From My Bookshelf to Yours: Momster by Laura Jensen- Kimball

Momster by Laura Jensen- Kimball

 

 



 

This is a book that parents and children everywhere will love and relate to. Momster is a humorous story of a boy who isn't listening and following directions. Soon his mother turns into something that scares him and he realizes the consequences of his actions.

 

Not only will  children learn from this book, it will opened parent's eyes to what we must look like to them when we "lose control". The kids will jokingly say to me, "Yes ma'am. Don't let the Momster out!"

 

I have also used this book in therapy with clients to help them connect the dots between others behavior and their actions. The only thing I wish happened in this book is that mom also apologized for turning into a Momster.

 



 

You can purchase Momster at Wackystack Books , Amazon , Goodreads and Booklife

 

 

Laura Jensen-Kimball is the mother of four children and married to Jeff.  She was inspired to write after her youngest child was diagnosed with a speech delay.  Books were a common tool used in improving his speech.  Laura creates books with a touch of humor she feels both parent and child will enjoy.  Living in Norwalk, Iowa, she is also a Registered Nurse currently pursuing her Masters in Nursing.  She has direct insight and experience with the emotion expressed throughout MOMSTER.  Entertainment will start at page one and a, “Read it again!” will follow the last.  This is Laura's first published book and hopes to publish her other stories soon.  For more about Laura go to https://www.wackystackbooks.com/blog

 

The Adventures of Prince Iggy Series by Aldo Flynn

Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer is an imaginative, magical epic fantasy adventure for young readers. It is so entertaining and comical that I, a 35 year old adult, sat down and read it all in one sitting.

Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer delivers a message about bullying and believing in yourself without beating you over the head with it. When we meet Iggy at the beginning of the story he is a hopeless, bullied orphan with no friends. As the story moves on he learns that he is more than what others says about him and he begins to develop self confidence.

Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer will delight your kids, keep them interested and even cause them to laugh out loud. The only reason that I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the author uses two curse words (Not the worse ones, but unnecessary in my opinion) in the story and as a parent I think parents should know what their child is reading. If your child is younger than 12, you should read with your child so that you can discuss the language and the bullying, that goes on in the book, at times the bullying is hardcore.

This book was so enjoyable and ended at a cliffhanger that I immediately read the next one cover to cover in one sitting. I HAD to know what happened to Iggy.

Prince Iggy & the Tower of Decisions is a great sequel to the first book. The author delivers another fun-filled, action packed adventure. Once again, I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. The author is so good with cliffhangers. 

In this sequel Prince Iggy goes an adventure in the sky, gets to meet a star and lets go of self doubt and some things from his past.

This book is also full of some important lessons as well. Iggy must overcome the self-doubt that is causing him anxiety. The author is really good at capturing these pre-adolescent emotions that all kids go through. I can’t wait to read the third one and find out what happens to Prince Iggy.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Buttons the Brave Blue Kitten by Kristina Sargent, MSW

Meet Kristina Sargent. She is an Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist. She works with young children and their families in both an outpatient and school based setting. She also has an undergraduate degree in art and creative writing. Buttons the Brave Blue Kitten is the first book that she has written and illustrated.  Kristina states that she intended this book to help children develop empathy and give adults the skills to reinforce its development. Click Here to visit Kristina's blog.

Buttons the Brave Blue Kitten

I LOVED this book! It is a precious story about a little blue cat who not only learns how to identify his feelings but to identify how others feel (empathy). He shares with his grandma that he is afraid to go to his 1st day of school and they come up with a super special way to say goodbye.

I am a children and adolescent therapist and plan to use this book with my little clients to help them learn about empathy and practice identifying others' feelings. It is written in child friendly language and the illustrations are adorable. I recommend this book for parents, teachers and counselors. 

On Ms. Sargent's website there are worksheets that you can use after you read the story. I have placed the links here to make them quickly and easily accessible to you.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FREE PRINTABLE COLORING ACTIVITY of Buttons' faces above.

Click HERE for the printable feelings cube shown below.

Kristina's furry-feelings-printable-activity-for-children

To order Buttons the Brave Blue Kitten  Click Here or go to Amazon

From My Bookshelf to Yours: My Fingerpaint Masterpiece by Sherrill Cannon

My Fingerpaint Masterpiece

“My Fingerpaint Masterpiece” tells the story of a young child who finger paints a picture in school, but does not finish it. The student carries it home but a gust of wind blows it away. Later the child sees it in an art gallery where it has won first place in an art contest. Everyone is gushing about this masterpiece by a professional artist. I won’t give anymore away.

My children and I LOVED this new book my Sherrill Cannon. I like how the child narrates the story is never identified as a boy or girl. There are many lessons in this book: self esteem, honesty, and perception. My 7 year old thought the most important lesson is to: “ Always put your name on your work. You might get famous and no one will know it is your work.”

Both of my children are talented artists. The youngest one often feels down because her 12 year old sister draws better. Sometimes she will cry and rip up her own artwork. She took away from this story that art is open to interpretation and the perception of others. When I ask her what she’s drawing she now asks “What do you see?”

Once again, Ms. Cannon, you have created a masterpiece!

Here is my 7 year old daughter, Genesis' masterpiece.

Genesis bets you and your children  will not guess what it is. She hopes people will try to interpret her art like they did in the book, "My Fingerpaint Masterpiece." P.S. She forgot to sign her name!

The closest two answers will WIN either a paperback copy or kindle copy of "My Fingerpaint Masterpiece".

Here are the winners of  "My Fingerpaint Masterpiece"

Buy on Amazon

Read the Interview with Sherrill Cannon
Read my reviews of other Sherrill Cannon Books

From My Bookshelf to Yours: The Do's and Don'ts by Hayley Rose

The Do's and Don'ts by Hayley Rose

 

 

 

As a mother and a therapist I am constantly looking for books with "good" messages to use as bibliotherapy. I love books that teach social skills and good values. Sometimes it is hard to find books that the little ones 3-6 will identify with or sit still and listen. Many little ones struggle with manners. Its just so hard to remember all the dos and don'ts!

 

Hayley Rose's newest book, The Do's and Don'ts, is a winner to help reinforce the importance of good manners for the little ones. What a wonderful etiquette book! I love that it contrasts between positive and negative behavior. Not only does the story teach children what not to do it gives them an example of what to do instead. My 7 year old daughter loved the colorful illustrations. She thought the Manner Monster was very cute. Although she was sad that he had bad manners.

 

I am adding this to my bibliotherapy resources.

Read Hayley Rose's Interview
Read Fifo -50 States Book Review

From My Bookshelf to Yours: The Lemonman: A Party, Some Rain and Wiggleworm Lane

The Lemonman: A Party, Some Rain and Wiggleworm Lane by Natasha Ferrill

Natasha Ferrill does it again! A Party, Some Rain and Wiggleworm Lane is the second book in The Lemonman series. This time she and the Lemonman teach us about compassion, consequences and Mother Nature. Whew! Does that sound like too many lessons for one children's book? Natasha presents these lesson in a singsong, rhyming way that is not preachy. Your children will love the adorable illustrations.

I enjoyed the imaginative story. Although I don't like worms, I couldn't stop reading this story. Even my 11 year old loved it. An added plus are that the author uses words like: naïve, proposition, repercussions, eccentric and absurd in the story. My 6 year old loved learning what these words meant ( Do the lessons in the story ever end?).

I wholeheartedly recommend this story to families and children.

Check out my review of the first Lemonman book, A Picnic, a Toad and Swampwater Road

Want to know more about the author? Read my Review with Natasha Ferrill

Mockingjay- Ms. Collins, I respectfully demand a rewrite!

I am extremely disappointed with this book. I typically don't write reviews on "popular" books or write one star reviews, but the author had me really invested in the series with the 1st two books. Man, what a disappointing letdown! If it had been the 1st book I would never had read the others. It seemed rushed. I lost all the interest and care I had for the characters. In fact I pretty much disliked them all. There was one well developed character and he was killed in one unemotional sentence. ( I almost missed it.) This happens at least one other time with another important character. I understand the anti war message but it seemed to overtake the story. There was endless dying and hopelessness. Yes, I know that it is a part of war.

Truthfully, the story was not well written. Was it even written by Ms. Collins? I am not saying this because I did not like the ending ( I liked who she ended up with but not how). I struggled not to skim. I wanted to skip chapters they were so dry. I feel like I could have skipped 3 chapters and 4 pages and ended up at the same place....Katniss, crying, hiding, running, blacking out or sleeping in the hospital.

 Katniss seems so dead inside. Even the Gale vs Peeta was not exciting. It seemed like the author was just putting up with the characters to get to her true end...making sure we received her heavily crammed down our throats anti war propaganda. I found myself very confused  most of the time. The only reason I finished the book was because I wanted to see what happened to the characters I grew to care about in the 1st two books. I would have rather stopped at "Catching Fire" and made up my own ending.

 I'm not sure this book should even be a YA, it is depressing and hopeless. Even the ending, which I guess is supposed to give some sense of hope, doesn't ring true. I respectfully demand a rewrite! Ms. Collins, take your time and  stay true to your characters so that this can be a triology that we want to read over and over. I'm not sure I will even read the 1st two again since I know that the third book brings so much hopelessness and depression. The good thing is when this book makes it to the movies it will possibly be changed for the better because I don't see how anyone could watch such a dark, depressing movie for two hours.

P.S. I am not bashing her work. I would never bash another author's work. I am just so disappointed I needed to get it out somehow!

From My Bookshelf to Yours: I Love You More Than Chocolate

I Love You More Than Chocolate is a sweet rhyming book that will help you share with your child how much they are loved. The story lists all the wonderful things that we see in our own lives. This is a sweet story that is perfect for a bedtime ritual.  The author sings a sweet song that matches the words in the book.  You can listen to the cd that it comes with while you share the story with your children. What a wonderful way to remind your children how much you love them.

*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.

Click here to read Interview with Melanie Milburn

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Best Me I Can Be series by Julia Cook

I Just Don't Like The Sound of No is a story about a little boy named RJ. He has a problem accepting no. He likes to argue in the hopes that he can change that answer into something else.  A teacher teaches him about the Say Yes to No Club. He learns the valuable skill of accepting no.

This book is a must for parents, teachers and anyone else that has contact with children. This story will help them learn a valuable social skill in a fun way. At the end of the book there are tips for parents and educators that will help teach children on how to accept no and how to appropriately disagree.

The Worst Day of My Life Ever is another story about RJ who is having a really bad day. What he learns is that a lot of his problems come from him not listening or following directions. This story teaches the important lesson about listening and following directions. I love how it teaches children to be responsible for their actions, own their mistakes and take control of their day. Also I like how the book explains that hearing is not the same as listening. This book also ends with tips for parents and educators.

RJ is in trouble again in Sorry I Forgot to Ask! He and his friend decide they don't want to take the bus home from school. They walk instead and make a few stops. When he gets home he learns about asking for permission. He forgets to ask about a few other things over the weekend. He learns the importance of asking for permission and also how to apologize correctly.

This story has a great message. Kids get in the habit of saying "I'm sorry" as a reflex and not really meaning it. This book teaches them the steps to sincerely apologize. This book also ends with tips for parents and educators.

These are only 3 of the wonderful books of Julia Cook. I will be reviewing more later. I am having a hard time giving these up because as a therapist I think that these are valuable tools. If you would like the chance to win one of these books leave a comment here or go to Wild About Reading. Please comment on why you would like to win one of these books. Only open to U.S. Sorry, I had a book not make it to Japan and it is very expensive!

Click here to read Julia Cook's Interview

*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin by Jennifer Wallis

Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles is a cute and informative book. In this book a little girl named Hailey goes for an underwater adventure with her best friend, Scarlet the Dolphin. On this adventure they learn all about the endangered Green Sea Turtles. The illustrations are colorful and sure to keep your child's attention. They will enjoy learning all about our underwater friends.

You can buy the book on www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com

The website is: http://www.scarletthedolphin.com/ You can also follow at Twitter or FaceBook

Do you want to win a free copy of this book?  Visit Wild About Reading and comment on the link why you would like to win this book. Good luck!

Click here to read Jennifer Wallis Interview

*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.

My First Television Interview!

Interview With Jeremy Rodden, author of Toonopolis: Gemini

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a stay-at-home dad who formerly has worked as a High School English teacher and a manager in two different Fortune 500 retail companies.  I spend my days taking care of my two boys (6 and 1) and my hard-working emergency physician wife.

What inspired you to write Toonopolis: Gemini?

I wanted to write a story that was designed mostly for entertainment, much like the cartoons that the book parodies.  I find that too often, fantasy stories are trying to send a message or have some underlying theme instead of just allowing people to have fun while they read.  That isn't to say there aren't any messages or lessons to be learned in my book, but that's not the primary purpose.

What are your favorite children's authors/books?

I am a big fan of both Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson) and Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl).  They both have created wonderful urban fantasy worlds that are fantastic but still grounded in the real world.  While my work is more of a high fantasy (in that it takes place in an other-world, like Alice in Wonderlandor Wizard of Oz), I still very much admire their ability to create such wonderful works.

What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

Read, read, read.  Never stop reading is my mantra.  I fell into a little bit of a funk in my writing after completing Gemini and found that I had stopped reading.  As soon as I started reading more aggressively again, I was able to pick up the pen (so to speak) and get work done.  Delving into other people's fantastic worlds helps me find both the motivation and inspiration to get back to work on my own.

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I've never been asked "boxers or briefs", but I guess I'll go with a different one as that one's a little trite.  How about "What is your favorite section of Toonopolis?"  That one's never come up!  I'd have to go with Adventure Realm, I think.  It is the section of Toonopolis that parodies roleplaying games, my favorite genre of video gaming.  I am able to take lots of jabs at the games I loved as a kid and still love today while pointing out some of the silliness that we RPG gamers have just blindly accepted over the years.

How old were you when you began to write?

I recall creating characters and writing little stories as young as ten or maybe even younger.  I know I spent a good deal of time in junior high school (12-14) writing poetry and other stories.  It wasn't until High School that I started getting into longer form stuff but never tried to tackle a full length novel until I sat down to work on Gemini.

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?

I laugh at your "spare time" theory! When I'm not chauffeuring my six year old or changing diapers or folding laundry, I like to play basketball and softball.  I also try to maintain my geek status with video games and movies, but find it hard to maintain.  I am able to justify watching cartoons as "research" for my books and my cartoon review blog.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Clever, sarcastic, silly, dedicated, father.

Do you have any other books you are working on? If so give us a sneak peek.

I have actually just released a new novella called Toonopolis Short: Anchihiiroo.  It is a coming-of-age hero story about a minor villain in Toonopolis: Gemini.  We learn how Yoshi of Higeki became the anti-hero turned villiain of Animetown (a section of Toonopolis based on Japanese cartoons).  It is a little more serious of an adventure story than my debut novel but still has a taste of my humor and sarcasm that people have enjoyed in my writing.

Next on the list is Toonopolis: Chi Lin, the sequel to Toonopolis: Gemini.  It is a story about the last real unicorn on Earth who transports himself to the Tooniverse to try to keep himself and his maiden, Avantika, from facing death.  He learns lessons on humility and humor along the way.

Is there a lesson to be learned from your book?

The major theme is to learn to accept who you are and try not to be something you're not.  Gemini comes across this lesson when dealing with some of the Rogues of Toonopolis, creations who have changed who they were by attacking their own creators' minds.  There are lessons on compassion and forgiveness along the way as well.

Has there been any obstacles in your writing career?

Life!  My wife and I had our first child at 23 and got married the same year.  My wife was in medical school so I had to work full-time while completing my own degree.  When she began her medical residency, I went back to graduate school for a Masters in Education but I still had to work full-time to help support our family.  It wasn't until our second son was born in 2010 and my wife began working as a 'real' doctor that I became a stay-at-home dad and found time to work on my writing.  I have no intentions of looking back from this point and my wife has been incredibly supportive of my chosen path.

Anything else you would like to share?

I have mentioned a few times in this interview my stay-at-home dad status.  Inspired by this as well as the fact that I opened my own publishing company, I recently opened submissions for a non-fiction essay anthology called The Myth of Mr. Mom.  I am seeking stay-at-home dads to share their stories about their transition into the homemaker profession in an effort to raise awareness that men are not only capable, but should consider it as a viable career.

Submission info can be found here: http://www.toonopolis.com/2011/10/06/hey-stay-at-home-dads-wanna-be-published/

Where can we buy your books? Do you have a web page or fan page?

Buy links for Toonopolis: Gemini.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050P3YXA/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0050P3YXA/
B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Toonopolis/Jeremy-Rodden/e/2940011342240
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58894 

"Buy" links for Toonopolis Short: Anchihiiroo (it is currently free at Smashwords!)

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96299

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VQGOUS

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005VQGOUS/

I can be found at my cartoon review blog/author blog at http://www.toonopolis.com/.  I am an active Twitterer @toonopolis and my Facebook fanpage is http://www.facebook.com/toonopolisfiles/.  Thanks!

Interview with Jonathan Fluck: author of the T-Bot and Peabody Explore series.

Tell us a little bit about you:
I am married to the most amazing woman and together we have 2 awesome little boys, ages 3 yrs and 5 yrs. I enjoy family time, 3D modeling, writing, and outdoor activities.

How did you begin your writing career for children?
It all started with a bedtime story. One night my oldest son asked for a bedtime story, so I threw together a few characters and a few of my son's interests and eventually came up with the first book of our T-Bot and Peabody Explore series.

Was there someone or some event in your life that inspired you to write your book?
If it weren't for my son's bedtime request, I never would have started down this path. The characters, T-Bot and Peabody, are based on my two sons. T-Bot is based of my oldest son and Peabody is based on my youngest. My two sons started my down the writer's path, but I start new adventures all the time, it's finishing them that is an amazing feat and had it not been for the encouragement and help of my wife, Karen, T-Bot and Peabody would have remained an oral story that never made it outside of our house.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
This is a tough one. I am very techie and nerdy with a love for 3D modeling and animating. If I weren't writing and could have any job I wanted, I think I would work either in the film industry or video game industry making 3D characters/animations. Assuming I could cut the mustard for the jobs. The guys that actually have those jobs are amazing at it and have an artistic gift.

What feelings or lessons do you hope your book leaves its readers?
Through this series of books I want the readers to be in awe of nature and have both a respect for it and a desire to take care of it. There is no subtle or overt message about saving the environment in the stories, but after reading the books, seeing the animals, seeing the landscape, I think the reader will walk away wanting to preserve all that for future generations. I also want readers to walk away proud of themselves for reading and hopefully having fun doing it.

Describe yourself in five words
"Horse of a different color."

Is there a children’s book that you have read that you wish you had written?
The Cat in the Hat. I wish I wrote The Cat in the Hat. Dr Seuss created worlds that have changed the lives of generations by aiding the young and the old in creating a deep, life long, love of reading. He told entertaining stories with whimsical characters that spark the imagination.


Whats next for you?
I am completely excited to be working on the next book of the series, T-Bot and Peabody Explore the Ocean. I am co-authoring this one with my wife Karen. It's been great. So far the story is written and largely illustrated. Just working on the last few pages. Readers will journey with T-Bot and Peabody through coral reefs all the way down to the deep dark depths of the ocean were life is unique and stunning!

Do you have any advice for others interested in writing books for children?
Try. No matter what you're interested in pursuing, try. Give it your best shot. My advice for aspiring children's authors would be this, approach the world from a child's perspective, be fascinated and consumed by the wonders of the world around you and by the limits of the imagination. Whether you pursue the traditional publishing route or opt in to the self publishing path you need to have a story that children want. It'll take time and effort but a quality children's book will have success. If you don't believe me, try your hardest. You will either prove me wrong or spark the love of reading in a child.

Do you have a website or a fan page?
We have a website http://www.tbotandpeabody.com/ or for a more interactive experience you can "Like" us on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/TBotAndPeabodyExplore . We like to share discounts, coloring pages, tips to encourage reading, and so much more. So please check it out.


Where can we find your books to buy?
Our books are available on Amazon.com, Powell's Books, Barnes and Noble, our Facebook Page, and pretty much any bookstore.

From My Bookshelf to Yours- The Sandcastle Kids: A Mayan Adventure by Sonya Kimble Ellis

 Do you want to be transported back in time? Well,  The Sandcastle Kids: A Mayan Adventure is the book for you!


This is a book about a group of children who reside in Southern California. They hang out together and build sandcastles. Rosa, Richard, Daisy and Kamal find a magical sand dune and the adventure begins!  They are transported  to 420 AD Central Peten where they meet  a Mayan Indian who asks for their help in building his village a bridge.

Matthew Hebert's illustrations are beautifully done and will make you feel as if you too were magically transported to another time. A wonderful bonus is the last page  has ten discussion questions to help lead you into a discussion with your  child about what they've read.

This book is an engaging adventure that will teach children about the Mayan culture, hieroglyphics and lending a helping hand! It is a perfect tool for teachers that want to get their students exciting about learning history and for kids who love to learn. History lovers must buy this book! I can't wait for the new adventures of the Sandcastle kids.

Get your copy of the book at www.thesandcastlekids.com


Want to win a free copy? Go to Wild About Reading
*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Shanna's Lost Ribbon by Tiana Washington

This is a cute story about a little girl who is excited for picture day. She dresses in her best dress. Her mother gives her a beautiful ribbon that she wore herself when she was little. Unfortunately picture day does not go as planned. Although this may not be the best picture day it will be the most memorable. This story is a sweet lesson about never giving up. A nice story to share with a little girl. 


This book is available for purchase on  tianacwashington.com, amazon.com, B&N.com,  powellbooks.com, goodreads.com, anythingtoread.com.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Grimsley Hollow: The Chosen One

Grimsley Hollow is a wonderful story about Gage a boy with autism. In his world he is uncomfortable, has no friends and feels like a nobody. He is drawn into a magical world where there are vampires, witches, pixies, and dragons. It is up to him to save this magical world from an evil witch. In this world he gains confidence, friends and learns that being different is a wonderful thing.

This book shows us the life of a boy with autism. We are told the story through his perspective. I love how in the other world Gage learns to let go of his preconceived ideas of the magical beings there just like the reader will let go of their ideas of people with autism.


There was only one issue that some parents might have with the story and that is brief language. The words  "damn" and "hell" are in the story. It was not overly used but just letting you know because as a parent I want to know what my children are reading.

I look forward to the next in the series!
You can purchase this book in eformat and paperback format at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, CreateSpace, Abebooks, and many other places.







*A free copy of this book was given to me for  a honest review.  No other compensation was provided for this review.