Gift Books From National Geographic Kids 2021 & Giveaway!

These two new books from National Geographic Kids would make perfect holiday gifts for young kids who love science!

National Geographic Kids World Atlas 6th Edition 

Published Aug. 2021

National Geographic Kids

Paperback

216 Pages 

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Learn all about the people, places, trends, and developments of our world in the sixth edition of this acclaimed atlas. All the latest, greatest geographic and political information makes this a valuable resource for using in the classroom or reading at home.

This new edition features:
A new map on global migration that introduces kids to the movement of people around the world
New graphics that present facts in an easy-to-read format
Colorful photography that shows the beauty and diversity of our world

This atlas is the perfect reference for kids to learn about lands close to home or oceans away.
Complete your atlas collection with the National Geographic Kids United States Atlas, 6th edition!
And for younger readers, don’t miss the National Geographic Kids Beginner’s World Atlas, 4th edition, and the National Geographic Kids Beginner’s United States Atlas, 3rd edition.

The Ultimate Book of African Animals

Published August 2021

by National Geographic Kids

Hardcover

192 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Join this amazing team to learn all about Africa's unique wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, gorillas, rhinos, and so many more!
With so many species showcased, this book leaves no grain of sand unturned and no jungle unexplored! Inside you'll find animals of all behaviors, shapes and sizes, from the tiny bombardier beetle to the sneaky desert viper to mischievous monkeys and elusive Ethiopian wolves.
Brimming with breathtaking and iconic National Geographic photographs on every page and loads of fascinating animal facts, readers discover how these animals live and eat, the challenges they face, and how to help protect them. Complete your collection with National Geographic Kids' TheUltimate Book of Sharks!

Enter the giveaway to win both of these books below! US Only. Winner will be randomly selected on Friday, Dec. 10. 

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Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer Review and Giveaway

Mary Had a Little Glam 

by Tammi Sauer

Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Published August 2, 2016

Sterling Children's Books

32 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

This little Mary has STYLE! In this fun take on Mother Goose, fashion-forward Mary helps some of childhood's most beloved characters go glam. From the kid who lives in a shoe (and dons some fab footwear, too) to Jack, who breaks his crown but gets a great new one, Mary's school friends look fantastic in their finery. But are they now too well dressed for recess? Not to worry—Mary always shows her flair for what to wear!

My Thoughts
Everyone has a little glamor girl in their lives. I remember when my daughter (now 14) used to put together outfits that clashed spectacularly with high heels and sparkles everywhere. 

This book is very clever. Not only does it rhyme, without sounding contrived (very tricky to pull off), but it is a modified fairy tale that brings in characters from other well-known fairy tales.  It takes place on the first day of school at Mother Goose Elementary. Mary arrives at school dressed to the nines only to notice her classmates like Little Miss Muffet, Georgie Porgie and Mary (with the lamb) to are "glam-less" in their ordinary clothes. She sets to work to glam things up at school, to the children's delight until they realize they are not dressed to play at recess. The ending is cute and shows that even glamor girls like to play and get messy. 

I think kids will love this version of an old tale. The illustrations are very bright and colorful with many different character backgrounds represented. I loved how Vanessa Brantley-Newton sprinkled in vintage papers and fabrics giving it a unique feel. 

This is a fun new book to add to your school or classroom library or to pass on to your favorite fashion diva. I would recommend it for grades K-2.

See what others have to say about this book:

Children's Book Review

Kirkus

Mile High Reading

Be sure to enter the giveaway below. It runs until 11:59 PM EST on August 17. Good luck!

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Sizzling Summer $250 Cash Giveaway!

Sizzling Summer $250 Cash Giveaway July 27th to August 16th

An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined together to bring you a fabulous prize!! You could win $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code! 

Sponsor List I Am A Reader Jennifer Faye ~ Romance Author Caroline Clemmons Simple Wyrdings Lori's Reading Corner Aubrey Wynne: Vintage Romance for Today Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author Glistering Bs Blog Diana's Book Reviews Krysten Lindsay Hager author Leora Krygier Author A Journey Without Map CoolCatMysteries B. Kristin McMichael Laurisa White Reyes, Author {A Leisure Moment} A Casual Conversation About Our Love For Literature Erin Unger- Writer of Killer Romance Darcus @ Rainy Days and Pajamas Every Free Chance Books Julie Reece Pauline Creeden, Author The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Julia E. Antoine Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke Suzi Love 

Giveaway Details 
 $250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code) Ends 8/16/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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 the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
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Lazy Days of Summer $250 Cash Giveaway

Lazy Days of Summer

$250 Cash Giveaway

July 6th to 26th

An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code!  

 Sponsor List – Thanks to these great authors & bloggers for making this giveaway possible!
 I Am A Reader Krysten Lindsay Hager author Simple Wyrdings Heather Gray, Author Bookworm Lisa B. Kristin McMichael Rachel Matthews, Author of cozy, sweet reads Kindle and Me Everly Frost, YA Author Cool Cats Mysteries Helen Smith Laurisa White Reyes, Author Dark and Dreamy with C. C. Marks Dawn Malone Author Nikki Jefford Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages Mary Ting/M. Clarke Confessions of a Frugal Mind AuggieTalk Darcus @ Rainy Days and Pajamas Lori's Reading Corner Glistering Bs Blog The Lovely Books J.C. Whyte, author Gigi McAllister@ The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Bonnie Blythe Faith-Based Romance Bella Street Time Travel Romance Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More Beth M. Honeycutt 

 Giveaway Details 
$250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code) 
Ends 7/26/16 
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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 the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

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Spring Into Cash $250 Giveaway

Spring Into Cash $250 Giveaway 
An awesome group of bloggers and authors have joined 
with me to bring you one fabulous prize!

One lucky winner will receive...

$250 Amazon.com Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash

  
Sponsor List I Am A Reader Lori's Reading Corner Terah Edun, Author Jennifer Peel Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton inspiredbooksguide Simple Wyrdings TMBA Corbett Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance Bonnie Blythe Time Travel Romance Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages Carol Malone - Author Diana's Book Reviews Krysten Lindsay Hager author Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More Julie Coulter Bellon BookHounds Helen Smith Why Not? Because I Said So! (Sheila Staley) Author D.E. Haggerty Taylor Dean Books Dianne Venetta The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Glistering Bs Blog Erin Richards Heather Gray, Author FLYLēF Book Reviews Jennifer Bardsley Jennifer Faye T_BookChick Worldwind Tours J. Keller Ford   

Giveaway Details 
 $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 4/15/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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 the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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Norman Norman by Tara Lazar

Normal Norman
by Tara Lazar
Illustrations by S. Britt
Published March 1, 2016
Sterling Children's Books
40 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher





Goodreads Summary
What is "normal?" That's the question an eager young scientist, narrating her very first book, hopes to answer. Unfortunately, her exceedingly "normal" subject—an orangutan named Norman—turns out to be exceptionally strange. He speaks English, sleeps in a bed, loves his stuffed toy, goes bananas over pizza, and even deep-sea dives! Oh, no: what's a "normal" scientist to do?

My Thoughts

This book is SO much fun to read aloud! It begs to be shared with children. The poor book narrator is trying to demonstrate what "normal" is, but Norman the "normal" gorilla is not behaving as she hoped. He is afraid of bananas, sleeps in a bunk bed, is friends with a snake and carries a stuffed animal. Finally the narrator gives up and realizes that there is no such thing as normal. 

The illustrations are fun and silly and the animals are adorable. Kids will be begging to hear this one again and again! 
This book offers many opportunities for discussion about what is or is not considered "normal" or typical. I definitely need to own Normal Norman!

Visit other stops on the blog tour!

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Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of Seasons by Margaret Wise Brown and a Giveaway!!

Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of Seasons
by Margaret Wise Brown
Published August 4, 2015
Sterling Children's Books
36 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher. 

Did you know that Margaret Wise Brown, the beloved author/illustrator of classic books such as Goodnight Moon, Runaway Bunny and many more was also a songwriter? Well I didn't, until now. Apparently Wise, who died far too young at the age of 42, had only a few of her songs produced before her death. The rest were locked away in a truck in her sister's basement for decades. 
As with her best-selling Goodnight Songs, each of the twelve songs in this collection are brought to life by twelve award-winning artists such as Peter Brown, Floyd Cooper, Molly Idle and Bob Staake. The songs cover such topics as nature, animals and seasons. Each page is a work of art with every song page having its own unique style and theme. 

From Goodnight Songs:A Celebration of Seasons by Margaret Wise Browm copyright 2015

While the songs could be read as poetry, they are meant to be sung so this book comes with a CD! Each song has a folky feel with music and a singer whose voice will appeal to young listeners. The music was composed by Tom Prout and songs were sung by Emily Gary. Among my favorite songs was the lively Fall of the Year. I can imagine children singing and dancing the "Bunny Jig" and imagining "Kitten's Dream". 
Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of the Seasons would make a great gift for any child ages 3-6. It would also be a fabulous addition to a classroom collection. 

Read what others are saying about Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of the Seasons.
Kirkus
Children's Book Review
Publishers Weekly

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Lazy Days of Summer $250 Cash Giveaway

 

  Lazy Days of Summer $250 Cash Giveaway July 6th to 26th An Amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! 

We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash.   

Giveaway Details 
 $250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code) Ends 7/26/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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. 

Sponsor List 
I Am A Reader Unshelfish The Discerning Reader Raven Haired Girl Author Camelia Miron Skiba TMBA Corbett Rachelle J. Christensen Krysten Lindsay Hager, author Heather Boyd Author Dorothy Dreyer Free Bookster Rae Lori The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Laurie Treacy, author Kindle and Me Glistering Bs Blog FaeBooks Jennifer Faye, Romance Author Bookworm Lisa Simple Wyrdings B. Kristin McMichael Tim Hemlin Literary Winner Diana's Book Reviews Magical Cool Cat Mysteries LeahSay's Views Author Inger Iversen J.C. Whyte Heather Gray  

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Book Reviewer Yellow Pages and a $50 Amazon or Paypal Giveaway

  

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages: A Book Marketing Guide for Authors and Publishers 
Christine Pinheiro 
Book blogging today has grown into a serious business. It is a necessary marketing tool to promote books and the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages—now in its sixth edition—is the definitive guide to this informal network of book reviewers. -Author David Wogahn, President of Sellbox.com This book is designed to make book marketing easier. The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages is a popular book promotion reference guide for authors and publishers. Use this guide to learn about book tours, author etiquette, and how to write a good pitch to grab the interest of a book reviewer. Updated every year, this reference lists hundreds of book reviewers, their contact information, submission guidelines, and genre preferences.  

Grab Your Copy Now! Amazon Kindle * PDF * Print

  Book Reviewer Yellow Pages Foreword by David Wogahn I wrote my first eBook in 1991. In those days, like today, it wasn’t hard to do if you had something to say and a computer to produce it. But what was hard, was marketing those early eBooks. Even if you advertised the book on a service like CompuServe, Prodigy or AOL, how would you ever find people willing to tell other people about your book? I “discovered” the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages more than five years ago; April 29, 2011 to be exact (then called The Indie Book Review Yellow Pages). Newspapers and magazines were still employing book reviewers and “book bloggers” were considered an anomaly, given the same respect that big publishers were giving the new-fangled eBook formats like Kindle. Fast forward to today and those same reviewers—if they are still writing reviews—most likely have started a blog (and in fact might even be in this book). An indie author trying to get reviewed by a traditional media outlet is an exercise in futility. It’s also fair to say that eBooks have made the big publishers huge profits and now form a permanent part of their publishing operations. Book blogging today has grown into a serious business. It is a necessary marketing tool to promote books and Christy Pinheiro-Silva’s Book Reviewer Yellow Pages—now in its sixth edition—is the definitive guide to this informal network of book reviewers. Collectively they rival the promotional power of the large circulation newspapers and magazines. Individually they can help niche books break-out to a wider audience. And that’s what book marketing is all about: helping thousands of small products in scores of categories seek and find their own passionate audience. How I met Christy is a testament to modern book marketing, itself a lesson for new publishers. As a long-time reader of the pioneering eBook news website Teleread.com, I came across an article saying that her second edition was available for free. Free is still a popular way to connect with readers but in 2011 it was the fastest, sure-fire way to get your name and book noticed. Everyone had Kindles to fill-up and as a book marketer and author, who couldn’t use a free directory? By the time the fourth edition was published in 2013 it had grown to a 778 page tome. Seeing an opportunity for constructive feedback, I took to Amazon reviews to voice my ideas about what makes this guide book so important for my clients, and where I thought it could be improved. I’m happy to say that Christy read that review, contacted me, and took many of those suggestions to heart. Here are the two things you should know about the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages:

1. It defines a standard of etiquette. Christy’s 10 rules for author etiquette should be required reading for every author, regardless of whether or not book bloggers are part of your marketing mix. I confess it is so solid that I based a section of my own book, Successful eBook Publishing (Sellbox, 2012) on her advice. The blogosphere would be a better place if every author took her admonitions to heart in all their book promotion interactions.
2. It codifies the essential facts about a book blogger, so you don’t have to. Shouldn’t we be able to just “Google” book bloggers and fire off emails to reviewers? Nope. In reality it isn’t that easy. Trying to find the pertinent information so you can approach the reviewer who is right for your book (see point 1) is going to take you hours! There are no standard website designs for review websites, and you will need to visit each one (again, see point 1). Here is where the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages shines. Your small investment will pay big dividends in saving time in finding the relevant reviewers, and their contact information.

But one thing still remains the same, as it did for me in 1991. You simply must get people talking about your book if you are ever going to be a successful author. A book no one talks about is even worse than a book that doesn’t make money. And that’s where this wonderful community of book bloggers comes into play. Let the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages be your Michelin Guide to the Wild West World of book review bloggers. David Wogahn President, Sellbox.com Publisher, PartnerPress.org Author, Successful eBook Publishing  

For more information visit: The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages Website * Facebook

     
$50 Blast Giveaway Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/1/15 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway- Pipsie Nature Detective: The DisappearingCaterpillar

Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar 
by Rick DeDonato
Illustrated by Tracy Bishop
Published March 31, 2015
by Two Lions 
Review copy provided by publisher

Summary from Goodreads
Pipsie loves everything wild—from dragonflies to oceans to tall, tall trees. She also loves solving mysteries. That’s why she’s a nature detective! When she and her turtle, Alfred, notice that their new friend, Frannie the caterpillar, has vanished, Pipsie is on the case. She grabs her magnifying glass, goes to her tree-house headquarters, and begins to search for clues. It’s time to make this mystery history!

My Thoughts

This book describes the life cycle of a Monarch caterpillar in such an adorable way. After finding the little caterpillar, who they name Frannie, Pipsie and her turtle, Alfred wake to find Frannie is gone. I love how Pipsie uses her nature detective skills to find clues such as a chewed milkweed leaf. The author sprinkles in the vocabulary of a butterfly lifecycle in a natural way as Pipsie and Alfred wait ten days for Frannie to emerge. 

The illustrations are very sweet and will certainly appeal to young children. Just look at that beautiful cover! I also like to end pages that show Pipsie's science sketches and notes. 

A fun facts section in the back provides more information about butterflies. Did you know butterflies taste with their feet? Neither did I! 

Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar would make a great read aloud book for grades PK-2. It would also make a nice addition to a unit about butterflies and life cycles. 

About the Author and Illustrator

Rick DeDonato started writing and drawing storybooks for his two kids, Alexis and Matt, when they were little. They’re grown now, but Rick is still creating stories! When he’s not dreaming up adventures for Pipsie, he’s an award-winning creative director in advertising. Born in New Jersey, he now lives in Wilmington, Delaware, with Nancy McAleer; their two dogs, Tugger and Nacho; and their turtle, Alfred E. Turtle!

Tracy Bishop won an art contest in kindergarten, and she’s been creating art ever since. A graduate of San Jose State University, she is also the illustrator of Not the Quitting Kind by Sarra J. Roth. She lives in San Jose, California, where she is inspired on a daily basis by her son, husband, and a hairy dog named Harry.

Check out PipsieNatureDetective.com for games and coloring, fun facts, more details about Pipsie and her friends, and info about the author and illustrator. There’s also a link to Alfred Z. Turtle’s blog!

Visit other stops on the Blog Tour

Mon. March 30-The Children's Book Review

Tues. March 31-Mamma Drama

Wed. April 1-    Obsessive Mommy

Thurs. April 2-  A Rup Life

Mon. April 6-    Picture Book Palooza

Tues. April 7-    Right Here!

Wed. April 8-    Geo Librarian

Thurs. April 9-  Where Imagination Grows

Fri. April 10-     Sincerely Stacie

Enter to win a copy of Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar below in the "no strings" giveaway rafflecopter (US only).

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Giving Away a Signed Copy Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

I can not say enough about Lynda Mullaly Hunt's latest book, Fish in a Tree. It is a middle grade must-read! As she did with One for the Murphys, Lynda tells an emotionally-charged story that will live on in the hearts of its readers. Readers will LOVE Ally and find inspiration in her story. 

My daughter and I are huge fans of Lynda and both of her books. Click here to see our thoughts about Fish in a Tree.   

You can also read about it at Goodreads.com. 




Because I love it so much, and truly feel it should be part of every middle grade classroom, I am giving away a signed hardcover copy. 

Here is the official book trailer. 

Looks great right? 
Use the rafflecopter below to enter (US only please). 
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When Otis Courted Mama by Kathi Appelt- Review and Author Interview and Giveaway!

When Otis Courted Mama 
by Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Published Jan. 2015
HMH Books for Young Readers
40 Pages
Picture Book-Fiction
Copy provided by the publisher


 
I was very fortunate to be able to ask Kathi Appelt about her new picture book When Otis Courted Mama. Her responses are italicized.

Why did you decide to write a book about blended families?

   When I was growing up, I was part of a blended family. My parents were divorced and first my dad remarried; then a few years later my mom remarried. So, my sisters and I had to learn to adjust to all of these new people in our lives who were—for better or worse—suddenly related to us.  
   As a person who has always found refuge in the pages of a book, I could have used a story or two that featured a family like mine. Of course, that was many years ago, and blended families seem more common now than they did back then. We’re talking decades here. But even today, while there are plenty of middle grade and young adult stories that feature blended families, there aren’t that many picture books. Anna Grossnickle Hines’s When We Married Gary is a notable exception.  
   There are also lots of stories that feature the stepparent as the 
villain. How many stepmothers and stepfathers come with the word “evil” in front of their monikers? See what I’m saying. But in reality, most stepparents are just doing their ever-loving best, and they aren’t evil at all.  
   My stepfather, George, definitely fell into this latter category. Not only that, but he was a terrific storyteller. He could spin a yarn with the best of them, and he was funny to boot. He made life mostly wonderful for my mom and my sisters and me. So, OTIS is very much a tribute to him and also to the wondrous powers of a story.

 This book has a definite southwestern feel. What made you choose this setting?

I love the sounds of the southwest. The names of the flora and fauna made my ears happy. And even though coyotes can be found pretty much all over the place, I associate them primarily with the desert southwest. Coyotes seemed like the perfect main characters because they’re so scrappy and I think most families are scrappy. I don’t know too many cute and fluffy bunny-type families. (Not that I’m dissing bunnies, just saying). And also, I wanted to give a subtle nod to Coyote the trickster. My Otis isn’t so much a trickster, but I think he understands the power of a good lark.  

How is this book different from most of your other work?

It doesn’t rhyme for one thing! I went through a period of writing picture books when it seemed like everything rhymed. Sometimes a girl has to rhyme, but with Otis, I just felt like I needed to tell the story in a straight-ahead manner, as if we were sitting around a campfire.

What question do you wish I would ask you about When Otis Courted Mama?

Well, if you asked me about the art, I would tell you that Jill McElmurry’s paintings make me over-the-moon happy. This book was a long time in the making, but it was so worth waiting for Jill’s art. Yep.

Goodreads Summary

Apart from sticker burrs and sand fleas, Cardell’s life is mostly wonderful. He knows he’s loved through and through by his perfectly good mama and his perfectly good daddy. They live in different parts of the desert, but that’s okay—Cardell is mostly used to it. Then Otis comes calling, and Cardell feels a grrr form in his throat. Otis can’t make jalapeño flapjacks or play Zig-the-Zag anything like Cardell’s daddy. And so Cardell waits for Mama to say "Adiós, Otis." But what will happen if she doesn’t?

My Thoughts

This picture book is unlike any I have read. It tackles the topics of blended families, step parenthood and shared custody in a sweet and seamless way. Otis has a dad and a stepmother whom he sees "part of the time". He spends the rest of the time with his mama all to himself on the other side of the dessert. Other suitors have come to call on his mama, but she has said Adiós to all of them until she meets Otis. When Otis keeps coming around, Cordell's anger and fear are apparent and described as a "grrr" in his throat. Gradually, Cordell begins to see that, although he is not like his dad, Otis has a place in his family. As a step-parent myself, I am glad to see a book where the step parent is shown in a patient and loving light. 

 It is important for students to be able to see themselves in books. This book provides that mirror for many children dealing with divorce, step-families and feelings of loss, anger and fear. It is equally important for children whose families are in tact to see what it might be like for children who have experienced divorce. There are many opportunities for valuable discussions using this book. It is beautifully written with rich, varied language with a southwestern flair. I would highly recommend When Otis Courted Mama for any elementary school or classroom library. 

Watch the book trailer!

More about Kathi Appelt
Kathi Appelt’s perfectly wonderful stepfather was a terrific storyteller, and she grew up to become a teller of stories, too. She is the New York Times best-selling author of more than forty books for children and young adults. Her picture books include Oh My Baby, Little One, illustrated by Jane Dyer, and the Bubba and Beau series, illustrated by Arthur Howard. Her novels for older readers include two National Book Award finalists: The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp and The Underneath, which was also a Newbery Honor Book. In addition to writing, Ms. Appelt is on the faculty in the Masters of Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in College Station, Texas. To download a free, CCSS-aligned curriculum guide, visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/251856381/When-Otis-Courted-Mama-Curriculum-Guide#scribd or Kathi’s website at kathiappelt.com.

Bonus! Find a full-color door hanger and other fun downloadables at http://www.scribd.com/doc/251856096/When-Otis-Courted-Mama-Activity-Pages#scribd.

Visit all the other blog stops for When Otis Courted Mama.

Mon, Jan 5     5 Minutes for Books
Tues, Jan 6    Cracking the Cover
Wed, Jan 7     Sharpread
Thurs, Jan 8    Unleashing Readers
Fri, Jan 9       Once Upon a Story
Sat, Jan 10     Booking Mama
Mon, Jan 12    Geo Librarian
Tues, Jan 13    The Late Bloomer's Book Blog AND
                    NC Teacher Stuff
Wed, Jan 14   Teach Mentor Texts
Thurs, Jan 15  Kid Lit Frenzy
Fri, Jan 16      The Fourth Musketeer

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Dealing with Loss and Grief-A Review of My Yellow Balloon by Tiffany Papageorge

My Yellow Balloon 

by Tiffany Papageorge
Illustrated by Erwin Madrid
Published 2014 by Minoan Moon Publishing
Picture Book-Fiction
32 Pages
Review copy provided by the publisher

Summary From Goodreads

It all started at the carnival. That is where Joey makes a new friend: a bright yellow balloon. Joey and his beloved balloon do everything together, until the balloon accidentally slips off Joeys wrist and flies far, far away. What will Joey do without his special friend? Tiffany Papageorge has crafted a poignant tale of love, loss, and letting go that will serve as a comforting guide to children who are navigating the complicated emotions of grief. Rich, luminous illustrations by Erwin Madrid perfectly capture these timeless themes, making them accessible to even the youngest reader. Honest, unflinching, and ultimately reassuring, this book will resonate with anyone who has endured the darkness of grief, while offering hope for brighter days ahead.

My Thoughts

Joey experiences deep and genuine grief upon the loss of his beloved balloon. My heart went out to him as he grappled with all of his new emotions including sadness, anger and confusion. I love how this book is about grief and loss, but not obviously about death. It does not gloss over the topic, but shows the real emotions people feel as they deal with grief. In the end, Joey comes to a point where he can think about his balloon with fondness. I thought this was a realistic ending without being unrealistically cheerful.  

The illustrator effectively uses color to show happier times and black and white during times of grief. Muted colors represent the period where Joey begins to feel sad less often. 

Books can help children deal with many difficult situations by seeing a character go through a similar experience. I feel that this book would benefit any child who is faced with a loss such as the death of a pet or loved one.

Resources:

Little Parachutes website shares other picture books about bereavement. 

Visit Teach with Picture Books for even more ideas. 

I feel like I need to share the book love by passing on my beautiful copy to a reader who will be able to use it more frequently with children. Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below. 
(I will ship this book within the continental US at my expense to the winner selected by Rafflecopter) 

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A Blogiversary Giveaway!

It is hard for me to believe that my little blog is now two years old. Although I started blogging for myself, I love writing here and sharing books and ideas with all the friends I have made. Through this blog I have been fortunate to connected with many dedicated, passionate and inspiring educators and authors. I have also been blessed with many professional opportunities I know would not have come my way without these connections.

I truly appreciate every visit and every comment I receive. So, although it is not much, I would like to giveaway a $25 Amazon card to show my gratitude. Thanks for visiting!

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Win a Kindle Fire HDX-June Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

 

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash. Ends 7/1/14 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 the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

February Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7" (or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash).

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

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  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details a Rafflecopter giveaway