Review & Giveaway: Mia and Nattie by Marlene M. Bell

Mia and Nattie: 

One Great Team!

by

Marlene M. Bell

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (K-3rd Grade) / Farm Animals

Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing

Date of Publication: October 4, 2020

Number of Pages: 34 pages

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Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn.

But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.

When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around — one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is.

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Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! by Marlene M. Bell is a cute story with adorable illustrations by Grace Sandford. If you were to judge this book by its cover, your assessment would probably be correct. This is a quality hardcover children’s book with crisp lines, bright colors, and beautiful binding. (I would love to buy the endpapers as wrapping paper or in journal form.)

The fact that this story is based on true life makes it even more charming. There is nothing more heartwarming than a story of a child creating a bond with an innocent creature. The story of Mia and Nattie is like a viral video from The Dodo where a kind human sees past an animal’s imperfections and sees the beautiful spirit within.

When I read this book to my 7-year-old, the plot and the cute pictures immediately pulled him in. He asked why Nattie was alone and couldn’t fathom why the grandmother didn’t want to keep the little lamb inside the house. He really liked how Nattie’s short and straight little horn made her look like a unicorn. He was worried about her wellbeing but was very happy with the ending, as was I.

Unlike other children’s books, this one goes beyond looking pretty and teaches valuable lessons without patronizing kids. Bell’s writing style is clean and conveyed nicely by way of font choice and page layout. I think that the recommended audience of kindergarten through third grade is spot on. I recommend this book to anyone with children in their lives. In a school or childcare setting, this book is a great lesson on embracing differences and deserves a prime spot on every bookshelf.

MARLENE M. BELL is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience.

Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch, Marlene offers the first of her children’s picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! It’s a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene is also the author of the award-winning Annalisse international mystery series, with the third book, Calico Raven to be released in 2021.

Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.

◆ WEBSITE ◆ FACEBOOK ◆ TWITTER◆

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THREE WINNERS

GRANDPRIZE (US only):

Signed copy of Mia and Nattie, Nattie Plush, Nattie Mousepad, and a Nattie pendant

2^ND PRIZE (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie

3^RD PRIZE (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie

Giveaway ends at midnight, CST, 11/25/2020

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11/16/2020	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
11/16/2020	Character Spotlight	Book Fidelity
11/16/2020	Review	Jennifer Silverwood
11/16/2020	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
11/17/2020	Review	Forgotten Winds
11/17/2020	Sneak Peek	The Clueless Gent
11/17/2020	Review	Momma on the Rocks
11/18/2020	Review	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
11/18/2020	Top 5 List	All the Ups and Downs
11/18/2020	Review	Missus Gonzo
11/19/2020	Review	Book Bustle
11/19/2020	Excerpt	Max Knight
11/19/2020	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
11/20/2020	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
11/20/2020	Character Interview	Sybrina’s Book Blog
11/20/2020	Review	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife

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Blitz & Giveaway: A Vote Is a Powerful Thing by Catherine Stier

A VOTE IS A 

POWERFUL THING

By CATHERINE STIER

Illustrated by Courtney Dawson

 

Children’s Picture Book / American Historical Fiction / Elections and Voting 

Ages 4-7

Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company

Date of Publication: September 1, 2020

Number of Pages: 32

 

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Callie knows there’s a presidential election coming up, and people will soon vote to decide the country’s leader. 

 

Her class is having an election too, about an issue that affects them all–the class field trip. Should they choose the cookie factory or the wilderness park? 

 

Join Callie as she campaigns for the wilderness park she loves and learns how people have organized, marched, and protested for the right to vote. And find out how a vote–even just one vote–can make a difference!

PRAISE FOR A VOTE IS A POWERFUL THING: 

“Gets the job done.” ―Kirkus Reviews 

 

“A galvanizing read for children interested in politics or parents who hope to instill such interests.” ―Publishers Weekly

 

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Catherine Stier is the author of several awarding-winning children’s books. Her titles include If I Were President, If I Ran for President, If I Were a Park Ranger, and the A Dog’s Day chapter-book series. In grade school, Catherine ran a class campaign for student council with handmade signs, and, although she didn’t win, she found the process exciting! She went on to earn an MA in reading and literacy from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has conducted children’s literature research. She now resides with her husband in San Antonio and volunteers at a local wilderness park.

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ONE WINNER: Copies of each of the three election-series books;
patriotic socks, button, and pencils; plus a $15 gift card to The Twig Book Shop. 

September 4-10, 2020 

(US ONLY)

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Review & Giveaway: Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn by Cathey Nickell

YAZZY’S AMAZING YARN

by

CATHEY GRAHAM NICKELL
Illustrated by Emily Calimlim

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Ages 4-8 

Publisher: Twenty-Eight Creative

Date of Publication: August 1, 2019

Number of Pages: 32

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Yazzy is a creative girl, always sketching out her next adventure. She loves yarn, and she loves to knit! Her neighborhood park is dull and rusty, but Yazzy has a grand plan. 

With a little help from her friends, Yazzy’s knitted wonders transform Penny Park into a fuzzy rainbow of warmth and color. What yarn-tastic idea will Yazzy think of next? 

The book includes a “History of Yarn Bombing” page for readers who are not familiar with this creative and whimsical type of art.

“As a teacher, it’s refreshing to find a book that exposes children to an alternative art form. I’m inspired by Yazzy’s story, and I know my students will be, too.” — Deborah Horwitz, Art Teacher, The Emery/Weiner School, Houston, Texas.

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My 6 year old has been begging me to crochet him random video game characters and I told him we had a deal if he helped me review Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn. He liked pointing out little details in the book – Yazzy keeps her yarn in woven baskets on a shelf like me and Yazzy’s mom reminds him of his “little” grandmother. When there were long strands of yarn running across the page, he would trace his finger along it and ask where it was going. He was thrilled to see all the places in the park that Yazzy and her friends yarn bombed. He didn’t understand why someone would be upset with the colorful creations. And when he saw what Yazzy had planned next, he asked if we could do something like that as well.

My son enjoyed this book and I did too! I’m a fan of the colorful illustrations and how they are bright but not psychedelic. I, too, loved the little details on the page. For example, the to-do list in Yazzy’s room that shows she prioritizes her schoolwork over her craft projects, the expressions on Kayla and Isabel’s faces when learning to knit for the first time (one looks overwhelmed while the other looks irritated), and the way the yarn winds its way through the other facets of her life while she immerses herself in her project for weeks.

The story is very nicely crafted and age appropriate for the target audience. I like how the author snuck in some alliterations and onomatopoeia, as well as a great lesson on sharing a skill with others. Instead of just making something for her friends, Yazzy suggests that they work on making something together, which is twice as fun! And it was a cherry on top that she had a gift for the grumpy groundskeeper. I had one note: I am curious how three little girls were able to yarn bomb the turtle in the middle of the fountain. That would be difficult for even an adult to accomplish.

I really like the layout of this book. The text is laid out around the illustrations, enhancing the visual experience. Neither part distracts from the other. The dust jacket matches the hardcover perfectly and gives a sneak peek to the beautiful layout within. There is a perfect balance of text, illustration, and white space.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with school-aged children. This would be a great anticipatory set for lessons such as yarn crafts, community building, and sharing hobbies. There’s a neat history on the origins of yarn bombing on the last page, and I’m proud to live in a community where something so great got its start.

Cathey Nickell is a busy author and elementary school speaker, having presented at more than seventy schools to date. Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn is her second children’s book about creativity and outside-the-box artistic endeavors. She is also the author of Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car, which was awarded first place by the Texas Association of Authors in the category of Children’s Picture Books-All Ages. Cathey lives with her husband, Kevin, in Houston, where they raised their four children.

WEBSITE  ✦  FACEBOOK ✦  TWITTER
INSTAGRAM  ✦  GOODREADS
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Emily Calimlim, while not a knitting whiz herself, loves creating art with humorous and lively watercolor pictures for children. She lives in Houston with her fiancé, George, and silly studio bird, Simon. Emily spends her days capturing her ideas and imagination with paint and pencil.

WEBSITE  ✦  FACEBOOK

TWITTER✦  INSTAGRAM

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THREE AUTOGRAPHED COPIES OF YAZZY’S AMAZING YARN

August 27-September 6, 2019

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

8/27/19	Top Ten List	Sybrina’s Book Blog
8/27/19	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
8/28/19	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
8/29/19	Review	Sydney Young, Stories
8/30/19	Sneak Peek	The Page Unbound
8/31/19	Deleted Scene	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
9/1/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
9/2/19	Excerpt	Books and Broomsticks
9/3/19	Sneak Peek	Rainy Days with Amanda
9/4/19	Review	All the Ups and Downs
9/5/19	Review	Missus Gonzo

 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Max… Attacks by Kathi Appelt

MAX … ATTACKS

by

KATHI APPELT
illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan

Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Stories in Verse
Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Date of Publication: June 11, 2019

Number of Pages: 40Scroll down for the giveaway!

 

Fish and birds and lizards and socks…is there anything Max won’t attack? 

 

Watch your ankles and find out in this clever, rhyming picture book about a very naughty kitty cat.Max is a cat. He attacks. From socks to strings to many a fish, attacking, for Max, is most de-lish. But how many of these things can he actually catch? Well, let’s just say it’s no even match.

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Kathi Appelt is the author of the Newbery Honoree, National Book Award finalist, PEN USA Literary Award–winning, and bestselling The Underneath as well as the National Book Award finalist The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, Maybe a Fox (with Alison McGhee), Keeper, and many picture books including Counting Crows and Max … Attacks. 

 

She has two grown children and lives in College Station, Texas, with her husband and their six cats. She serves as a faculty member at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.

Twitter ║ Facebook ║ Instagram ║ Pinterest
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Amazon Author Page
Website

Penelope Dullaghan is an award-winning illustrator whose work includes illustrations for ad campaigns, book publishers, magazines, newspapers, products, videos and most recently, children. Max … Attacks is her debut picture book.

 

Penelope works from her home studio in Indianapolis, Indiana where she also home schools her daughter, plays in the river behind her house, and tends to her front-yard garden.

 

She is especially interested in collaborating with brands that support sustainability, simplicity, and wellness. Connect with Penelope on her Website.

 

The real Max was neither blue, nor did he have a switchy tail. In fact, he didn’t have a tail at all. He was an American Bobtail, almost fire red, and in his prime he weighed in at over twenty pounds. For seventeen years, he served as best friend and roommate to the author’s oldest son Jacob Appelt, who adopted Max from the local animal shelter. Together they wrote music, traveled, entertained friends and family, and kept an eye on the neighborhood parrots. Even though Max was famous for attacking anything that moved, he was, and always will be, the biggest, sweetest cat ever! 

 

And many thanks to Jacob for the line: “a mighty nap attacked our Max.” Best line in the book!

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THREE SIGNED COPIES OF MAX … ATTACKS

June 11-22, 2019

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Review & Giveaway: Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration by Julie Barker

HITCHIN’ POST
and the Tornado Twistin’
4th of July Celebration

by

JULIE BARKER
illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Western / Fantasy

Publisher: BookBaby

Date of Publication: September 28, 2018

Number of Pages: 50

Scroll down for giveaway!

Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs’Ranch. 

 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs’ 4th of July celebration will go on! 

 

This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS

 

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My son and I enjoyed reading the first Hitchin’ Post book, so I was very excited to learn that Barker and Altman teamed up to create a second book. And much like Book 1, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration serves up a story with big heart and illustrations that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

At face value, this is a cute cowboy book starring an adorable rabbit; but it has so much more than that. It tells the story of a rabbit who takes pride in his work and his country. It addresses deep-rooted relationships that don’t weaken by distance and time apart. We get to see the intuition of the youngest character and teamwork at its finest – both rabbit and human cowboys accomplishing the impossible. From sadness to elation, to the little guy coming out on top, this book has it all.

I think that old and young readers alike will enjoy Altman’s artistic style as it is easy on the eyes. You won’t see any of the harsh lines and psychedelic colors that seem to be the norm with picture books today. However, I found the random placement of the red, white, and blue banner that says, “6Bs’ 4th of July Celebration” distracting. At first I thought it was part of the story, perhaps the backdrop of that particular scene. But as I read on, it really felt like someone didn’t like to leave any white space and just pasted the banner up willy nilly.

I also felt confident going in that my 6-year-old had grown up enough to really appreciate this book, but I guess that Book 2 ran a little longer than Book 1. He only made it about a fourth of the way through before I was reading aloud to myself. Much like the original Hitchin’ Post book, some of the rhyming schemes got away from me. There were times where I wished that the book was written in prose instead, but then the last stanza changed my mind:

“Hitch would never forget that moment at the 6Bs’
standing with his brothers and filled with joy.
He was so proud to be an American,
but more than that, proud to be a cowboy.”

I recommend this book for grades 1-4 and think that it would be a great anticipatory set to lessons on Independence Day. I could also see a family sitting near a campfire or barbecue grill reading this story while they wait for the burgers and ribs to cook up nice. I look forward to reading the next Hitchin’ Post book.

Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin’ Post, her debut children’s storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children’s author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin’ Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.

WEBSITE  ┃  FACEBOOK   ┃  GOODREADS 

TWITTER  ┃  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come. 

 

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art. 

 

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life — her faith. 

WEBSITE  ┃  INSTAGRAM  ┃  ETSY

TWITTER  ┃  PINTEREST  ┃  FACEBOOK 

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GRAND PRIZE:

Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration + $50 gift certificate to CarolynAltmanArt.com; 

TWO WINNERS:  Signed Copy of the Book.

May 29-June 7, 2019

(U.S. Only)

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

5/29/19	Sneak Peek	Texas Book Lover
5/29/19	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
5/30/19	Review	Reading by Moonlight
5/31/19	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
6/1/19	Review	All the Ups and Downs
6/2/19	Review	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
6/3/19	Playlist	StoreyBook Reviews
6/4/19	Review	Missus Gonzo
6/5/19	Review	Books and Broomsticks
6/6/19	Review	Book Fidelity
6/7/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog

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Review & Giveaway: Hitchin’ Post by Julie Barker

HITCHIN’ POST

by

Julie Barker

 Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Rhyming / K-3

Publisher: LifeRich Publishing

Date of Publication: July 14, 2016

Number of Pages: 46

Scroll down for Giveaway!

Hard work and the cowboy life on the 6Bs Ranch is nothing new to old jackrabbit Hitchin’ Post.  Hitchin’ Post is a picture book written in rhyme describing old Hitch’s life on the 6Bs Ranch and his journey in finding what it truly means to be thankful.  His beloved ranch goes through a terrible drought, but Hitch decides that despite challenges, there is always something to be thankful for. He discovers that it is relationships with his friends and his beloved ranch that makes him feel rich. 

 

 

PRAISE FOR HITCHIN’ POST:

**2017 North Texas Book Festival Honorable Mention award*

Wonderfully told with beautiful, rustic illustrations. — Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers’ Favorite 

I can’t wait to share this book with my granddaughters! –- Amy, Goodreads Review

Hitchin’ Post is the most adorable story with the best illustrations! We love, love, love it!!! – Cory, Amazon Verified Customer

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON   WEBSITE   BARNES & NOBLE

My son is a little younger than the intended audience (he is 4 and in pre-kindergarten), but I read this book to him during my first read through. He asked me why Hitch’s hair was so long. He didn’t realize that the cowboy was actually a rabbit! I was also surprised that my son’s attention was drawn to the more realistic illustrations in the book: a herd of horses running, a windmill, and a spider inside of a jar. I could feel his attention wander at times, so I would say that the K-3 recommendation is right on the nose.

In a world of psychedelic colored children’s books, Hitchin’ Post is a nice, soothing story to flip through. I really admire Altman’s steady hand with the pen and her use of watercolors. I also found her choice of mixing realistic and cartoonish illustrations refreshing. I think I agree with my son, I found the realistic illustrations especially great.

I don’t read poetry often, so I had difficulty finding a comfortable rhythm as I read this book to my son the first time. I’m not a poet, but I think that the rhyming scheme changes throughout. That means you might need to read this aloud a few times to feel the rhythm as well. Which you will anyway because the story is adorable and reminds us that life is good and to be thankful for our friends.

I think this book is great for school aged kids. I think it would be especially inspiring for teachers to read this during Rodeo Art time in school.

 

Julie Barker was born and raised in west Texas, and currently resides in Quanah, Texas, with her husband and three children.  She maintained her west Texas roots into college when she attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, receiving a degree in social work.  Julie has grown up surrounded by the ranching heritage, and felt drawn to share this way of life through the adventures of the little cowboy jackrabbit, Hitchin’ Post.  Hitchin’ Post marks Julie’s debut into the world of children’s literature.  She was fortunate to have her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, provide the cute, whimsical illustrations of old Hitch and the 6Bs, making this project extra special.

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Grand Prize:

1^st Place Winner receives an eBook AND a Signed Print Copy

4 Runners-Up each have a choice of eBook OR Signed Print Copy

June 26-July 6, 2017

(U.S. Only)

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

6/26	Review	Hall Ways Blog
6/27	Sneak Peek	The Librarian Talks
6/28	Excerpt	Reading by Moonlight
6/29	Review	Missus Gonzo
6/30	Character Interview	CGB Blog Tours
7/1	Scrapbook Page	My Book Fix Blog
7/2	Promo	Momma on The Rocks
7/3	Review	The Page Unbound
7/4	Cover Reveal	Forgotten Winds
7/5	Review	Books and Broomsticks

   

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Review & Giveaway: #BabyLove: My Toddler Life by Corine Dehghanpisheh

#BABYLOVE:

MY TODDLER LIFE

by

CORINE DEHGHANPISHEH

  Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Technology / Family

Publisher: My Art to Inspire

Date of Publication: September 20, 2016

Number of Pages: 40

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

A curious toddler loves to play…especially with his mommy’s smartphone!

When Mommy finds him using her phone without permission, it’s the perfect teaching moment.  Mommy reminds her little one that what matters most in life is time together filled with love and attention.

Her simple reminder: Put down our phones.

Praise for #BabyLove: My Toddler Life:

“This poignant and entertaining tale about a playful toddler aimed at young lap readers works on a much deeper level for parents.” – Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) 

“This light-hearted reflection on social media habits is a great tool for starting discussions with young children.” — Forward Clarion Reviews (5 Stars)

“Dehghanpisheh’s illustrations and text are simple, colorful and charming, and many families will relate to the question of how, and how much, to integrate technology into their child’s day.  #BabyLove: My Toddler Life is a fun and timely picture book for 21^st century preschoolers. — BlueInk Review 

 “I can’t wait to read this to my 2 year old grandson.  This book is his life curious, sweet and funny.  His mommy has a collection of his photography on her phone.  Priceless. — Kindle Verified Purchase

CLICK TO PURCHASE

I read this book with my preschooler even though he’s a bit past the toddler life, and he really enjoyed it. Maybe because he thought the book was about him (there is a slight resemblance), but he actually engaged with me while I read. And who could blame the kid? The text has a nice rhythm to it and very natural rhyme. The illustrations are in that lovely place between adorably hand drawn and Photoshop perfection.

Every page could be taken from our personal life, and my son connected with that. He has painted messy works of art, made beautiful noise with instruments, and loves to take photos with Mommy and Daddy too. And he has certainly gotten in trouble when he’s taken someone’s phone without permission. It really makes for a great teaching moment that children shouldn’t take things that aren’t theirs. But the even bigger lesson is that while it’s wonderful to have technology to remember and share memories with others, most of the time it is best to just enjoy the moment you are in.

Some things I especially enjoyed as an adult who enjoys books and art: I love how the artist uses the phone screen as a sort of photo booth frame that draws attention to her toddler. But the artwork spans two pages, so you’re still getting the full picture from Mommy’s perspective of what exists beyond the cropped edges. For example, you see her hands holding the phone and the family dog hanging out in most frames. I also like the pages that show how Mommy curates the photos and videos as collages to remember special moments and the use of hashtags to commemorate the different events.

This is a beautiful way of showing how technology has changed our ways of capturing and sharing memories. And I especially like the end bit that reminds us to live in the moment as well. I recommend this book and look forward to reading Dehghanpisheh’s other works.

Corine Dehghanpisheh is an award-winning author, whose own family life serves as inspiration for her fun and engaging children’s books.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts Therapy & Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in New York City.

Ms. Dehghanpisheh currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her family.  There she continues to write the #BabyLove series, focused on the blending of modern technologies with classically familiar child raising situations.

The 2nd book in the series, #BabyLove: My Toddler Life is now available along with #BabyLove: My Social Life, which is a Next Generation Indie Book Awards winner.

Her debut children’s book Can We Play Again? is a Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient and a Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist. Corine’s inspiration for this book came from her work as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in NYC.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK

TWITTER    INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST   BLOG

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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THREE SIGNED COPIES!

(US ONLY)

  May 29-June 7, 2017

Grand Prize: Signed Copies of #BabyLove 1 & 2 + $20 Amazon Gift Card

First Runner-Up: Signed Copies of #BabyLove 1 & 2 + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Next Two Winners: Signed Copy of #BabyLove: My Toddler Life + $5 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

5/29	Promo	Hall Ways Blog
5/30	Review	Missus Gonzo
5/31	Sneak Peek Excerpt 1	Forgotten Winds
6/1	Character Interview	Books and Broomsticks
6/2	Review	The Page Unbound
6/3	Sneak Peek Excerpt 2	Reading By Moonlight
6/4	Promo	StoreyBook Reviews
6/5	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
6/6	Scrapbook	CGB Blog Tours
6/7	Review	My Book Fix Blog

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