Book Review - Armadillo Antics by Bill Martin Jr. + Giveaway

 I thought the book was cute and beautifully illustrated. However, I felt like it was missing something. The story felt convoluted, forced, and boring at times. I did like that they include some facts about armadillos.

 

About The Book:

Title: ARMADILLO ANTICS

Author: Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Nathalie Beauvois (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: April 26, 2022

Publisher: Brown Books Kids

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 32

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Join the Armadillo on His Nightly Romp!

Children will love the rhythm and rhyme that are hallmarks of the beloved author duo of Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 as they follow the adventurous armadillo through nighttime fun as dawn approaches.

Bill Martin Jr was the beloved author of more than three hundred books for children and teachers, including the classics Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Michael Sampson taught kindergarten through fourth grade before meeting fellow literacy expert Bill Martin Jr at a conference in Tucson, Arizona in 1978. They established a lifelong friendship and collaborated on many bestselling and award-winning books for children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Reviews:

"A wonderfully musical nighttime romp with stunning illustrations." --Matt de la Peña, Newbery Medal-Winning, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Beauvois, whose elaborately textured, highly dimensional surfaces recognize the paper collage legacy of Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert, creates a series of striking contrasts to the repeating text's simple rhymes. As the mammals appear, ready to "romp and play till the night is done," they're shown in deep jewel tones with patterning reminiscent of a Missoni sweater... tagging along with this self-possessed, graphically stylish critter and chanting its name as it leaps, digs, and dines makes for a memorable outing." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"For a romping night in the life of a roly-poly armadillo, pick up Armadillo Antics!"--Parade Magazine

"This short rhyming story about a night in the life of an armadillo is cozy and soothing. Beauvois's collage-style art, especially the armadillo curled up inside its next, gives Eric Carle vibes. A collection of eight facts on the final page will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike."--Parents Magazine

 
 

About Bill Martin Jr.:

BILL MARTIN JR was the beloved author of more than 300 books for children and teachers, including the classics_ Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, which was illustrated by his friend Eric Carle, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. Bill was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame by the International Literacy Association. The Bill Martin, Jr Picture Book Award, which is the Kansas State award for best children’s picture book, was established in his name in 1996. Bill wrote Armadillo Antics with Michael Sampson when he moved to Texas, in honor of the fun, inquisitive creatures that roamed the woods outside his house. Visit Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson’s website at billmartinjr.com

 

Website |  Goodreads

 

About Michael Sampson:

MICHAEL SAMPSON taught kindergarten through fourth grade before meeting fellow literacy expert Bill Martin Jr at a conference in Tucson, Arizona in 1978. They established a lifelong friendship and collaborated on many bestselling and award-winning books for children, including_Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3_and_Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Sampson often speaks at schools, book festivals, and literacy conferences, where he is known for his high-energy, entertaining performances. Dr. Sampson is a Fulbright Scholar and a professor of literacy at St. John’s University in New York City. Visit Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson’s website at billmartinjr.com. You can also follow Michael on Twitter and Instagram @michaelsampson.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

About Nathalie Beauvois:

NATHALIE BEAUVOIS has a graphic design background in advertising and has also studied industrial design. Nathalie started her career in the art departments of ad agencies and eventually transitioned into freelance illustrating. Since then, she has illustrated dozens of books and hundreds of magazines in countries all over the world. Her creations always start the traditional way — with paper and pencil. Depending on the visual task at hand, she mixes in techniques such as watercolor, collage, vector drawing and Photoshop coloring and texturizing. When not playing with the antics of armadillos, she is happily living and working in Argentina with her family. Visit her website at nathaliebeauvois.weebly.com. You can also find her on Instagram @tanebeauvois_illustrations.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ARMADILLO ANTICS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/18/2022	The book review crew	Review/IG Post
4/18/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
4/19/2022	Do You Dog-ear?	Review/IG Post
4/19/2022	Excuse Me, I’m Reading	Review
4/20/2022	Girls in White Dresses	Review
4/20/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
4/21/2022	Cindy's Love of Books	Review
4/21/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
4/22/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	Review
4/22/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review

Week Two:

4/25/2022	PickAGoodBook	Review/IG Post
4/25/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
4/26/2022	For The Love Of The Page	Review/IG Post
4/26/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post
4/27/2022	Unconventional Quirky Bibliophile	Review/IG Post
4/27/2022	@mamaisbooked	Review
4/28/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
4/28/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
4/29/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post
4/29/2022	onemused	Review/IG Post

April 2022 Empties Part 2!

 

Wow, can't believe April is almost finished! The month has definitely went by so quickly. I am excited that I managed to finish quite a few things though.

I always see Glamglow products being touted as a cult favorite and every time I buy one of their products, I just don't see it. I got their treatment mask and their everyday cleanser and I didn't notice any noteworthy results. The natural beauty store I shop at loves Ilia Lip Wrap but, I can't say I am in love. I feel like it makes my lip super dry and uncomfortable. I feel like I have to constantly reapply.

I love the Winky Lux Disco Kitten Gloss in Far Out. I made my lips a glittery soft pink that went perfect with my skin tone. The Freck Beauty Rich Bitch Cactus + Vitamin C Moisturizer is so thick and creamy that when I apply this at night, I wake up with super soft and hydrated skin in the morning.

I got the Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mineral Bath - Lavender at Whole Foods when, I was supposedly shopping for food. They had a small section dedicated to things that help promote a more restful sleep. The single use packet was enough for one bath and it did make me feel more restful. I love the sleek packaging of Aster Raine Reverse Serum but, honestly it was one of the most stinkiest serums I ever used. I am not sure if it actually worked but, I was really glad when I finished the bottle. I also loved the Basd body lotion. The peppermint scent was so invigorating in the morning.

Here is everything I finished this month - 

Margot Elena Library of Flowers Willow & Water Body Wash

St. Ives Collagen Elastin Body Wash

Glamglow YouthMud Stimulating Treatment

Dermaxgen Tumeric + Vitamin C Clay Mask Stick

Ilia Lip Wrap

Elishacoy Moist Up Super Hyaluronic Cream

Winky Lux Disco Kitten Gloss in Far Out

Freck Beauty Rich Bitch Cactus + Vitamin C Moisturizer

Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter

Beautaniq Beauty Guardian Angel Revitalizing Eye Gels

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Under Eye Hydrogels

Honey Jarret Super Beau'tea Mask Rose

Beplain Cicaful Calming Mask

Jeju:en You can't Handle This Mask Volcanic Ash

Jayjun Cosmetic Essential Calming Mask

Soo'ae Me Time Self-Heating Eye Mask

Ultru I'm Sorry for My Skin Jelly Mask - Relaxing

Fortify+ Hydrating and Protecting Facial Sheet Mask

The Orchid Skin Foot Mask

Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mineral Bath - Lavender

Aster Raine Reverse Serum

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

BlowPro Weather Girl

Comfort Zone Active Pureness Fluid

UMM The Bar

Basd Body Lotion Invigorating Mint

REN Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm

Skin & Lab E Plus Moisturizing

Glamglow Gentlebubble Daily Conditioning Cleanser

 

Book Review - Kiara Fights Back by Marilyn Kaye

 

Kiara is known for speaking what's on her mind. She doesn't hesitate to let other people know what she is thinking. She is happy that she became friends with the girls of the Spyglass Sisterhood who appreciate her observations and judgment. 

When Kiara finds out that a fellow classmate is getting bullied online, she decides to take action. She is determined to find out who is behind the bullying and bring them to justice. She needs to rely on her friends and the magical spyglass to help solve the mystery.

I thought the book was an okay read. I personally got confused with the characters when I first read the book and had trouble keep track of the different girls and their personalities. I can't say I enjoyed Kiara, I found some of her inner commentary to be blunt and sometimes, mean. It made me wonder if she even likes her friends. However, I feel that the book did teach an important lesson about bullying, having empathy, and the importance of words. It also highlights the proper usage of social media along with standing up for others and for standing up and defending for your beliefs.

Book Review - Falling for You (Sapphire Springs #3) by Barb Curtis

 

Faith Rotolo was recently evicted from her place. She thought her luck has ran out until she inherits the family historic mansion in quaint Sapphire Springs. Faith never imagined putting down roots as she usually travels for her job as a yoga instructor.  As she tries to fix her home up, she finds herself becoming attached to the small town life. 

Rob Milan is Faith's grouchy contractor. He is a single dad of two and finds himself drawn to Faith after clashing with her  in the beginning. As Rob and Faith spend more time together and their bond deepens, will they both realize they deserve a fresh start too?

The book was a cute cozy romantic read with a small mystery added in. The characters were well developed and likeable. I liked Faith and Rob's interaction with his children but, found his ex-wife grating on my nerves. This was the third book in the series but, each book could be read as a standalone. I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

 

Book Spotlight - DEAD BLOOD CITY by Jo Denning + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: DEAD BLOOD CITY: A Saoirse Reilly Novel (Saoirse Reilly, #1)

Author: Jo Denning

Pub. Date: April 12, 2022

Publisher: Leabhar & Fola Publishing House

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 128

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Dead Blood City will be the Kindle Select free book promotion from 4/12 12 AM PDT through 4/16 11:59 PM PDT. So the Kindle ebook will be free for everyone during that time.

"An urban fantasy of the finest quality. Fascinating and entertaining!" - Readers' Favorite

"Drowning might be like going to sleep. It would be nice to sleep forever - leave everything behind in the waking world."

Detective Saoirse Reilly commits to finding a missing child before dying by suicide. While investigating the kidnapping of Delaney Bascom, she is snared in the supernatural underbelly of Boston, Massachusetts. She will have to face her demons if she hopes to bring the girl home.

Reilly has the dubious support of Emrys Somerled, a forensic psychologist with a cellar full of secrets, and Domenico Alderisi, an impossibly youthful club owner with a bad habit. Meet these suspicious characters and more alongside Reilly as she begins to see the world for what it really is.

The blood moon is coming.

Will Reilly save the girl and find a reason to live?

 

About Jo Denning:

Jo Denning is the author of the Saoirse Reilly series. She has spent her career as a behavioral health therapist supporting kids and teens who struggle with addiction. Jo began writing supernatural crime thrillers as a way of processing the traumatic things she has seen and heard. Her characters may be supernatural but their stories, their fear, and their pain are real. So, too, are their triumphs over impossible odds.

When she's not writing, Jo enjoys baking, drawing, and watching trashy reality TV. She makes her home somewhere in the contiguous United States with her husband, one fluffy cat, and one barely domesticated cat.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a DEAD BLOOD CITY box which includes a finished copy of DEAD BLOOD CITY, stickers and bookmarks, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/11/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
4/11/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
4/12/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt/IG Post
4/12/2022	Writer of Wrongs	Guest Post
4/13/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
4/13/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
4/14/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
4/14/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt /IG Post
4/15/2022	BETTER_0FF_READ	IG Spotlight
4/15/2022	Ravenz Reviewz	Excerpt /IG Post

Week Two:

4/18/2022	boozybook blog	Review/IG Post
4/18/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
4/19/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
4/19/2022	@jypsylynn	Review
4/20/2022	Excuse Me, I’m Reading	Review
4/20/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	Review
4/21/2022	Emmiepooh2	Review
4/21/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
4/22/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
4/22/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/TikTok Post

Book Review - Trillium Sisters 3: Fashionable Disaster + Giveaway

 

The Trills discover a natural spring in a rocky enclosure. They decide it would be the perfect location for a spa. They think the community would benefit from one but, the supplies are not cheap. They decide to host a fashion show to raise the funds. Thankfully, everyone in the community is excited to lend a hand.

Clare is the local fashionista and believes she should be in charge since it was her idea. Instead of leading her sisters, she ends up bossing them around and refuses to listen to their input. The girls end up fighting with each other and a landslide causes Clare to be trapped in the enclosure. Giselle and Emmy are on the other side of the rock wall but they are unable to help her. Will the trio be able to put their differences aside to help Clare?

The book was a cute and quick read that teaches young readers about leading, friendships, working together, and forgiveness. While this was the third book in the series, it could be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading the books in order because there were some character nuances that could be missed. 

 

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

 

About The Book:

Title: FASHIONABLE DISASTER (Trillium Sisters #3)

Author: Laura Brown, Elly Kramer, Sarah Mensinga (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Pixel+Ink

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 496

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Being bossy leads to big problems, and only the Trills coming together can save the day in the third book in the Trillium Sisters series, perfect for fans of Mia Mayhem and The Wish Fairy.

When the Trills discover a rocky enclosure with natural hot spring while hiking, they realize it could be the location for the perfect new addition to the village--a spa! But all of the supplies they'll need aren't going to come cheap, so they decide they'll organize a fashion show to raise funds. Luckily, everyone in Trillsville is willing to lend a hand to make the show a success.

As the local fashionista, Clare thinks she's the clear choice to be in charge. But instead of leading, she's just super bossy, refusing to listen to anyone else's input. After an epic Trills blowup, rain leads to a landslide, leaving Clare trapped inside the enclosure and Giselle and Emmy on the other side of the rock wall, unable to help her. Will the sisters be able to put aside their differences to join forces (and join charms) so they can channel their powers and skills into getting Clare free?

With energetic black-and-white illustration throughout, Fashionable Disaster focuses on family, community, environmental stewardship, and learning to work together as a team, continuing this magical series.

Grab the first 2 books in the Trillium Sisters Series now!

 

About Laura Brown:

Laura Brown is an early childhood expert, collaborates with businesses and organizations to create high quality educational media properties and products. She has written curricula and scripts and served as Content Expert and Research Director for series produced by Nick Jr., Disney Junior, Amazon Kids, DreamWorks Animation Television, PBS Kids, Universal Kids, and many others. A mother of three, she lives in Tenafly, NJ, but in another life, she would happily live in a treehouse in the forest.

 

Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Elly Kramer:

Elly Kramer is currently the VP of Production & Development at Imagine Entertainment in their Kids and Family division and has created and led the development of numerous award-winning and highly-rated TV shows, online games, and innovative apps. As VP of Production and Development with Nickelodeon, she led the development of long and short-form content. She has also produced and developed over thirty-five shorts. Elly is a frequent speaker at film festivals and industry events. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Website |  Instagram | Goodreads

 

About Sarah Mensinga:

Sarah Mensinga is a Canadian who now lives in Texas with her husband and three kids. She has worked in the animation industry as an animator and concept artist. She also once wrote an 800-page graphic novel that she likes to hide away on the internet, and she's contributed to various comic anthologies, such as Flight 4 & Flight 5. She's been writing stories of some sort or another since she was eight years old, and has been ruining movies for friends and family ever since by overthinking the plot.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of FASHIONABLE DISASTER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/14/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
3/14/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
3/15/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
3/15/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
3/16/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
3/16/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
3/17/2022	@jael_and_jenessa_reads	Review
3/17/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post
3/18/2022	One More Exclamation	Review
3/18/2022	Little Red Reads	Review

Week Two:

3/21/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review/IG Post
3/21/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
3/22/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
3/22/2022	Wottaread	Excerpt
3/23/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
3/23/2022	RavenzReviewz	Review
3/24/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
3/24/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
3/25/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review
3/25/2022	Nerdophiles	Review

Book Review - Mac Undercover (Mac B., Kid Spy #1) by Mac Barnett

 

Author Mac Barnett was a spy before he was an author. He was a kid spy for the Queen of England. The Queen needs  Mac to retrieve the precious Crown Jewels that were stolen. Mac must travel all over the world to retrieve the stolen artifacts. 

The children's book was fully illustrated filled with fun facts and humor. I thought it was cute albeit a silly read at times. I think young readers would enjoy reading this series and seeing what trouble Mac can get into. I do want to note some of the cultural references were a bit dated or violent (the historical portion) for young readers.

April 2022 Haul!

 

May is that you? I can't believe May is almost half way here, it feels like it was just only yesterday the year started and now, we almost at the 1/3 mark-ish. I feel like the day goes by so quickly when you want to do something fun and relaxing but, when I am in meetings the day go by so slowly.

I got a few goodies this month but, I tried controlling myself. Ha, just kidding!  I heard good things about shampoo and conditioner bars and that they are really good for the environment. I got travel size versions of HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner bars. I recently started trying tablet toothpaste and I kinda like more some days. It definitely less messy but, more expensive unfortunately. I got another cleansing balm because I am completely addicted to them. I love how they can remove the most stubbornest makeup without drying out skin. I got a green tea one from Yadah. I have tried a few skincare products from them and they have been solid.

I got a few lip products because you know that's my thing. I got a new lip gloss from Patrick Ta in "She's Expensive" and yes, this lip balm was so expensive but so glittery! Speaking of glitter, I got some more Lancome Juicy tubes. "Magic Spell" just smells delicious and looks oh so pretty on my lips.

Is there anything you got recently that you are loving?

Book Review - Outlawed by Anna North

 

Seventeen year old Ada has everything going exactly how she wanted it to be. She is happily married to her husband and she is working with her mother, a respected midwife. However, a year into their marriage, Ada isn't pregnant and this is dangerous in a town that is known for hanging barren women as witches. She realizes she might have to leave her hometown along with everything else she has even known.

She joins the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang, a group of outlaws lead by preacher turned robber named Kid. Kid is charismatic and has dream of creating a safe haven for women who are outcasts. The gang hatches a plan to make Kid's plan a reality but, the plan is dangerous enough to get them all killed. Ada is struggling to decide if she is willing to risk her life for the possibility of a better future for them all.

This isn't the type of book I would normally reach for but, I thought it was an interesting read. I find that the book is relevant to women in this day in age. The book has themes of women needing to have children before they are deemed useful to society and the struggles of women to get proper medical care along with issues with gender norms. I felt like there was some parts of the story that could have been fleshed out more along with the character. Some of the members of the gang was so cookie cutter, that I often confused them. I also couldn't believe that every single female character we were introduced to was barren. It was an okay read but, it wouldn't be something I would go out of my way to read again.