LADYBUG'S CHRISTMAS by Anabella Schofield and Sofia Schofield

LADYBUG'S CHRISTMAS by Anabella Schofield and Sofia Schofield. New Christmas stories are always fun. This cute ladybug reminds me that holidays don't always turn out the way we want them to, and that's okay. I could see myself in the ladybug and took it as a reminder of what I need to focus on this Christmas season. I would recommend this to everyone.

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It’s Christmastime in the garden, and Ladybug is excited to celebrate with her loved ones! When Ladybug invites her friends and family to a Christmas feast, she prepares to make sure everything runs smoothly. Despite Ladybug’s best efforts, the feast doesn’t go as planned. With the help of her friends, Ladybug learns that the sweetest part of the season is togetherness!

#bookadayaz

 So I'm learning in this new adventure and will continue to try to figure out what works best. Getting on my blog every day was harder than I thought with my littles pulling me away, thinking I'm playing on my phone/computer and wanting to play too, and me falling asleep when I sit down. So, I will try every few days to post more about the books I post on Instagram. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

This book was written by a really good friend of mine who is Christlike inside and out. I can't wait to read this one.

No books, blogs, or studies can prepare you for the complexities of womanhood. The joys and challenges that come with being a woman can often feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows, especially when sweet moments are tempered by feelings of inadequacy. If your journey through life too often feels like an unforgiving magnification of your weaknesses and shortcomings or you find yourself feeling alone, it is time to turn to the healing balm of the Savior's love.

In this mix of memoir, insights, and inspiration, Leaning on Jesus takes readers through the ups and downs of womanhood, gives practical tools for a better life, and highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with the Savior to find power, purpose, and peace. You'll laugh and cry in equal measure as author Michelle Wilson describes her own experiences, delving into the common fears women of all ages and stages face and exploring each topic from motherhood to menopause with humor and heart. Find strength in this sweet reminder of your invaluable role as a woman, and catch a glimpse of your true magnificence in the Lord's eyes.

My kids love this book. They love the interaction and it's just an adorable picture book. If you haven't read it, take the time. You'll be hooked on Tom Fletcher.

OH LOOK! The cutest baby dragon has hatched inside your book! Get ready for another lively, interactive read-aloud in the There's a... In Your Book series! Now available in a sturdy board book edition!

First, you'll see there's an egg in your book. Then, a darling little dragon hatches from it! But whatever you do, don't tickle its nose, because you don't want it to sneeze. ACHOO! UH-OH!

Very sweet, very uplighting, very cute read. It makes your heart feel good that there are good people out there. Highly recommend this one.

Captain Robert Wilkins has never aspired to grandeur. So when the returned war hero unexpectedly inherits the vast estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, he feels woefully inadequate in his new role. Out of place in his lavish surroundings, his first glimmer of hope comes when he happens upon a lovely trespasser in his gardens.

Words have never come easily for Abigail Rutherford, and she prefers the solitude of exploring the gardens at the neighboring country estate to engaging in uncomfortable conversation. But when she unexpectedly encounters Captain Robert Wilkins in her place of solace, she is surprised at the immediate ease she feels in his presence. Soon her brightest moments are those spent with the captain. But even as their friendship grows into something more, outside forces have other plans for the two. Mr. Mead, the handsome vicar, has also taken a liking to the quiet and timid Abigail and he will stop at nothing to ensure she becomes his wife.

#bookadayaz

 

So cute! My kids thought it was hilarious. My two-year-old wants me to keep reading it. What a wonderful, funny way to start out the school year. #

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . .

LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech

LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech. This fun middle grade book is formatted like poems. For me, it takes a couple of pages to get into that kind of format. It was interesting to read a story that way as well. I enjoyed the subject and still learned a lot about the character as well. I would recommend this as a fairly quick read for most middle graders.

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The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, brings readers a story with enormous heart.

Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.

Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.

"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."

OLIVE by Michelle Wilson

OLIVE by Michelle Wilson. What a fun book. I love Olive. She sounds like me and my kids. When something goes wrong, it goes wrong and snowballs. It was wonderful to see her family's reaction to Olive at the end of the day when she felt so bad. And I loved the Stop and Think sections at the end of the book. It's a wonderful way to start a conversation with kids and help them understand things such as feelings and how to fix mistakes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with children, (or without because we all of those "Olive" kind of days.)

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Meet Olive. She’s optimistic and well-intentioned . . . and a magnet for mishaps. When Olive’s day goes from bad to worse, she wonders if her family and friends can love her in spite of her flaws.

Blog Tour Stops:

October 29: Bonnie Harris

October 30: LDS Writer Mom

October 31: The Typewriter Society (author interview)

November 1: My Book a Day

November 2: Dream Reader Kids

November 3: Green Gables Book Reviews

November 4: The Singing Librarian

November 5: Get Your Read On

November 6: Red Canoe Reader

November 7: Homeschool by the Beach

November 8: The Reader’s Salon

November 9: A Magical Kingdom Called Home

SMARTER THAN A MONSTER by Brandon Mull

SMARTER THAN A MONSTER by Brandon Mull.  This book is pure genius. Every child needs to read this book. It will cure any monster problems at home. Not only that, but it will help with other issues like taking baths, cleaning rooms, and other things that will help children understand how to be smarter than a monster. I would say it's this year's book to read.

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Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing "Monster Facts" can help kids outwit them.

Want to avoid monsters? 

Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time. 

And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster. 

Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye. I was really excited to see a new book from this author, and I jumped at the opportunity to review it. This captivating book had me turning the pages well into the night. I loved getting to know Ozzy as well as his robotic bird. Rin is a fantastic character but as the book moves on, he has me wondering who he truly is. I hope Skye does another one to help us know the true nature of Rin better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age who loves a magical adventure.

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What if there was a wizard in your hometown who offered his services to anyone in need? What if you were scared because your scientist parents had been kidnapped and you couldn't tell the police?

What if you stumbled across a classified ad in your local newspaper that read, "Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL"? Would you call?

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy is desperate to find his parents, but he's not so sure about the ad....He's read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but they couldn't actually exist in the world today, could they?

Enter Labryinth, aka "Rin," who dresses the part. Sort of. His bathrobe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox. At least Rin acts like a wizard, but Ozzy has his doubts. Do real wizards write notes on their shoes and eat breakfast for every meal? Most of all, Ozzy just wants to know if Rin can cast any magic spells.

With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy's father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he seeks about his missing parents.

MYSTERIES OF COVE: EMBERS OF DESTRUCTION by J. Scott Savage

MYSTERIES OF COVE: EMBERS OF DESTRUCTION by J. Scott Savage. This is an amazing ending to a great series. I have loved them (although I swore I read the second and upon reading the third I realized I hadn't, but I will!). I loved how everyone learned to work and depend on each other to figure out how to solve the dragon issue and then to execute the plan. They didn't give up when a plan failed. It was the try, try again that we so often forget to do in life. There are hard life lessons that are touched on, and the outcome was the way it needed to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone. 

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It's time to take the battle to the dragons.

In the third and final volume of the bestselling Mysteries of Cove series, Trenton and Kallista—along with their friends, Plucky, Simoni, Angus, and Clyde—fly their mechanical dragons south toward San Francisco, looking to rescue any survivors from the battle of Seattle.

Arriving in San Francisco and investigating the area in secret, the young riders are reunited with Kallista's father, Leo Babbage, who reveals that the humans in the city are working as slaves to the dragons, but that they don't want to be rescued—himself included. He says they are being protected by their new master: a huge, powerful white dragon who lives in an impenetrable tower fortress overlooking the city. Kallista is stunned by the news. Why would her father ever willingly want to work for dragons?

Trenton and his friends are confronted by the guards and their mechanical dragons are seized. Evading capture, the young riders escape and begin looking for a way to break the white dragon's hold over the city—and over Leo. Working with the kids from the city, the young riders track down the source of the dragon's power to an underground chamber that is accessible only through an underwater passageway below the tower fortress.

With the white dragon watching their every move, Trenton and Kallista will need every bit of creativity and ingenuity they can manage to find a way to retrieve their stolen dragons, enter the tower fortress, and take down the dragons once and for all.

THE CARETAKER'S GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN by Brandon Mull — #amreading #books #reviews #fablehaven

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. I enjoyed this book, although it was the notations in the margin that I enjoyed most. This fun read anyone will love, especially FABLEHAVEN fans.

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This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

Amazon

Excerpt from Introduction

If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Author Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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WESTLY: A SPIDER'S TALE by Bryan Beus — #books #reviews #amreading #bookreviews

WESTLY: A SPIDER'S TALE by Bryan Beus. This was a very cute tale that shows life doesn't always go the way we think it should or plan on it going. Things change and it shows how this spider who grew up thinking he was a butterfly adapted to the changes life threw at him. It's a great story that illustrates how to be flexible with what life throws at you. It's a great read for any and everyone.

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When Westly emerges from his cocoon, not as a beautiful butterfly, but as a spider, he is rejected byt he butterfly kingdom and undertakes a journey to discover who he really is. But not even the dirt eaters can offer him answers. Not the dragonfly, the centipede, the moth, or even Zug Zug, the fly. None have ever seen an eight-legged creature who can spin webs. However, Westly's new friend the Raven has offered to help. If only the Raven could get inside the glass menagerie where Westly and the other bugs live. Yes, yes, the Raven is sure he could change everything. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan.

Delightfully illustrated by the author, Westly: A Spider's Tale is a story about discovering one's true potential, learning that being different is not a bad thing, and that even misfits can grow up to be heroes.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS by Michael McLean—book review/ #giveaway #amreading #bookreview #books

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS—by Michael McLean. This was a fun, quick read that gives a different twist on familiar fairy tale characters. It's fun to be in the point of view of the villian. Children of all ages would love this Christmas read. I highly recommend it to any and everyone of all ages. Just thinking about the story brings a smile to my face.

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Santa Claus has been kidnapped!

Behind the plot are an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a sorceress, a beanstalk giant, and, of course, the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term "Happily Ever After" from our storybooks forever.

But it's nearly Christmas Eve, and time is running out. Can Santa and the fairy-tale heroes save the day and bring Christmas to all the children of the world? Will anyone have a "Happily Ever After" again?

Fairy Tale Christmas reminds us all that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas can soften any heart.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher, however the opinions are my own.

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JANITORS: STRIKE OF THE SWEEPERS by Tyler Whitesides—Book Review

JANITORS: STRIKE OF THE SWEEPERS by Tyler Whitesides. I have really enjoyed this series and this latest installment has not let me down. It's a fun, quick read full of action, suspense, and page-turning excitement. I thought this might be the one to round out the series but an unforseen twist at the end has left me waiting for the next one. I would recommend this to any and everyone who loves a great, clean, exciting story.

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"In five minutes," Walter said, "I'm going to use this squeegee to open a portal to New Forest Academy. We're going to move in and apprehend Director Carlos Garcia."

Spencer's surprised look mirrored Daisy's. Penny looked excited and Alan simply nodded.

"Tonight we finish what we almost did last November," Alan said. "We're taking the warlock's hammer and nail."

The stakes have never been higher, and you've never seen squeegees do this before! It is a wild and slightly unsanitary ride as Spencer, Daisy, and the Rebel Janitors find themselves chased by Mr. Clean's new and terrifying half-breed Toxites—the Sweepers. Time is short. With the fabled Manualis Custodem in hand, Spencer must figure out how to summon the Founding Witches if they ever hope to mop up and save education.

*Review copy provided by publisher but all opinions are my own.

FETCH by Adam Glendon Sidwell—Book Review/Giveaway

Fetch by Adam Glendon Sidwell

This is a delightful story about a place where dogs live. My three-year-old loved it. The pictures are beautifully done and the story is equal to it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has children or anyone who loves a good picture book.

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A story for anyone who s ever been loved by a dog or given one a home.

At least nine sunsets away, there is a place where dogs can do what they want. But they are not all the same, and when a special one has the courage to fly, he finds something unexpected beyond the tenth horizon.  

Purchase your copy

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

Author Adam Glendon Sidwell:

In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Pacific Rim, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He really enjoyed writing 81,854 less words in his new picture book FETCH than he wrote in his first EVERTASTER novel, and hopes that you will like the ones he picked. Besides, FETCH has pictures.

Adam has also been rightfully accused of writing the upcoming novel CHUM.

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Praise for the book:

“If you need & want a book for younger children that does not involve zombies, monsters, or overdone "superhero's", and just want a good old fashioned great story, perfect illustrations, and a captivating experience, then "Fetch" should be ordered quickly.”—Carol Anne Merrill Miller

“Simple, yet engaging, storyline appeals to readers of all ages and the illustrations glue your eyes to pages!” –Doodles

“The art work enchanted, enthralled, and grabbed me in ways paintings can and often do.” –Kindle Customer

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/13/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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SLAYERS: FRIENDS AND TRAITORS by C J Hill--Book Buzzin'

SLAYERS: FRIENDS AND TRAITORS by CJ Hill. I'm so excited about this book that was released last week. Check out my review of book 1 and be sure to take a look at this one!

In C.J. Hill's action-packed sequel to Slayers, the group of teens known as Slayers have been betrayed—but they won’t give up without a fight.

Tori’s got a problem. She thought she’d have one more summer to train as a dragon Slayer, but time has run out. When Tori hears the horrifying sound of dragon eggs hatching, she knows the Slayers are in trouble. In less than a year, the dragons will be fully grown and completely lethal. The Slayers are well-prepared, but their group is still not complete, and Tori is determined to track down Ryker—the mysterious missing Slayer.

What Tori doesn’t bargain for, however, is the surprising truth about her powers. She isn’t just a Slayer, she’s part Dragon Lord, too. How can Tori fight to save her friends when half of her is programmed to protect dragons? And with a possible traitor in their midst, the Slayers will be divided in more ways than they ever imagined.

*Cover taken from author website. Back cover blurb from Barnes and Noble's website.