Friday, June 29, 2018

Book Review - Dear Substitute by by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

When their teacher Mrs. Giordano is sick and a new substitute teacher, Miss Pelly takes over, things are bound to go wrong.  A student writes in an epistolary poems format, explaining why Miss Pelly is doing things wrong and how she misses her teacher. 

I read this cute picture book to the tots I volunteered with. They thought the book was funny. However, I am not sure they grasped the entire message of the book until we discussed the book. The book had an interesting way to encourage children to try new experiences because they might enjoy it. A good book especially for children who are nervous in trying new things.

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



Title: DEAR SUBSTITUTE
Author: Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, &Chris Raschka (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

When a substitute teacher named Miss Pelly comes to class, one student bristles at the change in routine-Miss Pelly doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano. But in time, our student learns that even though the substitute may do things a little differently, and she may be a bit silly, mixing things up might not be so bad.

Told in a series of epistolary poems, this funny, relatable picturebook is a great fit for classrooms and for any child nervous about new experiences.

About Audrey:
Audrey grew up in Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size order. 

She always loved to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis.  She was not one of those children who always knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's been writing ever since. 

In addition to writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah Lawrence College and has been honored with two fiction fellowships from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts. 

Audrey divides her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit info, click here.) She also speaks at conferences around the country. 

She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family and a semi-smart medium-sized dog.



About Liz:
Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous beloved books for young people, including the highly-acclaimed, Caldecott-honored picture book All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, and her debut novel for middle grade readers, The Great Good Summer, as well as The Good-Pie Party; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; Noodle & Lou, and several others. Ms. Scanlon is also a poet, a teacher and a frequent & popular presenter at schools, libraries and conferences. She grew up in Colorado and Wisconsin, and now lives with her husband and two daughters in Austin, Texas.


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of DEAR SUBSTITUTE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
6/25/2018- BookHounds YAExcerpt
6/26/2018- RhythmicBooktrovertReview
6/27/2018- Book Dragon LairReview
6/28/2018- Beagles & BooksReview
6/29/2018- Two Points of InterestReview

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Book Review - The Selkie of San Francisco by Todd Calgi Gallicano + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

 When Sam London discovered that mythical creatures are real, he was recruited to be a part of the Department of Mythical Wildlife. The middle schooler is anxiously awaiting his next case. However, when a selkie arrives and makes a brazen appearance, Sam and his team will have to help figure out why the selkie is breaking protocol. As Sam dwells deeper into the case, he realizes the selkie has a peculiar interest in fashion's newest ingenue, Pearl Eklund. What is the selkie's interest in Pearl? Will Sam and his team be able to get to the bottom of this?

The book was a fun and exciting read. I love the bits of humor but also when they explained interesting facts about the mythical creatures. The novel is fast-paced and keeps delivering action. Overall, the perfect book for anyone who has a special interest in mythical creatures.

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


Title: THE SELKIE OF SAN FRANCISCO
Author: Todd Calgi Gallicano
Pub. Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 400
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

In the thrilling sequel to Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, an epic adventure novel that "is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves," Sam London dives headlong into his second case involving a selkie, a mysterious girl, and an ominous new threat to the mythical and human worlds ( School Library Journal )! 

Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.

Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One: 

"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly

"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia


About Todd:
Todd Calgi Gallicano is the author of “Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw,” the first case in the Sam London Adventure series from the Files of the Department of Mythical Wildlife. A graduate of New York University’s School of Film and Television, Todd began his career in the film industry, before venturing into the world of books when he was provided secret files from the Department of Mythical Wildlife's archives.
Despite pressure from the news media and government, Mr. Gallicano remains tightlipped when it comes to questions about the DMW and his sources within the secret organization. He encourages fans of Sam London to learn more about mythical creatures and to visit and support our nation's majestic National Parks.
When he's not hammering out the next Sam London novel on his 1938 Royal Deluxe typewriter, Mr. Gallicano enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He resides with his family in North Carolina, where he is constantly on the lookout for gargoyles, chupacabras and other nefarious creatures.

Learn more at www.mythicalwildlife.com.



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE SELKIE OF SAN FRANCISCO, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
6/25/2018- Books a Plenty Book ReviewsReview
6/26/2018- Christen KrummExcerpt
6/27/2018- Little Red ReadsReview
6/28/2018- Two points of interestReview
6/29/2018- A Dream Within A DreamExcerpt

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Book Review - Life According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney

Photo Credit - Amazon
 When Og the Frog comes to Room 26 because of an unruly neighbor, he is skeptical of his new "home". Og misses his friends back at the swamp but, he also remembers the many dangers of the swamp. He isn't used to noise and his new environment. However, he likes that he has a lot of time and ideas for his favorite pastimes. Og realizes that he has an impact on his fellow classmates. But, when he realizes that they are thinking of sending him back to the pond, he can't help to feel betrayed. Will Og be sent back to his pond? 

The book was a fun and endearing read. Og gave young readers an idea what it is like being a frog, especially, in new situations and environments. I like that it included facts about hamsters, frogs, and information about nature. It teaches readers about compassion, sympathy, and the value of friendship. I think it is the perfect book for any frog lover!

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

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Book Review - To Claim Her Heart by by Jodie Wolfe + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
On the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays that God will lead him to his "Promised Land".  He wants to use his property to preach and as a way of honoring his deceased fiancée. However,  he didn't count on Elsie Elmer Smith on claiming the same plot. The plot is also Elsie's only hope for survival and it is a plot her pa marked for her. When they both refuse to move and bitterness between them sink in, will one of them give up their land?

I like the characters are both strong individuals who are searching for love. However, they are not willing to compromise on their character or goals. I like the historical details especially about the landrace and furnishings of their homes. I found this to be an enjoyable read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: To Claim Her Heart
Author: Jodie Wolfe
Release Date: May 14, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his ‘Promised Land’. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancee, but he didn’t count on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he sadly lacks.
Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith’s only hope for survival, but not just any plot will do. She has a specific one in mind. The plot’s not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. Elsie’s willing to do whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and she determined to keep it, but she wasn’t planning on a kind, handsome preacher standing in her way.
Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has not intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land … or her heart.

About the Author

Jodie 
Jodie Wolfe got bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf88/to-claim-her-heart-celebration-tour

Monday, June 25, 2018

Book Review - Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio

Photo Credit - Amazon
When Maria Tontta receives news that her mother is dying, she travels back to her homeland with her beloved son, Nico. She finds herself missing her home and wanting to return back home. She is devastated when she learns her childhood home might be sold because the family is bankrupt. Maria finds herself torn between the love of her family back home and her new life with her family in America.  When Nico's biological father reappears in Nico's life, Maria is afraid that she will lose him too. Will Maria be able to let go past wrongs?

The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

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

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Crystal Waters Winter Pear Scented Soap Petals


I got this as a set for the holidays. One of the junkiest thing I can get (while I do love the person who gave it to me, it just meh..should have given me the $5 instead). Excuse me, while I have a snob moment -- just because I like beauty products and I like sales, I don’t feel like I should get generic beauty products where everything is just off… Why? Because then you end up with shitty little things like these that take up the prime real estate. The glycerine soap petals are infused with soap that you would need one petal at a time to provide a generous lather. However, this is far from the case. The petals were impossible to remove and then they provided no lather and just turned into mush. I thought if I used the whole “flower” maybe I can get a decent lather going. Oh, how was I wrong! Instead the whole thing turned into “play-doh” consistency and fell apart into pieces, while sticking to my tub. It was probably one of the most useless products I ever used -- a complete waste of time and money. I am fearful of even trying the other products that came in this crappy kit.


**Apologies, I lost a few photos for some of my reviews when my memory card and then computer got damaged...**