No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop!  This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer.


This giveaway is sponsored by me :)

About the Prize:

Red Sled by Lita Judge - In this almost wordless picture book, a host of woodland creatures take a child's sled for a nighttime joy ride. Their whimsical ride is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor, complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and classic characters, RED SLED will become a wintertime favorite.


Amazon


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This is a beautifully illustrated picture book.  My kids love this book!  

Giveaway Details:

1 paperback of Red Sled

Open to US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now that you've entered this giveaway, hop on over to the next blog on the list for more giveaway fun!

Mother Sea Turtle Month + 3 Giveaways

Stephanie Lisa Tara presents Mother Sea Turtle month!  Mothers need to stick together; whether scaly, feathered, furry or skinned! And to celebrate this Mother's Day and the release of her newest turtle book, Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book—which is the companion follow-up to her first international bestseller, I'll Follow the Moon—Stephanie Lisa Tara is giving away 2 gorgeous, large plush sea turtles (26"L x 8"H x 16"W) to reviewers!

In addition, if you purchase Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book you can get her other turtle book, I'll Follow the Moon, for FREE!  This is available to the first 20 people who purchase. 
Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is available on Amazon HERE.  Please contact Candace at candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com with receipts, inquiries or questions!

 Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people would often stare at my bright red hair, which was very, very bright indeed.
Unfortunately, I developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them, and they soon became funny characters. I didn't have much time to think about being different; fanciful lyricisms danced in my head, and no one was safe!
Since then, I've come to believe that storytelling has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults that stick to your thoughts like taffy-- those are the things that stay forever in the mind.
I've lived in many special places: on a farm, in a city skyscraper, on a tropical beach, and in the beautiful country of France. Now I live in northern California, between the redwood forests and the sea. Even though I'm an adult, I'm still as silly as ever.
Many nice words have been used to describe my books, such as fun, engaging, delightful, and whimsical. Some folks say that I deliver timeless messages of love for kids and parents to share again and again; this makes me very happy. I hope that you'll enjoy my stories, too. Captivating children with language is something that I believe in, and I strive to live my life with this always.
--Stephanie Lisa Tara
www.StephanieLisaTara.com
stephanielisatarabooks@gmail.com

Cause pages (each supports a book's vision):

Facebook page for Save the Polar Bears | Facebook Page for Save the Green Turtles | Facebook Page for Save the Redwood Forests

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Personal Sites:

Facebook | Amazon | Website

Giveaway:

15 lucky people will win a copy of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book. You must be 13 or older to enter. Open to US addresses only.  Giveaway runs from May 12th to June 12, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two lucky reviewers will win a Melissa and Doug Giant Plush Stuffed Sea Turtle that retails at $34.99 and measures 26"L x 8"H x 16"W.  You must review Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book on Amazon to enter.  This giveaway runs from Mothers Day, May 12th to June 12th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And you can still enter to win a Kindle Fire! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Age Range: 8 and up
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (January 2, 2013)
Source: Library
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

No one would believe me but at times I would choose wartime in Saigon over peacetime in Alabama.

For all the ten years of her life, Ha has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . . and the beauty of her very own papaya tree.

But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Ha and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Ha discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family.

This is the moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next.

Praise:

“Open this book, read it slowly to savor the delicious language. This is a book that asks the reader to be careful, to pay attention, to sigh at the end.” (Kathi Appelt, bestselling author of Newbery Honor Book The Underneath)

“Based in Lai’s personal experience, this first novel captures a child–refugee’s struggle with rare honesty. Written in accessible, short free–verse poems, Hà’s immediate narrative describes her mistakes—both humorous and heartbreaking; and readers will be moved by Hà’s sorrow as they recognize the anguish of being the outcast.” (Booklist (starred review))

“The taut portrayal of Hà’s emotional life is especially poignant as she cycles from feeling smart in Vietnam to struggling in the States, and finally regains academic and social confidence. An incisive portrait of human resilience.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“An enlightening, poignant and unexpectedly funny novel in verse. In her not-to-be-missed debut, Lai evokes a distinct time and place and presents a complex, realistic heroine whom readers will recognize, even if they haven’t found themselves in a strange new country.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

About the Author:

 Thanhha Lai was born in Vietnam. At the end of the war, she fled with her family to Alabama. There, she learned English from fourth graders. She then spent the next decade correcting her grammar. Starting her writing life as journalist, she worked at The Orange County Register. She switched to fiction, leading to an MFA from New York University and short story publications in various journals and anthologies. Lai lives with her husband, daughter and a little white dog in New York City.

My Thoughts:

Based on the author's personal experiences, Inside Out & Back Again is a physical and emotional journey of a young refugee girl. Told in beautiful verse, the writing will invite you in and wrap you up in the story.

This book touched something deep inside of me. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I connected with the protagonist and felt like I could relate to her journey.

Highly recommended.

Content: clean

Cover: I love this cover! It makes me think of new beginnings, hope, and happiness.

Amazon | Goodreads

Middle Grade Review: Infinity Ring #3, The Trap Door by Lisa McMann

Infinity Ring #3, The Trap Door by Lisa McMann

Age Range: 8 and up
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (February 5, 2013)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The multi-platform adventure through time continues! Dak, Sera, and Riq return to the United States and walk immediately into a deadly trap. The year is 1850, and the nation is divided over the issue of slavery. In these dark days, the Underground Railroad provides a light of hope, helping runaway slaves escape to freedom. But the SQ has taken control of the Underground Railroad from within. Now Dak and Sera are left wondering who to trust... while Riq risks everything to save the life of a young boy.

About the Author:

Lisa McMann lives and writes in the Phoenix area. Her books include the NYT bestselling paranormal WAKE trilogy, CRYER'S CROSS, DEAD TO YOU, and the dystopian fantasy series beginning with THE UNWANTEDS. (Book 2, Unwanteds: ISLAND OF SILENCE, comes out Sept 4, 2012).

You can find more info at Lisa'a website, lisamcmann.com, interact with her on Facebook or Twitter, or ask questions and find answers on her VYou.com page. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I haven't read the second, but I didn't really feel lost by jumping right into the third book. I fully expected to like this one, and at first, I did. But after the first few chapters, it got really preachy and kind of weird. I didn't enjoy the characters as much as I did in book #1.

I'm not sure if I will continue with this series or not.

Amazon | Goodreads

 

Book Review: Wish by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser, Odessa Sawyer (Illustrations)

Wish by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser, Odessa Sawyer (Illustrations)

Age Range: 9 - 13
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers (February 1, 2013)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

With one wish made in Willow Forest, Soli and Lucy are pulled into Faerieground – and into the middle of an ancient battle. In the faerie kingdom, an evil queen searches for her daughter while the palace crumbles. To save her best friend, Soli must find her hidden strength. This is a story about friendship, growing up, and the power of wishes. This is a story about faeries and spells, queens and lost princesses, fireflies and four-leaf clovers. But mostly, this is a story about love.

From the Faerieground series. For ages 9-13.

*Light paranormal romance
* Faeries continue to be a popular topic for tween and teen girls
* High concept fantasy: a strong hook, intriguing characters with real adolescent problems - relationships, identity, and family - addressed through metaphor

Praise:

“Absolutely gorgeous. . . .this evocative and emotional tale is a dark and thrilling delight.”
 —Kelly Barnhill, author of The Mostly True Story of Jack and Iron-Hearted Violet

About the Authors:

Kay Fraser and Beth Bracken are a designer-editor team in Minnesota. Kay is from Buenos Aires. She left home at eighteen and moved to North Dakota — basically tthe exact opposite of Argentina. These days, she designs books, writes, makes tea for her husband, and drives her daughters to their dance lessons. Beth lives in a light-filled house with her husband and their son, Sam. She spends her time editing books, reading, daydreaming, and rearranging her furniture. Kay and Beth both love dark chocolate, Buffy, and tea.

About the Artist:

Odessa Sawyer is an illustrator from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She works mainly in digital mixed media, utilizing digital painting, photography, and traditional pen and ink. Odessa’s work has graced the book covers of many top publishing houses, and she has also done work for various film and television projects, posters, and album covers. Highly influenced by fantasy, fairy tales, fashion, and classic horror, Odessa’s work celebrates a whimsical, dreamy, and vibrant quality.

Website

My Thoughts:

This book is not at all what I had expected. I loved the gorgeous full color illustrations throughout the story. The simple writing bordered on minimalist and I thought it was a little too basic for the intended age group. I enjoyed the plot and the way the characters are entwined, but i wished the writing had more substance to it.

It also ended very abruptly. I turned the last page, expecting more, only to find the author bio.

Amazon | Goodreads | Publisher Website

 

Review: Lulu and the Dog From the Sea by Hilary McKay and Priscilla Lamont (Illustrations)

Lulu and the Dog From the Sea by Hilary McKay and Priscilla Lamont (Illustrations)

Age Range: 7 - 10 years
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company; Reprint edition (March 1, 2013)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Lulu loves animals. When Lulu goes on vacation, she finds there's a stray dog living on the beach. Everyone in the town thinks the dog is trouble. But Lulu is sure he just needs a friend. And that he's been waiting for someone just like her. The second book in this early chapter book series for young animal-lovers.

Ages 7-10/Grades 2-5

-A chapter book series featuring multicultural characters
-Sweet stories about animals and friendship
-Early chapter books perfect for transitional readers

Praise for Lulu and the Duck in the Park:

*"The satisfying ending will have children awaiting the next installment in what is likely to become a hit series for fans of other plucky characters like Horrible Harry, Stink, and Junie B. Jones." STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal
*"A warmhearted beginning to a new chapter-book series delights from the first few sentences....Utterly winning." STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

*"Though all ends well, gratifyingly the story's resolution is not pat. And although race is never mentioned in the story, Lamont's depiction of Lulu and her cousin-slash-best-friend as children of color provides welcome main characters not usually seen in beginning chapter books--particularly one as fine as this." STARRED REVIEW, The Horn Book Magazine

About the Author:

Hilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and is the eldest of four girls. From a very early age she read voraciously and grew up in a household of readers. Hilary says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."

After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.

One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them

Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.

Website

About the Artist:

After graduating from Canterbury College of Art with a degree in Graphic design and a few years as a book designer, Priscilla began to work as a freelance artist, and has illustrated over 40 books for children for a variety of authors, including Harry Secombe, Adrian Mitchell, Julia Jarman, Michael Rosen and Hilary McKay, as well as occasionally illustrating her own words too!
After many years in London and even more in Suffolk, she is now settled in Kent with her husband the artist David Hayward and has a studio at the Creek Creative building in Faversham, where she works rather untidily, but with great enthusiasm!
Least likely to say: It’s wonderful working at home on my own

Agents
Heather Richards (UK) www.tallbean.co.uk
Kid Shannon (USA) www.kidshannon.com

Website

My Thoughts:

This is a really sweet story about a girl that believes she can make a difference in a dog's life.  Her family is beautiful.  They provided an interesting dynamic and quite a bit of humor throughout the story.

The writing is simple, just right for children making their way into chapter books. There are quite a few illustrations in the book, but not on every page. The artwork is cute and fits the mood of the story really well. For an early chapter book, I was really impressed.

If you plan on giving this book to your child to read, PLEASE make sure to talk to them about dealing safely with strange animals. You would hate to have your child find out the hard way that not all dogs are friendly.

Amazon | Goodreads | Publisher Website

 

Cover Reveal: Fallen Angel by Molly Snow

Fallen Angel by Molly Snow

Teen angel, Persephone, is the only one in all of Heaven who can't sing. In fact, her name literally means "Voice of Destruction." So diving down one of Heaven's portals, straight into singer Taylor Hamilton’s bedroom, seems like a good idea at the time. Maybe, just maybe, he can help. Plus, he is sooo cute!

While it can be fun swooning over a mortal, it can also be frustrating. Angels aren't supposed to fall for mortals. Then there's Taylor's guardian angel, who is ready to sabotage the budding romance at every turn. Will Persephone learn to sing before Heaven calls her back? And, most importantly, can love prevail for an angel who has fallen head-over-wings for a mortal?

 About Molly Snow:

 Molly Snow is a Top 10 Idaho Fiction Author, awarded by The Idaho Book Extravaganza. Her works include quirky teen romances BeSwitched and Fallen Angel. Also a speaker on writing, her school assemblies have been featured in The Contra Costa Times and The Brentwood Press. Snow is married to her high school crush, has a set of silly twin boys and a bobtail cat named Meow-Meow.

Author's Blog: http://www.mollysnowfiction.blogspot.com/