Celebrate World Elephant Day!-A Sneak Peek at Natumi Takes the Lead from National Geographic and a Giveaway!

August 12 is World Elephant Day! To celebrate, I'd like to give you a sneak peek at a new book coming this fall called Natumi Takes the Lead and offer a special giveaway. 

Natumi Takes the Lead

Expected publication November 8, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

32 Pages

Nonfiction Picture Book

Ages 4-7

Goodreads Summary

After losing her mother, shy Natumi is rescued by a team from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for baby elephants. At the shelter, Natumi hides behind keepers' legs to watch the other elephants at the shelter. But soon, she meets several other orphans, and the eight of them play together in the surrounding bush. 

As the babies become closer and more like a real family, they need a leader, someone they can trust. Can Natumi grow into this role? 

Join the herd to find out what happens when they travel back into the wild. This sweet story, with its heartwarming photographs, explores the challenges and joys of family, love, and growing up, and is a perfect bedtime tale.

Pg. 20-21 Natumi Takes the Lead-National Geographic Children's Books.

Book Buzz: See what people have to say about Natumi Takes the Lead:

Kirkus

Look for Natumi Takes the Lead this November!

To spread the elephant love, the publisher and Media Masters is offering a giveaway of two books to one winner in the US. 

 

Enter to win these two books by commenting below by 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 14, 2016. Tell me how you will use these books and/or to whom you will give them. A winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. The publisher will mail the books to the winner. Us only. 

Interested in helping elephants? Visit these links:

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

http://savetheelephants.org/

https://wildnet.org/wildlife-programs/elephant

https://www.theelephantpants.com/pages/save-the-elephants

I will leave you will this sweet video showing how young elephants are cared for at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

Happy World Elephant Day!

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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Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still by Karlin Gray

 

 My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Since we are all watching the Olympics this week, I thought it would be a good idea to share a book about a very important Olympian.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Nadia: the Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still 

by Karlin Gray

Published June 2016

HMH Books for Young Children

40 Pages

Personal Copy

Goodreads Summary
Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.       

Expert illustrations that capture the energy and fluidity of Nadia's exuberant gymnastic routines and referential back matter round out this inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. A perfect 10.

My Thoughts
I have to admit, I may be a little bit biased because I am a huge fan of Nadia's. I am old enough that I remember watching the Olympics and, as a young gymnast, being in awe of her skills. I even went as Nadia Comaneci that Halloween! I was thrilled when I saw that someone had written a picture book biography about her. 
It is exciting that another generation of kids may know her through this book. I really enjoyed it. I think the illustrations are just perfect and would recommend it for all elementary grades and especially for kids who can't sit still.

Resources

Check out the About.com site

Here is a video of Nadia's 1976 routines.

See what others have to say about this book:

Publishers Weekly

TIME for Kids

Kirkus

Three New Sports-Themed Books from National Geographic Kids

Don't you just LOVE the Olympics? Well, kids do too. Help keep the excitement for sports going with these three new titles from National Geographic Kids.

National Geographic Kids

Funny Fill-In: My Gold Medal Adventure

Published May, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

48 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

This fun fill-in activity book takes the reader through the Olympic experience from the beginning to the closing ceremony. Kids fill in the list of parts of speech or word categories and then insert them into the passage (like Mad Libs). They can play with a friend or fold the page to play alone. Each fill-in is accompanied by a silly illustrated page in full color. My family and I enjoyed doing some of these while we were on vacation recently. I can't wait to share them with my students.

National Geographic Kids-Everything Sports

by Eric Zweig

With Sports Reporter Shalise Manza Young

Published March, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

64 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Become an expert on sports, just in time for the 2016 Olympics! From archery to zip lining this book covers EVERYTHING about the world's favorite team and individual sports. With stunning visuals and energetic, impactful design, readers won't stop until they've learned everything there is to know about the history, rules and regs, training, and practice of dozens of athletic pursuits. Includes popular sports such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and quirkier sports such as fencing, curling, and table tennis.

My Thoughts

Most people know that Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete. But did you know that the oldest professional hockey player to play a game is Gordie Howe at the age of 52? 

We love baseball here in the US, but the top five sports worldwide are soccer, cricket, basketball, field hockey and tennis based on worldwide viewers. This book is perfect for any sports or trivia buff. It is jam-packed with facts, stats and amazing photos. It would make a great addition to any classroom or school library for grades 3+.

Weird But True! Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletes

Published May, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

208 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

I think the title explains this book perfectly. Every page is filled with interesting facts about sports, but you don't need to be a sports fan to appreciate it. I am not particularly interested in sports, but I really enjoyed this book. 

Here are a few facts I learned:

*America's first female Olympic champion completed against her own mother-and won! (pg. 9)

*The olympic torch has been to space. (pg. 62)

*Rock climbers often have thicker finger bones than other people. (pg.95)

*The average life span of an NBA basket is about 10,000 bounces (pg. 126)

Readers will also learn facts about sports and games they have never heard of like octopus wrestling, joggling and falconry just to name a few. 

I expect not to see Weird But True-Sports on the shelf for long after book-talking it to my 4th graders. 

It's Monday, What Are You reading? August 8, 2016

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

I was at the lake for a week with my family and was able to do lots of reading! Click on the book covers to learn more about them. 

Picture Books

Early Chapter Books

Middle Grade

Currently Reading

Still Reading

What are you reading friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? August 1, 2016

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Click on the book covers to learn more about them. 

Picture Books

I fell in love with this book encouraging the little ducking to take "just one little step".

Beautifully illustrated book about collective nouns. 

For any little one obsessed with big vehicles.

Graphic Novel

Not a new one, but just had never read it. Goos for middle grades.

Middle Grade

I really enjoyed this story. Excellent example of resilience and dedication. 

Still Reading

Just Started

Currently Listening

What Are You Reading Friends?

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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