Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling ~ My Thoughts, but not really a review...

I'm participating in a couple different challenges to get Harry Potter read, FINALLY!  Well, I just finished the first book and thought I'd get down my thoughts.  There's a million reviews of the book and mostly all people want to know are my own thoughts.  They already know what it's about and where they can buy it and all that.
So~ what did I think?
I liked it.  I wasn't blown away, but I wasn't let down.  I've been told that the series really takes off after book three so I've kind of expected the first three to feel like they are for a younger audience and maybe the others will be a bit more complex.
Before I read the book I wasn't sure I wanted to read them because of the hype.  But I also wanted to know what the hype was about.  So far I don't really have any opinion about that.  This book wasn't enough for any hype, in my opinion.  But I still trust that the series will pick up and become worthy of it's hype.
Before I read it I felt like it was for little kids, ONLY because this was a book I got for my little brother YEARS ago.  I guess I had tried to read it then and just wasn't into it.  That was BEFORE the hype and I just put it aside not really caring.  Do I still feel like it's for little kids?  Well, I felt like the book felt like it was aimed at younger kids, but once again I have confidence that as Harry grows older the books will grow in depth and complexity.
So my over all rating?  I'm a bit torn.  I wasn't blown away, but I enjoyed the story.  I guess maybe a 3.5?

Have you read Harry Potter yet?  What are your thoughts?

Be sure to sign up for the Potter- Thon in January!  Click the button to go sign up!

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder

Details: Hardcover, 256 pgs (this is also available through Scholastic via the school system in paperback)
Published: March 9, 2010 by Aladdin

isbn: 1416990844 (ISBN13: 9781416990840)

Reading Level: Middle Grade

Source: Purchased 

Description:

Twelve-year-old Isabel is dying to get out of Oregon. She spends her free time in the library, reading and dreaming about faraway places. When her mom decides to open a cupcake shop in their little town of Willow, Isabel feels just like buttercream frosting to a cupcake-stuck. It seems as if it will be another disappointing summer, until Isabel learns of a baking contest. If she can come up with a winning recipe, she might have a chance of competing in the bake-off in New York City! But Isabel's best friend, Sophie, is also entering the contest, and things always seem to go Sophie's way. To make matters worse, Isabel and her mom don't exactly see eye-to-eye on the type of recipe Isabel should enter. In this sweet treat by popular teen author Lisa Schroeder, Isabel discovers that maybe it's not about where you go in life as much as it is about enjoying the view from wherever you are.

My Thoughts:

Woo hoo!  Lisa has done it again!  This book was very cute, with fantastic characterization, and an unbelievable story line.  And it wasn't fluff.  This was about a very realistic girl that has to deal with family issues.  No one dies or anything too drastic like that, but it's just normal family issues.  I think every 12 year old girl can relate in so many ways to  Isabel and the situations she's put in.  I really felt a connection to Isabel and her life even though I'm 29 years old and was never in any sort of situation like her.  I just really felt like she was easy to get.  And her whole family was!  Things weren't always easy for them and at times I wanted to scream at her mother, but the way Isabel handled things was realistic and showed what a great person she was.  

This book had cute cupcake names for each chapter, like Strawberry lemonade cupcakes (I've been craving strawberry lemonade since I read that chapter).  It also has fantastic recipe's that we can't wait to try out!  

I think this is a fantastic book for middle grade girls, but my daughter (who's 5) also enjoyed it a lot.  I only read her bits and pieces because I was so anxious to get through it, but this will definitely be a reread for us.  I think this would be a fantastic book for a reluctant reader.  It's easy to read and relate-able and it has life issues mixed in with a lot fun!

I've yet to be disappointed in Lisa's books (I've read every one!) and I can't wait to read more about Isabel.  In September, 2011 we get more and it's from Sophie's point of view and it's called Sprinkles and Secrets, YAY!

I definitely give it 5/5 moons!

You can find Lisa on her website.

You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or using any of my affiliate links.  All commission made is used to fund contests.

 

Buffalo on the Ridge by Deanna Meyer

Details: Paperback, 32 pgs.
Published: Aug. 27th, 2010 by Infinity Publishing 
isbn: 074146103X (ISBN13: 9780741461032)

Reading Level: Children

Source: Received from author for review

 

Description:

Buffalo on the Ridge, a fun and educational adventure book for young readers, will help parents teach their children about animals and the environment. A full color book!


Our Thoughts:

This book takes place in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  I'm from the Black Hills so when I heard of this book I was really excited.  I don't live there any longer and I was thinking this might be the perfect book to remind my kids that that's where their Nana lives!  
I really thought it was a cute story and taught some good lessons.  One was to listen to your mother cause she really does know best!  It also teaches about animals and the environment.  There was a glossary in the back that tells all about the animals in the story and even the flowers and trees portrayed in the illustrations.  The story wasn't too long and was pretty fun to read aloud.  It wasn't rhyming or anything, but I didn't find reading it to be tedious.  
The pages are full color and very cute!  I really enjoyed pointing things out to the kids in the pictures and it actually did bring back memories of camping because I think she did quite well with the illustrations and in portraying the country side.  

I give this book 4/5 moons!

You can find Deanna Meyer at

Verso Graphics Blog Spot

Join Bo and Pete on Facebook

Buffalo on the Ridge official website

Buffalo on the Ridge Television Broadcast

You can purchase at Amazon, Infinity Publishing, and a few other online vendors.  It should be more readily available in the future.  

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, D.C. by Candice Ransom, Sarah Hollander (Illustrator)

Details: Hardcover, 32 pgs.
Published: Oct. 5th, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402763948 (ISBN13: 9781402763946)

Reading Level: Children

Received from: Sterling for Review

Description: 

Whatever your age, our national's capital offers an overflowing list of places to visit. In her twelve day of Christmas visit, Olivia doesn't get to see them all, but she does go skating on a frozen fountain and see at least her fair share of monuments, memorials, and cool museums. A splendiferous picture book series that just keeps on clicking.

My Thoughts:
I thought this book would end up being long and boring but boy was I wrong!  My 5 year old and myself really enjoyed it!  The story is told by a girl who is writing letter's home when she's visiting her cousins in Washington D.C.  The story would be a bit long and maybe be considered boring, the singing part for each of the days breaks it up nicely and it actually added quite a lot to the story and kept it interesting for the younger ones.  
I've been to Washington D.C. as a tourist so I found it a lot of fun to talk about each place a bit more.  I loved when they talked about the monuments because that had been my favorite part of my trip and the part I remember best.  So I was excited to share my own experience with the pictures.  It really got my daughter excited and begging to go.  I really felt this was a great way to share pieces of history and the capital city with children in a way that was interesting and memorable.   
The illustrations are great!  They are full of color so they draw the eye and they were clear and realistic so if one were to visit the city they can recognize places from the book, or the other way around. 
I give this one 5/5 moons, we really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the others.  I'm particularly interested in the one about NY City and North Carolina.

You can purchase at your favorite bookstore, or through any of my affiliate links.  All commission made is used to fund contests.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I wasn't paid or influenced in any way.
 

Merry Sparkling Christmas by Elizabeth Spurr and Colleen Madden (Illustrator) and Jingle- Jingle by Nicola Smee

Details: Board Book, 14 pgs.
Published: Oct 10, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402771398 (ISBN13: 9781402771392)

Reading Level: Young Child

Received from: Sterling for Review

Description:

Glistening icicles, sparkling wrap on festive gifts, and merrily twinkling lights on trees make a child's Christmas-and this book-absolutely magical. Every page captures the holiday spirit and features something that shimmers and shines.

My Thoughts:
This is just a simple board book but it's a really cute one!  The pictures are engaging and the sparkles really catch your eye.  The entire pages are covered in illustrations, so no white, which I like.  It's a quick read (duh, it's a board book) but it's a very cute story.  It's one I enjoy reading and one my kids enjoy listening to and looking at on their own.  
For what it is, a simple board book, I give it 4/5 moons.

Details: Board Book, 26 pgs.
Published: August 3rd by Boxer Books
isbn: 1906250650 (ISBN13: 9781906250652)
Reading Level: Young Children
Received from: Sterling Publishing for review


Description:


Hear the music of those sleigh bells jingling? Nicola Smee’s seasonal favorite is now in board!
The beloved characters from Smee’s Clip-Clop are off on a wild and wintry ride. Mr. Horse has invited all the barnyard animals into his sleigh, and Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck couldn’t be more excited. Soon, they’re holding on tight and dashing through the snow with bells jingle-jingling all the way. Over the fields they fly—but when they reach the hill, everyone wants to slide down…even Mr. Horse, of course. Is there room for them all?
Like the happy Mr. Horse, toddlers will think “THAT WAS SO COOL!”

My Thoughts:

This too, is just a simple board book but it's a fun story that gets my kids in giggles.  I think there's a bit too much white, and not enough color, but they are in the snow so maybe I should just ignore that?  I don't know, but I can say the the picture's don't capture my attention quite as much as I would like.  But my kids seem to like it and they are the ones that matter!  
The story is cute, and like I said, it gets my kids in giggles.  I felt a bit like it was choppy.  Or something.  Just not the funnest book to read.  But it's fast and the kids like it okay, so that's what's important!
I give this one 3/5 moons.

You can purchase these books at your favorite bookstore or my affiliate links, to the left and below.  All commission made is used to fund contests here, on my blog.
  Disclosure: I received both of these books for the review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore (Illustrated by Robert Ingpen) Christmas Kids Picks

Details: Hardcover, 48 pgs
Published: October 2010 by Sterling Publishing

isbn: 1402781822 (ISBN13: 9781402781827)

Reading Level: Children

Received from: Sterling Publishing for review

Description:

Let the holiday magic begin!
Stockings hung by the chimney with care. Visions of sugarplums dancing. And that jolly old elf, St. Nick, with his eight tiny reindeer.  That can mean only one thing: it's The Night Before Christmas!
From popular children's illustrator Robert Ingpen comes a beautiful new interpretation of the classic holiday poem. Ingpen's stunning pictures capture all the warmth, wonder, and humor of Clement C. Moore's beloved verse. It's perfect for the family to share and a magical start to every Christmas eve.

My Thoughts:
This is a Holiday classic, what family doesn't read The Night Before Christmas around the holidays?  There are so many versions of the story with so many different illustrators it's hard to make a decision on which one to buy if your perhaps looking for a gift, or maybe purchasing your first one for your own family.  
This one tells us about Clement C. Moore on the first page, before the story begins, and about how he wrote the poem for his own children.  As many times as I've read and heard this story I didn't even think about how it came about!  So personally, other the amazing illustrations of St. Nick, that's my favorite part.  

Now the story is the same classic story and is as fun to read as ever.  What really sets this one apart is the illustrations.  These illustrations aren't necessarily 'fun', but they fit the term 'classic' perfectly.   I really love how the Santa Clause, or St. Nick, is illustrated in this one! 
My kids sat and listened well to the story as there were few words on each page.  I can imagine that it maybe wouldn't hold their attention as well if there were more words though because the colors aren't terribly vibrant, and the pages aren't full.  Meaning many pages still have a lot of white. I think the illustrations are more pleasing to an adults eye.  But that's just my opinion.  
I do think that if you are looking for a classic to read Christmas Eve, before everyone is off to bed, this is perfect!  Because you don't want a cute book, or a silly book, but one that really makes you feel the magic.  And this one truly does that job!  
I'm going to give this one 5/5 moons for the story (DUH!) and 4/5 for illustrations.


You can find the other books illustrated by Robert Ingpen on his Goodreads page.
You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or using my affiliate links (to the left and below).  All commissions made will be used to fund contests on my blog.
Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Christmas Book Review- The Toymaker's Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself by Marilyn Scott- Waters

Details: Paperback, 48 pgs.
Published: Oct. 5, 2010 by Sterling

isbn: 1402768524 (ISBN13: 9781402768521)

Reading Level: ALL ages!

Received from: Sterling for review

Description:

The Toymaker spreads Christmas joy with 11 paper toys to pop out, fold, glue together, and play with! With their beautiful, antique style, these toys are sure to enchant both children and adults. Leave St. Nick his milk and cookies in “Santa's Treat Box.” Decorate the Christmas tree with the four lovely “Little Angels.” Create a magical “Winter Wonderland,” complete with moving parts-like an ice skating penguin. And no Christmas would be complete without a handsome paper “Nutcracker,” with arms and a jaw that move. 

My Thoughts:

I have a problem.  I like to do crafts but my crafts look like crap!  My daughter LOVES to do crafts, but I'm too short on patience!  My baby- well, he likes to get into the crafts we're doing and ruin them!  

So to be honest I was a bit worried when I got this book.  I've just been avoiding crafts and the crazy that ensues when we try to do them.  But my daughter wanted to do something so I pulled this book out (I knew I needed to review it anyway...).  And boy, oh boy was I surprised!  This is something we can do together that makes us feel like we're making something but it's simple enough we can do each project together without things getting too out of hand with the baby.  And the things we make actually look good!  

We started with the first project and we just had to punch it out of the book, fold the edges that it says to fold and glue it together.  VERY easy!  And it's good enough to be a gift!  I think we'll just stick a candle in there and it's ready to go!  The next one we did was the star people.  This one we punched each star person out and then my daughter (age 5) was able to stack them herself with the slits in the hands, hats and feet.  It took only a few minutes and it's something that looks good enough to actually display for the holiday season!  

Now there are a few more difficult ones in there, like Santas sleigh, that have a lot more pieces and more steps to it, but everything is clearly laid out directions and we don't have to go to the store to actually buy supplies.  All we've needed so far is just some glue!  

I definitely recommend this book if you need some simple craft projects to do.  Another idea I had was it's something that would be great for older people who may not be able to do more difficult projects anymore.  I've thought of buying one for the nursing home because I think the residents could definitely do some of the more simple projects.

I give this 5/5 moons!

You can purchase at your favorite bookstore, or through any of my affiliate links (to the left and below).  All money's made will be used to fund contests here, on my blog.
Disclosure: Sterling sent me this book for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Little Chimp's Big Day by Lisa Schroeder- Kids Pick

Author: Lisa Schroeder
Illustrator: Lisa McCue
Details: Hardcover, 24 pgs.
Published: Sept 7, 2010 by Sterling
isbn: 1402749678 (ISBN13: 9781402749674)
Reading Level: Young Children
Received from: Purchased myself, though I do get many books from Sterling for review this was one I bought.

Description:
In the jungle, in a tree, sits a little chimpanzee.  Mother said she'd be right back, But now the branch snaps with a crack!  …And in a SNAP, Little Chimp is off on a big adventure-taking a watery ride atop a hippo, swinging on vines, and munching bunches of bananas. But as he goes bumping, jumping, and racing across the jungle, he never stops wondering: “Where could Mother be?” Little Chimp may not know, but sharp-eyed kids will see that mommy has an eye on him all the time! An enchanting text filled with rhythm and rhyme, and sweetly charming illustrations.

My Thoughts:
This is hands down my favorite children's book this year and perhaps EVER.  As a parent it seems like kids always pick the books that aren't fun for the parents to read.  This is one my kids love AND I love!  Lisa Schroeder may be one of my favorite authors for her young adult books, but she is now one of my favorite children's book authors as well.  And Lisa McCue is the best illustrator!  These pictures are so cute!  
This book is a joy to read as it rhymes so it's fun and easy because of the lovely flow.  But the kids love it because of all adventuresome things that Little Chimp does.  It's also an easier one to memorize so they can 'read' along with you.

The book has the message that even when your parents let you run and have grand adventures they are always watching over you, even if you don't know it.  
The illustrations are great because you can see that the whole time Little Chimps mother is hiding but still watching him.   Each page also has a caterpillar for you to find.  So it's very interactive and the kids love looking for the mother and the caterpillar.  The pictures are also vibrant and colorful.  I wish I could get Lisa McCue to come paint a mural in my playroom!  
We got to go and visit Lisa and she read the book to the kids.  It was great as she pointed out the caterpillar for us and we hadn't yet noticed it.  And now my daughter can say she got to go to a book signing!  Though it was more of a story time reading, she likes to be able to say that since I go to book signing's all the time for my authors.  Every time we read the book now she talks about that.   
I highly recommend this book and it's a great Christmas gift!  I'm thinking of buying one for all of my nieces and nephews.
I give this 5/5 moons for story and illustrations.

You can find Lisa Schroeder at her website | Twitter 
You can find Lisa McCue at her website.
You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or any of my affiliate links (on my left sidebar and below).  All commission made through affiliates is used to fund contests on this blog.
And Lisa Schroeder's other books:  I Heart You, You Haunt Me, Chasing Brooklyn, Far from You, It's Raining Cupcakes 
Some of Lisa McCue's books:

Vampire Boys Goodnight by Lisa Brown - Kids Pick

Details: Hardcover, 32 pgs (I have an unbound copy)
Published: Aug. 1st, 2010 by HarperCollins

isbn: 0061140112 (ISBN13: 9780061140112)

Reading Level: Young children

Received from: Author for Review

Description:

When the sun goes down and everything is wonderfully cold and dark, a vampire boy and a little witch go searching for children in the night.
But this is no ordinary night. It is Halloween, and what they find may surprise them. . . .

My Thoughts:
I was first a little concerned about whether this would be a little scary for my kids.  But that was just because I didn't really know where the story would go.  It turned out to be a super cute book about a vampire boy and his friend, the witch, who want to see human children.  They end up at a Halloween costume party and aren't sure where the human children are.  At the end the children take off their costumes and they see that they are human children and they fly off home for the night as the children look on.
The illustrations are great!  My daughter (5) looked through the book over and over because she loved seeing what each child was dressed up as.  She's really into Halloween and so I was so happy to get a Halloween book to review.
It's a quick read, and is fun to read which is a huge bonus to me.  There's not really any big words and it's easy for even the youngest children to understand. 

 This is one I'll bring out year after year around Halloween for us to enjoy.  

I give it 5/5 for story and for illustrations.  I highly recommend!

 You can find Lisa Brown and all her books at her website| Twitter 

Disclosure: I received this unbound books for review purposes.  I was not paid or influenced in any way.  The opinions expressed are my own. 

The Secret Lives of Princesses- Kids Pick

Author: Philippe Lechermeier
Illustrator: Rebecca Dautremer
Details: Hardcover, 88 pgs
Published: May 12, 2010 by Sterling Publishing
isbn: 1402766777 (ISBN13: 9781402766770)
Reading Level: Childrens
Received from: Sterling publishing for an honest review





Description:

Go beyond Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella! Some princesses are well-known to all children—but others, equally magical (and sometimes, a lot funnier) have remained anonymous, mysterious, and far from the fairy-tale crowd.
Now these captivating ladies are finally stepping out of the shadows where they’ve remained hidden for far too long. With wit, sublime humor, and beautiful art, The Secret Lives of Princesses introduces a bevy of royal daughters to the court of young readers.  While it alludes to some of their more famous sisters, this large and lusciously illustrated compendium presents such unique and unforgettable characters as the petite Princess Claire Voyant, who can see very far into tomorrow (but muddles her predictions); Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything and misses all her appointments; Princess Tangra-La, who does the tango, the fandango, and any dance that comes her way; and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on and on about everything and nothing. Plus, you’ll learn about such princessy matters as the language of fans; coats of arms; and how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells.
Poetic, often humorous, and always enchanting, this is the perfect collection for princess-loving girls who long for more than just the traditional fairy tale.

My Thoughts:

This book was very cute!  It really stands out and is very girly but not in the pink frilly way.  

The illustrations are beautiful but somewhat dark and chilling.  It is certainly not your average children's book, that's for sure!  They aren't scary, not by any means, just more 'adult' I guess.  You can judge for yourself by my pictures.  

This is a looooonnnnggg book!  It's 88 pages and isn't a few sentences on a page.  I had to split it up to read it to my daughter because I got tired of reading it and she grew bored.  I'm not saying the story is boring, but a 5 year old can only sit still for so long.  But I don't take that as a negative.  I have no problem spreading a book out over a couple days.  And it's wrote so that it can be.  Each Princess kind of has it's own story and it's a new Princess for each page.

Now the story itself is fabulous!  Seriously, it'll have you in fits of giggles.  Here are some examples: Princess Somnia comes from a lazy family, she sleeps all day.  Princess Paige reads everything she can find (she's my favorite, of course).   Princess Babbling Brooke talks A LOT.  Princess Molly Coddle is spoiled.  Princess Miss Hap is a clumsy mess.  Princess Oblivia forgets everything.    Now that's just a few of these unique Princesses.  But not every page is about a Princess.  There are other pages thrown in as well.  For example there's a page about how you become a Queen.  

Each page has it's normal little bit, and then there's little paragraphs in smaller print off to the side that gives a few other facts.  Like for Princess Somnia it gives some facts on the four poster bed and how it's adorned with silk, etc.  It also tells you who the Princess is related to.  Princess Somnia is related to Sleeping Beauty.  

My daughter had fun for hours looking through this book.  And it was entertaining for myself as well, which is always a plus!

I give this one 5/5 Moons for both illustrations and story!

There is an awesome website for The Secret Lives of Princesses where you can play games, do a personality quiz and learn more about the book and the author and illustrator.  Be sure to check it out! 

Disclosure: I received this book in return for an honest review.  I was not paid or compensated in any way.  The opinions expressed are my own!

The Happy Hollisters news and Giveaway *ENDED*!

Do you have a book, or maybe it's a series you adored as a child?  A book that you'll always remember and maybe you even still have an old tattered copy you lovingly saved.  If your like me you search high and low for those original versions to put way up high on your shelves where your children can't reach them even when you want them to have the experience of reading them as well.

Well, The Happy Hollisters  by Jerry West were those books for me.  I still remember the day in the library when my dad brought me one of them and said that they were books he'd read as a kid.  I wasn't so excited, as it looked like an old book.  But I got it.  And I devoured that book so fast!   It was the one thing my father and I could discuss and I'll have fond memories of it forever because of that.  And because of the wonderful journey's I was taken on with the Hollister family as they solved mysteries.  

I read The Bobbsey Twins, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew... Yeah, all those books.  But The Happy Hollister's were my favorite. 

From Wikipedia:

The Happy Hollisters is a series of books about a family who loves to solve mysteries. The series was created by the Stratemeyer Syndicate and almost entirely written by Andrew E. Svenson under the pseudonym Jerry West. Helen S. Hamilton illustrated the books.

Description

This series recounts the adventures of a young American middle class family solving mysteries from their home on Pine Lake in Shoreham. The Hollister family includes five children, their parents, a family of cats, and a dog. Pete is the oldest of the Hollister children and is 12 years old. Pam, or Pamela, is ten years old, loves sports, and is very adventurous. Ricky is a red-headed, rambunctious 7-year-old and Holly is a 6-year-old tomboy. The youngest is Sue, age 4.

Their father, Mr. Hollister, owns a general store named the Trading Post, where he sells hardware, sporting goods, and toys. Mrs. Hollister tries to help her children solve mysteries and is always ready with handy tips for solving clues.

Joey Brill and Will Wilson appear as rivals of the Hollister family in most books. While not actually villains, they appear as obstacles to the Hollisters' mystery-solving efforts in most plots.

Now, I have some excellent news to share with you!  The first book in the series, The Happy Hollisters, has been republished and is available in paperback from amazon!  

Now I've had the pleasure of chatting with Andy, Jerry West aka Andrew Svensons grandson and he has been sharing some news with me and has offered up a brand new copy of this newly reprinted in paperback of The Happy Hollisters, SIGNED, yes, SIGNED by the real Pam Hollister, who is really Laura Svenson Schnell, for giveaway!  

Now, I know not everyone is going to be as excited as I am, but I was so excited about all this news that I immediately contacted my father.  I knew he was someone who would be just as excited!  And he is!  He's already sent out the alert to everyone he knows that they must buy these books for their children or grandchildren.  And he's already told me he wants a copy for every one of his grandchildren.  I have the original copies of a few of The Happy Hollister books, including the first one.  But I want the new paperback because I wouldn't be so scared of my kids getting their hands on it.

There were 33 Happy Hollister books printed.  I hope to get my hands on all the original versions, but I want them all in paperback as well!  But it's a one- at- a- time thing and I suppose depends on how well they sell, so be sure to buy your own copy!  

The Happy Hollister's now have a website where you can find out more about them, the author and some newly discovered information (as they find it).   They also have a facebook page where it's nice and easy to keep up with the latest news!

Giveaway time! 
*ENDED*

Disclosure: This book is being provided by the Svenson family.  I am not responsible for you receiving it.  Also the book is not yet signed and unforseen events could happen, keeping it from happening. The book is scheduled to be signed Oct. 23rd.  Three days after the contest ends.

Kid's Corner: Man Gave Names to All the Animals by Bob Dylan

Title: Man Gave Names to All the Animals
Author: Bob Dylan
Illustrated by Jim Arnosky
Details: Hardcover, 32 pgs.
Published: Sept. 7, 2010 by Sterling
Reading Level: Children
Received from: Sterling Publishing


Description:


He saw an animal that liked to snort. Horns on his head and they weren?t too short. It looked like there wasn?t nothin? that he couldn?t pull. ?Ah, think I?ll call it a bull.? Man gave names to all the animals, from the mighty bull to the messy pig, in the song Bob Dylan wrote twenty years ago. Now with bite, wit, and explosive color, Scott Menchin gives us new insight into this legendary song.

My Thoughts:

This book is beautifully illustrated, but the story/song is also fantastic.  It's the Bob Dylan song and it comes with the CD with the song on it.  It's actually a children's CD that I don't go crazy listening to after the 500th time!   And trust me, we have probably really listened to it 500 times!  My kids love it!  I put it in and the first time they just dance around.  Then the second time they sit and look at the gorgeous pictures in the book.  And then, they usually play it about 10 more times before taking a break.  They read the book alone as well.  Well, they just look at the pictures since they can't read, but soon they will have it all memorized and can at least pretend to read it!  
I can say that as a parent this book is perfect.  I can read/sing it to them pretty quickly and the illustrations are beautiful and you find new animals every time.   Like I said, the CD isn't annoying (who doesn't like Bob Dylan?!) and I don't go crazy listening to it over and over.  The book can keep the kids entertained by itself if the CD were to break.  
This has been THE BOOK for the past week since it arrived on our front porch.  We got other books too but this is the one they are so focused on they haven't even paid attention to the others!  

This is what the book looks this if you were to lose the dust jacket.  Beautiful isn't it? I take the dust jacket off when I take it down for the kids to read on their own.  It's one less thing to get ripped or tore off.  And the baby loves looking at that tiger!

Here's my daughter reading/looking at the book.

I give this book:

Story: 5/5

Illustrations: 5/5

Audio: 5/5

I'd say it's a winner!

Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  I was not paid nor influenced in any way.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Kids Pick Wednesday- Pinkalicious!

Pinkalicious is by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann and is our newest addition to our bookshelf (children's section anyway, ha ha).  My daughter got this on Sunday and it quickly became our favorite.
Pinkalicious is about a little girl who makes very pink cupcakes with her mom and then eats so many of them she turns pink!  And she loves it until the birds and bees think she's a flower and swarm around her at the park.  Her last straw is when she eats just one last cupcake and she wakes up and is RED!  Horrors!  Red is not a good color to be!  So she takes the doctors advise and stuffs herself full of green foods only and she becomes her original right color.  And is her beautiful self again.

What we thought:
We loved this book!  It was fun for me to read (always a plus!).  And it was just as fun for my daughter because it's about pink and cupcakes.  Two of her most favorite things in the whole world!  She was giggling like crazy at the adorable pictures and the wonderful things that this little girl had to say.  Here's one page, one of our very favorites.

My hair was the color of raspberry sorbet.  I cried because I was so beautiful.  I even had PINK tears.  I put on my pink fairy princess dress and twirled in front of the mirror, while Mommy speed-dialed the pediatrician.
"I'm Pinkerbelle! Look at me, I'm Pinkerbelle!" I sang.
Mommy grabbed her purse.
"Just one more cupcake! PLEASE JUST ONE MORE!" I yelled on the way out the door.  Mommy took me right to the doctor's office.  


Now isn't that just the cutest thing ever?  Maybe not.  Maybe you have to read it.  But I promise you if you have a little girl who likes pink, cupcakes, dressing up as a princess or is girly in any way at all she's going to love this book!  I am now going to be buying the rest of the books about her:  Goldilicious (Pinkalicious), Purplicious (Pinkalicious), Pinkalicious: Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink and even Pinkalicious: Love, Pinkalicious Reusable Sticker Book.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful and if you look carefully it looks like it's a mix of real pictures and illustrated pictures.  Very different, but very cute.
I give this book 5 moons for story and illustrations!

You can see all the Pinkalicious goodness on the Pinkalicious website: http://thinkpinkalicious.com/
And you can click Pinkalicious to order from amazon.  (If you click and order I will be paid a small amount of money which will be used to fund contests.)

Here is an awesome folder I got for Phaedra to store her artwork in.  Clearance at Borders!  Isn't it cute?!

Here is some of Phaedra's artwork this week. This is an idea inspired and started by Violet at The Eager Readers.

Do you have a Kids Pick this week?  Please leave a link in the comments for me to check it out!