Frogwilla, A TreeFrog's Story by Cheri L. Hallwood- Review

 

Frogwilla, A TreeFrog's Story by Cheri L. Hallwood

 

I absolutely loved this sweet story. The story follows a young treefrog on her journey to find her family. Frogwilla, is afraid of heights and has a difficult time climbing. She is sure that disappoints her father. During a horrible storm she is separated from her parents. She must dig deep to find the courage to go places she has never been, meet other animals and do things she thought she'd never do.My 8 year old loves that she made new friends different than herself and that they were loyal and helpful.
This is a beautifully written story about love, courage, friendship and being kind to others even if they are mean to you. I highly recommend it and so does my eight year old. In fact, she has gotten her 13 year old sister to take a peek.

Want to know more about Cheri L. Hallwood? Click HERE to read her interview.

MICE & SPIDERS & WEBS...OH MY! by Sherrill Cannon review

MICE & SPIDERS & WEBS...OH MY! by Sherrill Cannon

Where can one find a story about having good listening skills, facing one's fears, not jumping to conclusions and basic computer lingo all in one book? Why in the newest Sherrill Cannon book, MICE & SPIDERS & WEBS...OH MY! That's where.

In this charming, eloquently rhymed story, Rosie tells her mom that she doesn't want to go back to school because there will be mice, spiders & spider webs. I wouldn't want to either!!! Yuck! Rosie's mom takes her to school to figure out what is going on.

Sherrill, once again, expertly weaves a beautiful tale packed full of life lessons that teaches without preaching. Kalpart's illustration are beautiful and bright.

As always, I highly recommend Ms. Cannon's book. I recommend it as a mother and as children's and family therapist. Both my children & clients enjoyed this book immensely.

Want to know more about Sherrill Cannon & her books?
Read the Interview with Sherrill Cannon
Read my reviews of other Sherrill Cannon Books

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Molly Withers & the Golden Tree by Kent Allan Rees

Molly Withers & the Golden Tree

"Molly Withers & the Golden Tree" is an adventurous, imaginative and magical tale about an eleven-year-old girl who finds out that she is “The Chosen One". She and a friend embark on a quest to find the Golden Tree and save magic and the world. On their quest, they meet leprechauns, fairies, a ghost, and talking animals.

I believe that this is a story that will appeal to all ages. Although the story is about a female heroine boys will also enjoy reading it (her friend is male). The ending of the story leaves you wanting to read the next book of the series.

"Molly Withers & the Golden Tree" does the children’s fantasy genre a great service. I love the positive and inspirational message of the book: "If you believe it, you can achieve it."

I recommend this book to children 8 yrs and older.

*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Want a FREE Copy of "Molly Withers & the Golden Tree"?

The author will give away 5 copies of this book. Please leave a comment to be entered. Give away will end on June 1, 2014.

Kent Allan Rees is a nature lover, professional writer, and adoring father who lives in Toronto, Canada with his wife Carole and baby daughter, Madeleine. Fueled by the desire to have an unsuspecting young girl take control of centre stage in a multi-book series, and moved by our generation's embrace of the power of positive thinking, Rees has created both a work of fiction and a pocket guide for life's magic with his debut novel: "Molly Withers and the Golden Tree." The second book in the series: “Molly Withers and the Masquerade” is written and is in preparation for upcoming publishing.

In 2010, Radio Disney, in partnership with Backstage Creations, vetted countless products for celebrity gift giving  – a tight competition with several brands vying for this coveted exposure. One of the official celebrity gifts chosen was a signed copy of “Molly Withers and the Golden Tree.” As a result, Rees’s debut novel was seen on ellegirl.com, justjared.com, cosmogirl.com,teenmag.com and inside In Touch Weekly, Hollywood Teenzine, and Quizfest. It was also gifted to such celebs as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Stone, and many others.

For more information about "Molly Withers and the Golden Tree." & “Molly Withers and the Masquerade” visit mollywithers.com


Click here to buy from Amazon

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Manner-Man by Sherrill Cannon

MANNER-MAN

Manner-Man is a fun book that will teach children about good manners, being a friend, not being a bully and standing up for what's right. These are all lessons that our children need to hear again and again. It is written in rhyme. Who doesn't love a book with a superhero? The awesome illustrations will keep your children's interest. Another great book by Ms. Cannon

Synopsis
"I am strong, and my flash is bright, And I will defend you and make things all right." These are the magic words to call upon Manner-Man - a superhero who can help control bullies and teach children ways to be considerate of others. Manner-Man arrives, shouting "To the Rescue", helping children learn about sharing and warning about not 'hitting with words.' He teaches that if someone starts pushing, just shout out "not nice!" Meet the children who form the Manner-Man team and find out how to join! Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of Cannon's earlier books - helping children learn how to cope with bullies and look within themselves for their inner superhero!

Interview with Sherrill Cannon

Reviews of other Sherrill Cannon Books

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Gimme-Jimmy by Sherrill Cannon

Sherrill does it again! She has written another great book that will teach children morals in an enjoyable, non preachy way. Gimme-Jimmy is beautifully rhymed story about a bully named Jimmy. He snatches and takes what is not his. He never asks. He is very rude and  always demanding "Gimme". He learns a valuable lesson when his hand swells to an enormous size. He must be polite and not say "Gimme" for his hand to return to its normal size.

My favorite part is Jimmy's New Polite Rule:

"To try to treat others as I'd like to be,
To try to see things the way others might see,
To try to be helpful, and do what is right,
And to try at all times to be very polite!"

The illustrations, as always, are excellent. I have used this in therapy with my young clients and one of my four year old clients now wants to read it every session. We say the polite rule and she chimes in very loudly the last word of every sentence. Great job, Ms Cannon!

Interview with Sherrill Cannon

Reviews of other Sherrill Cannon Books

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Fifo "50 States" by Hayley Rose

Fifo "50 States" is a fun and educational book. The states are listed by alphabetical order. It is written in a rhyming prose that makes the information easy to remember. The book presents each state's capital, motto, flower, tree, bird as well as the chronological order that the state entered the Union. I especially love that Fifo the bear is journeying through each of the states. He is so cute in each of his state appropriate outfits. Each state also has pictures and tidbits on the pages of things like what the state is "famous" for.

My 4th grader took it to school to share with her class because they have been working on the states and capitals. I had to hunt the teacher down to get the book back because she loved it so much!
This is definitely a must have for parents, children and teachers!

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

Visit Hayley's website:  Fifo the Bear and FaceBook
Click here to read Interview with Author Hayley Rose of Fifo "50 States"
Read The Dos and Don'ts Book Review

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Rubber Shoes: A lesson in gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma

Rubber Shoes: A lesson in gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma is a beautiful story about being grateful for what you have. Gladys gets a new pair of ugly brown rubber shoes. She is very unhappy about this and set about to destroy them, lose them, get rid of them any way she can. Unfortunately they are indestructable. Finally when she grows out of those "ugly" shoes her mother takes her to give the shoes to another little girl. Gladys sees how the other little girl feels about those "ugly" shoes she learns about gratitude.

This book is written in English and Spanish which makes it rich in cultural diversity. The illustrations are very gentle in a beautiful color pallette. You and your child will love this story and its powerful but not overwhelming message. This is one of my new stories that I will use in therapy with my clients.

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

Click here for Interview with Gladys Barbieri

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.

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure by Kathryn Cloward

Kathryn feels that her parents love her siblings better than they love her.  After being sent to her room,  Maggie, the magical butterfly, and her rainbow charm bracelet show up and take Kathryn on an adventure. Where she learns about self esteem, self confidence,belonging and expressing herself.  On this journey she discovers the rainbow of colors inside her.

What an empowering book with a very positive message that all children need to hear. It offers practical examples and explanations. The illustrations are vibrant, colorful and beautiful.

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

Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure can be purchased at the Kathryn the Grape website for $16.99.  It's also available on Amazon.com.


Click here to read Kathryn Cloward Interview

Interview with Kathryn Cloward, author of Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure

Tell us a bit about you?

I am 37 years old and am native to San Diego.  I live less than a mile away from the home I was raised in, and where my parents still reside today.  Just like in the Kathryn the Grape books, I have three older brothers that I love very much, and who lovingly still tease me.  My five year old son is my greatest source of inspiration and joy.   

What inspired you to write “Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure”?

The idea for this particular book, which is the second book in the Kathryn the Grape series, came to me inNovember of 2009, as I was walking with my friend, Jennie Lapointe, around San Diego Bay.  We wanted to find a way to teach children about the energy points in their body, but in a fun and new dynamic way.  Jennie and I came up with the idea of matching the colors with particular symbols on a charm bracelet to help teach children that they are colorful.  

This story was developed before the first Kathryn the Grape book was illustrated, and the reason whyKathryn the Grape's sleeves are always rolled up is because her wrists needed to be exposed in the second book so the charm bracelet would be always seen.  One of my favorite parts about creating theKathryn the Grape series is all the "big picture" visioning it requires.  Many characters and concepts that are being introduced in the upcoming third book impact future books in the series.

What do you hope your books will impart to children?

The overall purpose of the Kathryn the Grape books are to help children develop authentic self love and self acceptance. Every story has an affirming message for children that help them feel good about themselves, be accepting, and compassionate toward others.  Children learn about themselves through the lessons that Kathryn the Grape is learning.  

What are you working on now?

I'm working on a lot of exciting things for Kathryn the Grape right now.  

"Kathryn the Grape's Magical Hour" radio show launched on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at Noon PST / 3Pm EST on VoiceAmerica Kids.  The show is for kids, and hosted by kids.  Audrey and Zara are co-hosting the show and they are both wonderful 10-years old girls who well represent the messages of Kathryn the Grape.  Everyone can tune in to the show on Wednesdays, or download the episodes for free from the show archives or iTunes.  We have details about the show on KathryntheGrape.com 

Another project I am super excited about right now is the upcoming Kathryn the Grape sing-along album.  I am co-writing the album with musician Astra Kelly, and we have already completed three of the six songs projected.  The album is a natural extension of sharing the messages of Kathryn the Grape, and will be available April 1, 2012.

The third book in the Kathryn the Grape series will be available by the summer of 2012, and it is a story that takes place in Kathryn the Grape's school classroom.  It is a story I created based on two conversations that I had with my son this past year.  Ginny Hornby is the co-author on this book, and Christine Winscott continues as the illustrator.

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

During the day I am quite busy running my companies, meeting with clients, and developing my radio show.  So when I am not working, I really cherish and nurture my spare time.   I find my greatest moments of joy when I am spending time with my family and creating memories with my son.  I also have come to nurture and cherish dedicated blocks of alone time, where I hike the mountain near my house or write in my journal in the meditation space of my home.  If you are wondering when I actually write Kathryn the Grape stories, I do 90% of that writing between 2am and 7am.  I just wake up and know what I need to write, which has been happening on and off for almost three years now.

Who was your favorite author when you were young?

I was not an avid reader when I was young.  I liked to play games with my brothers, or make-believe in my room with my dolls...I had a huge imagination!  I most loved story time with my mom, as she used to read to me with the most animated voice inflections.  That is how I now read to my son too.   When I started to really sit down and read on my own for pleasure, I was most drawn to the Judy Bloom books.  

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Trust your intuition and follow your dreams.  Don't allow self doubt or naysayers influence what you know you are meant to do.  

Describe yourself in 5 words

Colorful

Intuitive

Compassionate

Animated

Magical

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be? 

Well, if I had the vocal talent, I would pursue my childhood dream of being a country music singer/songwriter.  However, with the creation of the Kathryn the Grape sing-along album, I feel that I am in a way fulfilling that dream as I am creating original songs for others to enjoy, and I will be singing a little on some of the songs.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Oprah.  I think Oprah is a fascinating human being, and having the opportunity to sit and chat with her would be amazing.

Where can people buy your books? 

You can purchase autographed and personalized Kathryn the Grape books at our website store, at www.KathryntheGrape.com.  $1 of every book sold on our website is donated to a non-profit organization through the Kathryn the Grape Fund.  Books are also available at all online book stores including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  We also have both books available for digital viewing on the Kindle and Nook Book   

Do you have a web page or fan page?

Yes, you can find out more about Kathryn the Grape at http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/ and we do a lot on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  

Anything else you would like to share?

I am a huge believer in the power of collaboration, and I am thankful for the amazing team of people who work with me on Kathryn the Grape. I trust that I will continue to be led to the right people who are meant to be part of this magical and colorful journey.

Click here to read   Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure Review

From My Bookshelf to yours: The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump: Mortimer's Sweet Retreat

Mortimer meets a monster who at first sight is scary, but he gets to know him and has a wonderful adventure. This is a beautiful story about friendship and not judging others based on their appearance. In an age where we are are dominated by computer generated images it was refreshing to see the hand drawn and colored pictures. My children LOVED all the beautiful sweets drawn as rides and things especially the chocolate commode. The sing song rhyming put the "icing on the cake" for me. A beautiful tale that should be shared with all children. Maybe the author can write a book about a vegetable land. If she does dedicate it to me!

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

Interview with Mandi Tillotson Williams, author of Mortimer's Sweet Retreat

Tell us a little bit about you: I am your average mini-van driving mama but I do have an imagination that is FAR from tame! (I may need to invest in tranquilizer darts just in case it happens to get loose) Often times when my kiddos and I are driving around in "Mandi's-Mini" we will crank the radio up and I will then proceed to make up new silly songs to whatever happens to be playing on the radio. The kids seem to think it's fun and often times a book idea will strike me right there in the mini! :)



How did you begin your writing career for children? I have always LOVED to write and draw since I was a young child. I would make up stories for fun and I was pretty convincing at times. I had several friends believing that I had actually traveled to Earth by way of a large bubblegum slide from an undiscovered candy-coated planet. I began my writing career after a person family tragedy-turned-miracle gave me the shove I needed to pursue my dream.

Was there someone or some event in your life that inspired you to write your book?  I wrote my first book about 10 years ago but put it aside because I had never even considered pursuing publishing it until several years later after my youngest child was born. He was very premature (only a 28 weeker) and the doctors said due to a grade III bleed on both sides of his brain he may not walk or talk. He faced many more complications while in the NICU and at that time, I prayed and made a promise to God that if he would just save my baby's life, I would share my miracle with as many people as possible. Well my little one is now almost 6 years old and has no trouble walking or talking and is actually a very smart little boy. He recently had to get glasses but I made up a What if question in my second book that made glasses COOL for him. I read it to his class and half of them wanted glasses too!! Lol. One little boy even wore sunglasses to school the next day! :o) In order to get my miracle spread to the world as I promised, I decided to publish my book and since then I have written a total of 4 but am working on illustrations for the other two. Good things can come from bad, I have living proof. 


If you weren’t a writer, what would you be? A photographer of course. This actually is my other job when I am not writing. I love it because it lets me express my creativity.


What feelings or lessons do you hope your book leaves its readers? I want for those that read my first book, Mortimer's Sweet Retreat to come away with new outlook toward others. You can't judge someone by looks alone. Just because someone may look strange, it doesn't mean that they are any less of a person than you are.


Describe yourself in five words Mother, Photographer, Author, Illustrator, Creative

  Is there a children’s book that you have read that you wish you had written?  Shel Silverstein's poems, I love those. :o) Also the froggy books are super cute.
  
Whats next for you? Right now I am working on the second book in The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump series and also another series as well. The first book in this series is about Henrietta Hexagon - A happy little shape with six beautiful sides. :o)
   
Do you have any advice for others interested in writing books for children? I would say research is the key for sure! I have done a huge amount of research and you learn things every day. Also, I would say that if you are planning on pursuing writing go ahead and join communities such as goodreads, absolutewrite, or SCBWI. These boards are also wonderful places to find valuable information as well as make friends and gain fans.


Do you have a website or a fan page?  I do!! :o) www.facebook.com/mortimercrump and www.mortimercrump.com

Where can we find your books to buy? They are both available in ebook and print
Mortimer's Sweet Retreat on Amazon: Amazon
       on Barnes and Noble: Barnes&Noble.com
Moritmer's Book of What-if's on Amazon: Amazon

       on createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3704586

I do want to also share my poem I wrote about my son's time in the NICU if that's ok.

My answer as to why?

I woke up this morning with a really clear view.

My answer as to “Why?” I hope you see it too.

Several years ago, I had a two pound baby boy

12 weeks premature… I felt anything but joy.

He wasn’t doing well, his life was hanging by a thread

Not knowing why this happened, my heart was filled with dread.

The doctors said he may not walk, his brain was full of blood

He wouldn’t learn, he may not talk, none of this was good.

I sat and wrote that very day, an email to my friends

Asking all of them to pray and then to please hit send.

Within a week, to my surprise, I had an inbox full of letters

Strangers sending hope our way, praying he’d get better.

They sent him home after 73 days but again, with not much hope

We had no clue of what may happen on this scary uphill slope.

On this day, he’s five years old and no one would never know.

He’s doing great, he’s really smart. He’s anything but slow.

As I said before, I woke today with an answer as to “why?”

I came to my desk to try and type and then began to cry.

My child was saved so I’d spread the word of what Jesus did for me.

I feel that’s why I rhyme so well. I want all the world to see.

Something big will come of this, I can feel it in my heart.

For now I’ll spread to my home town, but I know it’s just a start.

Click here to read Mortimer Book Review

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Toonopolis: Gemini by Jeremy Rodden

Wow! What an unexpected and fun surprise this story was. It was an imaginative and original look into the world of cartoons. I found my self wanting more pictures. It was laugh out loud funny and kept me turning pages. I read this at the office in between clients and a couple of therapist poked their heads in to see what was so funny.

This is a story about a human, Gemini, who finds himself in a world full of toons were things are predictable but make sometimes make no sense. He is the supposed hero and is expected to save the toon world from a shadowy villian. I usually pride myself on being able to forsee the ending of a book, but I was taken by surprise by a certain revelation. I love how Jeremy, wove in facts about characters that will appear in his next books and left the readers with questions making them wnat more. I highly reccommend this for middle school and YA readers. Shhh...mom and dad may want to take a peek (no shame).

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

You can buy this book at:
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 


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/

From My Bookshelf to Yours: T-Bot And Peabody Explore The Zoo by Jonathan Fluck

Are you ready for a fantabulous zoo adventure? T-Bot And Peabody Explore The Zoo is a cleverly written story full of fun animal facts . Your children will enjoy learning about all the amazing zoo animals with robot brothers, T-Bot and Peabody.

This book is an awesome source for children to learn about zoo animals. This book is a great reference book for young readers. I  recommend this book to parent and teachers to help teach children  interesting facts about animals in a fun and memorable way.

I can't wait to read more adventures of T-Bot and Peabody!

You can visit the author at  www.TBotAndPeabody.com or for a more interactive experience you can "Like" them on Facebook, They share discounts, coloring pages, tips to encourage reading, and so much more. So please check it out.


You can buy their books on Amazon.com, Powell's Books, Barnes and Noble, our Facebook Page, and pretty much any bookstore.

*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- 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.