily sunrise and sunset times for a month; draw a local map and mark the locations of trees, rocks, animals, and other sights; keep a moon journal; learn about the constellations; or collect leaves and bring them home to sketch and identify. Rediscover the world outside with The Nature Connection!

The Nature Connection - The top video clips of the week are here

About the Author: Clare Walker Leslie is a nationally known wildlife artist, author, and educator. She has connected people of all ages to nature using drawing, writing, and observing the outdoors for the last thirty years. Her previous books include Nature Drawing: A Tool for Learning and Keeping A Nature Journal. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Granville, Vermont with her husband.


Here's What I Think: My boys are little young for this so I sent this one off to my friend to use with her 10 year old daughter. They absolutely loved it. I was told the daughter even said "This is so much fun, they shouldn't call it a work book but a fun book!" I did look through it before shipping it off and really liked the layout. I had good intructions for the parents to guide the children. And it also really does guide and not instruct on the information, almost forcing the children to see it all for themselves. It shows them how to observe the small details of the world around them, a skill I put very high on my list of life skills all kids should learn. I think if you have a child aged 8-13 you really should consider this book.

Disclaimer: Although I did recieve a copy of this title for reveiw from Storey Publishing, I was in no way directly compensated to publish this post. These are my real and true feelings.

Review: E is for Ethics by Ian James Corlett

E is for Ethics by Ian James Corlett

Book Description: It’s here! The parenting book you’ve been waiting for. E IS FOR ETHICS is a fun, family book which will open the door to teaching and discussing the most important values with kids.

Imagine, learning about ethics and having fun as a family at the same time!

The book features the loveable and quirky brother and sister team of ELLIOTT and LUCY who in each story will face an ethical situation. After each story, your family can discuss how Elliott or Lucy dealt with it and what they learned! E IS FOR ETHICS is the fun way to build strong, ethical qualities in kids which will stick with them for LIFE!

Remember:

“How we live on the outside starts on the inside...”

About the Author: Ian James Corlett began telling stories at a very young age. He started with hand puppets and marionettes, which segued to a ventriloquist dummy, which leap-frogged into making animated films, then evolved into student comedy shorts, then led to creating and writing animated series’ and then writing books.

Ian has written for, and/or developed many popular children’s series’ such as The Adventures of Paddington Bear, Will & Dewitt, Lunar Jim and Rescue Heroes. He has also created several original series including his namesake show, BEING IAN.
Ian is also a very well-known voice actor in the world of animation, entertainment and advertising. He is the voice of literally hundreds of animated characters including “The Conductor” on PBS’s Dinosaur Train, “Dad” in Johnny Test, “Cheetor” of Transformers/Beastwars fame and a dozen different characters including “Mr. Pop” in Dragontales. He has been the TV promo voice of Family Channel, PBS and Fox Kids, as well as commercial brands like BestBuy, McDonalds and VISA.
The father of two and husband of one for nearly 30 years, he enjoys hanging out with his kids, travel, and great food. He currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and Palm Springs, California where he and his family go to escape the drip and drizzle of the west coast of Canada.
Ian’s one “vice” as he calls it, is a love of automobiles. He is most proud of his latest Porsche, a fully restored 1966. But this Porsche is a special one. Ian had it converted to 100% electric drive. With all the classic looks on the outside but sporting ultra modern and environmentally friendly technology under the hood it is Ian’s pride and joy.
Ian’s not-so-secret desire is to be a professional race-car driver and is quick to point out that Paul Newman started racing at 47! (he still has a little time...)
For more about Ian visit, www.ianjamescorlett.com

Here's What I Think:
Since my oldest is starting kindergarten just next week, this was a perfect time to share this book. I was really impressed on how simplified the stories were, without making them patronizing to a child. I also appreciated that the stories really do lend themselves to starting dialogue, with explanations that open the door but don't necessarily enter the room. The topics covered include Honesty, Respect, Integrity, and many more very important moral characteristics. I have to say I was bit taken by how much my son retained from the stories we have read so far. In the way children are growing up so quickly now, I think E for Ethics is a must have for every family. It teaches important life-lessons in an entertaining and unobtrusive manner.

Disclaimer: Althought I did recieve a copy of this title from BookSparks PR, I was in no way directly compensated to publish this post. These are my real and honest opinions.

Review: Ruby's School Walk by by Kathryn White, Miriam Latimer (Illustrator)

Ruby's School Walk by by Kathryn White, Miriam Latimer (Illustrator)


Book Description:

On her way to school Ruby sees a world her mother cannot experience.In an old house, she spies bats with red eyes peering out and scary witches that flit about. And these arent the only dangers on her path: tigers, crocodiles and mighty beasts abound! I must be brave, I must be strong, chants Ruby as she musters the nerve to scare them off; but will it work? Young readers will love joining this imaginative girl as she faces her fears and learns how to keep them in check.

About the Author:

Kathryn White is a former Curator of the Bronte Parsonage Museum. She has edited editions of the Poetical Works, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey and is the author of The Brontes: A Pocket Biography.


Here's What I Think:
This book came at a perfect time for my son. He is starting kindergarten in fall and very excited. It is a truly charming story of a little girl learning to overcome her fears. The illustrations are stunningly beautiful. And story has a great message without being overtly preachy. All three of my boys enjoyed this book and we have read it several times since it's arrival.

DISCLAIMER: Although I did receive a copy of this title from Barefoot Books in conjunction with MamaBuzz, I was in no other way compensated to publish this review. This is my real and honest opinion.

Review: There Was Once a Potato by Ebony Haywood

There Was Once A Potato by Ebony Haywood
Illustrated by Bobbi Switzer
Here's what the book says:

What goes on behind your refrigerator's closed door? All is well on Maple Street. The confident and rather cocky Clamatoe Potato and his pals are chillin' until the one day Alakazam Yam moves in and turns their icebox world upside down...

About the Author:

Ebony Haywood is a poet. In 1996, her poem, There Was Once  a Potato, won first place in the Los Angeles branch of the NAACP ACT-SO poetry competition. She lives in Los Angeles, California, where she is currently working on her next book.

Here's what I say:
What a cute story. The subtle morals and social issues discuss are perfect for today's kids. Peer pressure, cockiness, and meeting new people are all touched upon. It is a great story and my boys loved it. They now make their dinner talk, but it funny to see what they come up with. If you have kids, you will love this book.

You can purchase this book on Amazon.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book for review from FSB Associates (Thanks Anna), I was in no other way compensated to post this review. These opinions are 100% mine.

Review and Giveaway: What's It Like Living Green? By Jill Ammon Vanderwood

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

What's It Like, Living Green? By Jill Ammon Vanderwood

What the book says: These days,there's a lot of talk about living green, but does anyone actually do it? In What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live, you'll learn how other kids live green, along with tips as simple as putting on a sweater rather than turning up the heat. You'll see how kids like you can make a difference. Read about a teenage girl who learned to drive with a car fueled by used cooking grease. Learn about a boy who raised funds to build his first well to provide clean water for a whole village when he was only seven years old. You will learn simple ways to help the environment, help others, and even earn some money. For Ages 9 and up--Printed on 30% Post Consumer Paper

About the Author:

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is a mother and grandmother who wants to make a difference for the youth of today. She spends much of her time visiting schools, reading to kids and teaching writing assignments.


With four published books, Jill is the winner of the League of Utah Writer's, Writer of the Year Award for 2008. Her newest book, What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live has won the 2009 National Indie Excellence Award in the Green category and the Teen Development Award in the Pre-teen, Nonfiction category.

Here's what I think:

This book is geared toward kids ages 9 and up and is a very easy and fun read. Facilitated by Jill, kids teach other kids how to live a greener life, by living a green life. The book is chock full of easy and interesting ways to live green as well as why it's important. This book will be the perfect gift for Earth Day!

BUY IT! You can buy your own copy on Amazon

WIN IT! - Jill has sent me an extra copy to give to one lucky winner!

So here is how you can win:



Mandatory Entry:
What do your kids do to help your family live green? (open to US residents only, must provide mailing address - no PO Boxes - if you win)(you must do this one first or I will be forced to remove all of your entries) Please include your email address so that I can get a hold of the winner.


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Become a Follower of Busy Moms Who Love to Read using Google Friends Connect (see sidebar)
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I wish you the best of luck! All entries but be received by 11:59pm PST on April 20th, 2010 to be counted.


Disclaimer: Although I did receive a free copy of this book for review,  was in no other way compensated to post this review. These are my real and honest opinions.


If you are an author or publisher and you would like for me to review your book, please contact me directly: polsen11[at]comcast[dot]net

Review: Time for Bed, Baby Ted

Today I am going to review a super cute children's book called:

It's Time for Bed, Baby Ted

by Debra Sartell with illustrations by Kay Chorao

Here's what the book says:
It's time for bed, but where is baby Ted? He's not baby Ted! Try and guess what he is instead. Whether baby Ted is pretending to be a snapping crocodile, squeaky mouse, or prickly porcupine, one thing is clear: this baby beastie is not headed for dreamland! But Dad helps his little animal get into pajamas, brush his teeth, and snuggle under the covers. With a quack, a snack, a cluck, and a tuck, baby Ted is ready for slumber in this winsome bedtime book.

About the Author:

I was born and raised by a single mom in a small town in Michigan called Clarkston. I have one brother and two sisters. This is a picture of us on Easter morning a long time ago. Until recently, my siblings all lived near our hometown. Home is where the heart is and I still go back to visit!

My dad was a fireman in Pontiac and a legend in the department. To this day they remember him as a great man. My father died tragically when I was in kindergarten and a part of my heart will always be that age. My favorite memories of my dad are of him wrestling with all four of us kids at once.
You can learn more about Debra at www.debrasartell.com and you can enter to win her contest and become a bedtime hero.

Here's what I think:
This is an adorable story of a little boy who, like most boys that age, stalls with every possible step in the bedtime routine. I read this book to my boys and they really liked the draws. I have also noticed that they really enjoy books that rhyme, which this one does. My oldest, aged 4.5 (which is a little old for the book, as it is geared towards 1 to 3 year olds) did have fun guessing what animal Ted was pretending to be. I think this book would be a great addition to any child's library, and the perfect gift to any new mom. The only draw back to the story was the length, it was a bit long to keep my 18 month old's attention.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of this book from Blue Slip Media for review, I was in way compensated to post this review. These are my real and honest opinions.