tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28722239089312427092024-02-18T22:25:45.033-06:00Ready Set Read ReviewsReady Set Read Reviews is dedicated to producing and sharing reviews, previews, discussions, possible author interviews, and more ALL to do with the books out there for kids and teens.RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-86920297357094100932015-08-04T08:20:00.000-05:002015-08-04T08:20:47.052-05:00Undertow by Michael Buckley<b><span style="font-style: italic;">Undertow </span>by Michael Buckley</b><br />
<b>Geared Towards:</b> Teen & YA<br />
<b>Published By:</b> HMH Books for Young Readers<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> May 2015<br />
<b>ISBN-13: </b>978-0544348257 <br />
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHULVl1n8-AqRN4xPzPmlDU4bOW-GCYQAv1-bc_gG5qc7xkxTAiy-YCa9vMbEnSvqq5mN2-H8i1ujL0JHaQ17IuSoJAkH4KXg5d1cLSrJt00EPKEX68EFGIcet33shMBbewbx3BO9u8M/s1600/UndertowCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHULVl1n8-AqRN4xPzPmlDU4bOW-GCYQAv1-bc_gG5qc7xkxTAiy-YCa9vMbEnSvqq5mN2-H8i1ujL0JHaQ17IuSoJAkH4KXg5d1cLSrJt00EPKEX68EFGIcet33shMBbewbx3BO9u8M/s320/UndertowCover.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Allen Ginsberg — "Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness."</b>
Those familiar with the GoodReads app will also be familiar with the fact that whenever you first open the app a random quote will come up as the page loads and updates. Well, when I opened my app the evening I wanted to first write my review for this book, <i>Undertow</i>, I thought it quite appropriate that the above quote was the one that loaded. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, "Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness." Why am I going on about quote instead of the book? It's actually quite simple. To me this quote perfectly sums up everything this book was about. Lyric Walker isn't like just any teenager out there. She is, in fact, strikingly different from her fellow classmates and friends. Heck, she's different from nearly everyone around her. The thing about Lyric is she's not human. Well, not fully anyway. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">But this fact isn't something she is particularly proud of, especially when the time comes that this tiny detail could indeed be the undoing of her entire life. When over night the beach at Coney Island becomes laden with "humanoid" creatures of the sea, a pending war is inevitable. Will the monsters and humans live together as one, United in their similarities? Of course not. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">And this is when Lyric must truly learn what it is that makes her who she is. Will she be strong enough to look beyond what she has always known in order to save her family, her friends, and even both her peoples? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was a superbly written fairytale of sorts, but like the original Brother's Grimm style ones- not the Disney ones. Inventive, full of imagination, but never lacking a good story or action. This book was the complete package. My only complaint, and the reason for my assigning it 4 instead of 5 hearts was because the ending seemed ever so slightly rushed. The author made sure to wrap things up, and we're this to be the only book, no sequels, I'd be content with the ending. However, I think there was room for the author to lay a little more foundational groundwork for his ending. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">All this considered, I think it is reasonable to suggest that perhaps this won't be the last we hear of Lyric. The way Buckley brought this story to close, in my opinion, sets things up beautifully for a follow up. This bookworm hopes that's the case anyhow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUR RATING: 4 hearts</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZk8RnQuszJQA_wJWUdTfhnxxX3QXlMocyUryDMSj-TCV4OhxKNXgTM-kIpWiXoO89a2jQyZj_Cbu23UO5u1jRgP3INq-PKN924ZaaJBqvI9w96x9VQndD8shxlSSFRuP6F3Pc7a7j9A/s1600/4heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZk8RnQuszJQA_wJWUdTfhnxxX3QXlMocyUryDMSj-TCV4OhxKNXgTM-kIpWiXoO89a2jQyZj_Cbu23UO5u1jRgP3INq-PKN924ZaaJBqvI9w96x9VQndD8shxlSSFRuP6F3Pc7a7j9A/s1600/4heart.jpg" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-69353765382538963932015-08-04T06:32:00.000-05:002015-08-04T06:33:29.056-05:00From A Distant Star by Karen McQuestion<b><span style="font-style: italic;">From A Distant Star </span>by Karen McQuestion</b><br />
<b>Geared Towards:</b> Teen & YA<br />
<b>Published By:</b> Skyscape<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> May 2015<br />
<b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1477830178<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbFcIPFsQN9wYhMViS4SnGZe40nx1X5JXhGz5lns5RiaCZMK27aPUsEzzOdX_vx7fBM_6LiCLlV8BI8F2wLT49KHr9BgvcPZ1d3kEkGALmZeXBKiEgwJsop187bG2KjL5S_TItlYRjog/s1600/FromADistantStarCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbFcIPFsQN9wYhMViS4SnGZe40nx1X5JXhGz5lns5RiaCZMK27aPUsEzzOdX_vx7fBM_6LiCLlV8BI8F2wLT49KHr9BgvcPZ1d3kEkGALmZeXBKiEgwJsop187bG2KjL5S_TItlYRjog/s320/FromADistantStarCover.jpg" width="213" /></a>Description from Amazon:<br />
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Seventeen-year-old Emma was the only one who
hadn’t given up on her boyfriend, Lucas. Everyone else—his family, his
friends, his doctors—was convinced that any moment could be his last. So
when Lucas miraculously returns from the brink of death, Emma thinks
her prayers have been answered.<br />
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As the surprised town rejoices,
Emma begins to question whether Lucas is the same boy she’s always
known. When she finds an unidentifiable object on his family’s farm—and
government agents come to claim it—she begins to suspect that nothing is
what it seems. Emma’s out-of-this-world discovery may be the key to
setting things right, but only if she and Lucas can evade the agents who
are after what they have. With all her hopes and dreams on the line,
Emma sets out to save the boy she loves. And with a little help from a
distant star, she might just have a chance at making those dreams come
true.<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From fabulously gorgeous cover to cover I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this book! What an incredible storyline and sweet characters you could really get attached to. This was my first McQuestion book, but most certainly not my last. It was such a cute, clean, and fast paced story full of heart. I adored how the author chose to draw her plot lines together, and how beautifully everything worked out in the end. A little sci-fi fantasy, a little mystery, and a little romance- all in a day's reading. Five hearts across the board. Reading this little gem was an utmost pleasure.<br />
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OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigewS5QKBIkigr0_8THFtJbHYLEjPJ-2L3Tvx1pfbDPt_rVB9Wd21Z_XGkSXfiokcSJCZyDx27AZLJ4dAgIY0rbVBeNw9T3kgaESDWAtgUl-Ew6QDgNXBVbpR8p4CDd-_d_riYxEbq1Cw/s1600/5heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigewS5QKBIkigr0_8THFtJbHYLEjPJ-2L3Tvx1pfbDPt_rVB9Wd21Z_XGkSXfiokcSJCZyDx27AZLJ4dAgIY0rbVBeNw9T3kgaESDWAtgUl-Ew6QDgNXBVbpR8p4CDd-_d_riYxEbq1Cw/s1600/5heart.jpg" /></a><br />
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RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-4021136884577890732015-08-03T03:36:00.000-05:002015-08-16T07:16:17.154-05:00Alive by Scott Sigler<b><span style="font-style: italic;">Alive </span>by Scott Sigler</b><br />
<b>Geared Towards:</b> Teen & YA<br />
<b>Published By:</b> DelRay<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> July 2015<br />
<b>ISBN-13:</b>978-0553393101<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ozhycb_DNIDXBYOsI7YnZ7H3cp04uxd-WrBacF9CMqzhLYIq4CjS80cy1FXODt7eyQcq6Z8ceJNyPZLmL4C47hWtPZpASvceomTelrMEHzeQDVJRGulYYFuPxH5zwFnR_PV_4lWZA8/s1600/AliveCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ozhycb_DNIDXBYOsI7YnZ7H3cp04uxd-WrBacF9CMqzhLYIq4CjS80cy1FXODt7eyQcq6Z8ceJNyPZLmL4C47hWtPZpASvceomTelrMEHzeQDVJRGulYYFuPxH5zwFnR_PV_4lWZA8/s320/AliveCover.jpg" width="213" /></a>Description from Amazon:<br />
For fans of <i>The Hunger Games, Divergent, </i>and<i> Red Rising</i>
comes a gripping sci-fi adventure in which a group of teenagers wake up
in a mysterious corridor with no knowledge of who they are or how they
got trapped. Their only hope lies with an indomitable young woman who
must lead them not only to answers but to survival.<br />
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I initially found the book's storyline to be a little monotonous, but I must say it did get better. When more details began to come out about half way or so through the story the whole thing took on a different feel for me. It was a genuinely bizarre storyline, and my interest is now piqued in regards to where the author will go next with it. As this is the first installment in the Generations Trilogy, I think it is safe to say I will give the next book a go when it comes out.<br />
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Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the review opportunity.<br />
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OUR RATING: 4 hearts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkNtcoFmRww-GAikaaVAafumJihzxVNKFSzNFSLzHyTTpbASWS3-xo99ETXS2_mPLFAS1TDY4I5SGyRPJbtQzPptLqqrBZwhd8H0kyTsAUXbTJHDAydccgDOTT1XMnbxW3PTeyzKnUr8/s1600/4heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkNtcoFmRww-GAikaaVAafumJihzxVNKFSzNFSLzHyTTpbASWS3-xo99ETXS2_mPLFAS1TDY4I5SGyRPJbtQzPptLqqrBZwhd8H0kyTsAUXbTJHDAydccgDOTT1XMnbxW3PTeyzKnUr8/s1600/4heart.jpg" /></a><br />
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Read an excerpt of Alive from @penguinrandom <a href="http://bit.ly/1KLInL6">http://bit.ly/1KLInL6</a><br />
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8/16/2015 UPDATED TO ADD: I'd like to remind my readers that this book is also available as an audiobook from <a href="http://www.audible.com/">Audible Studios</a>. Be sure to check out this audio <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audible/alive-book-one-generations-trilogy">clip</a> from the book, compliments of Audible.RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-16632834666712378542015-08-03T03:05:00.000-05:002015-08-03T03:07:19.743-05:00Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty<b><span style="font-style: italic;">Serafina and the Black Cloak </span>by </b>Robert Beatty<br />
<b>Geared Towards:</b> Ages 8-12<br />
<b>Published By:</b> Disney-Hyperion<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> July 2015<br />
<b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1484709016 <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmaQUjarWaPn-p1I4NgOsNy1j3p1eUVdf1bO0wD4XsDLBMtlL6eWAcCRePKpP1z-LTiqSbo7z3RYPzR8MkMpuGnA_FUUgABITcQUTx82HQfWkqhokrH8_oTvNrj7FLRP7XijGq1rvDy8/s1600/SerafinaAndTheBlackCloakCover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmaQUjarWaPn-p1I4NgOsNy1j3p1eUVdf1bO0wD4XsDLBMtlL6eWAcCRePKpP1z-LTiqSbo7z3RYPzR8MkMpuGnA_FUUgABITcQUTx82HQfWkqhokrH8_oTvNrj7FLRP7XijGq1rvDy8/s320/SerafinaAndTheBlackCloakCover.png" width="207" /></a>Description from Amazon:<br />
<i>"Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."</i><br />
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Serafina
has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds
of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs.
Vanderbilt's vast and oppulent home, but she must take care to never be
seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and
her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as
long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the
darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's
hidden doors and secret passageways.</div>
<div>
<br />
But
when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the
clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's
corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks
everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew
of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the
Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by
one.<br />
<br />
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has
been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In
order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her
darkest enemy, but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity.<br />
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From the delightful cover to the story itself, this was a five heart read. Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this review opportunity. </div>
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What a great book! I quite enjoy a good YA title now and then, and this one did not disappoint with its fast paced mystery and action. Well developed characters with an exciting story to tell made for one hard to put down page turner. This is a book for readers of all ages, but does have a slightly dark edge to it which may be a little too intense for really young readers. I'd say 4th grade and up is probably an ideal age bracket. And it's perfect reading material for the remaining Summer holidays.</div>
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OUR RATING: 5 hearts</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm4uwf4n69pqmr_x9NcVmD8KM4hWtdwyRwftXVwZTqyMNw04MRkd3ntwWbJiTEc_bjBlNcjtyq2dmjDwrSZDFheGLRRbwkRWYgWjWkHS7wfdFXi8hftzp_TXh7TlM6Ip20WX9X6kl36c/s1600/5heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm4uwf4n69pqmr_x9NcVmD8KM4hWtdwyRwftXVwZTqyMNw04MRkd3ntwWbJiTEc_bjBlNcjtyq2dmjDwrSZDFheGLRRbwkRWYgWjWkHS7wfdFXi8hftzp_TXh7TlM6Ip20WX9X6kl36c/s1600/5heart.jpg" /></a></div>
RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-42500356118826721032015-08-03T02:45:00.004-05:002015-08-03T02:45:36.918-05:00This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This Is Where It Ends </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">by Marieke Nijkamp</span><br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Teens/YA<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Sourcebooks Fire<br />
<strong>Publication Date:</strong> January 5, 2016<br />
<strong>ISBN-13:</strong> 978-1492622468<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITy7p48MtAW9-uVY0T_F0zNytCTI0Zp7WIqHNinrtu_TtwTkqS97hrZD1mAD3OwvHEQ2IYd6_GLFhb3uw-_sHBNclAKzvCGJmF3lzMUavRMKV5L5dOYxNqYSDl9r3gtG9XI4VShzxQKE/s1600/ThisIsWhereItEndsCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITy7p48MtAW9-uVY0T_F0zNytCTI0Zp7WIqHNinrtu_TtwTkqS97hrZD1mAD3OwvHEQ2IYd6_GLFhb3uw-_sHBNclAKzvCGJmF3lzMUavRMKV5L5dOYxNqYSDl9r3gtG9XI4VShzxQKE/s320/ThisIsWhereItEndsCover.jpg" width="213" /></a>54 minutes. 54 minutes for the world as they know it to open up and swallow them whole. 54 minutes of gut wrenching, soul shattering terror. 54 minutes to survive. <br />
<br />Wow! From the first page I became completely immersed in This Is Where It Ends, a truly terrifying story. Told in a back and forth multi person perspective, this story unfolds around an attack inside a small town high school. As the students closest to the shooter live out the horror first hand, they silently recall everything that has brought them forward in time to this particular point. Hopes, dreams, stolen kisses... Because all of these make up who we are, where we've come from, and where we are going.<br /><br />Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me this incredible, "edge of my seat" literary experience. <br />
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OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm4uwf4n69pqmr_x9NcVmD8KM4hWtdwyRwftXVwZTqyMNw04MRkd3ntwWbJiTEc_bjBlNcjtyq2dmjDwrSZDFheGLRRbwkRWYgWjWkHS7wfdFXi8hftzp_TXh7TlM6Ip20WX9X6kl36c/s1600/5heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm4uwf4n69pqmr_x9NcVmD8KM4hWtdwyRwftXVwZTqyMNw04MRkd3ntwWbJiTEc_bjBlNcjtyq2dmjDwrSZDFheGLRRbwkRWYgWjWkHS7wfdFXi8hftzp_TXh7TlM6Ip20WX9X6kl36c/s1600/5heart.jpg" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-7122705132512645372015-08-03T02:23:00.003-05:002015-08-03T02:30:52.886-05:00The Lost Girl: A Fear Street Novel by R.L. Stine<b><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lost Girl: A Fear Street Novel </span>by R.L. Stine</b><br />
<b>Geared Towards:</b> Ages 12+<br />
<b>Published By:</b> St. Martin's Griffin<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 29, 2015<br />
<b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1250051639<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vegaQlEzVBMF1QlrAMqOdb-i19-fW8G-_bN_NJDQZtQU-q2ROykRx7zXeC_j-FVjiqa7bjsuz-XZkFzD1mRJYfFO9Yd5gM8VHP8m9z-uEAUdMD1N90MG577o-fEou34Dqw0o_pXkgQw/s1600/TheLostGirlCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vegaQlEzVBMF1QlrAMqOdb-i19-fW8G-_bN_NJDQZtQU-q2ROykRx7zXeC_j-FVjiqa7bjsuz-XZkFzD1mRJYfFO9Yd5gM8VHP8m9z-uEAUdMD1N90MG577o-fEou34Dqw0o_pXkgQw/s320/TheLostGirlCover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Description from Amazon:<br />
Generations of children and teens have grown up on R.L. Stine's bestselling and hugely popular horror series, Fear Street and <i>Goosebumps.</i> Now, the <i>Fear Street </i>series
is back with a chilling new installment, packed with pure nightmare
fodder that will scare Stine's avid fan base of teen readers and adults.
New student Lizzy Palmer is the talk of Shadyside High. Michael and his
girlfriend Pepper befriend her, but the closer they get to her, the
stranger she seems… and the more attractive she is to Michael. He
invites her to join him on a snowmobile race that ends in a tragic
accident. Soon, Michael's friends start being murdered, and Pepper
becomes convinced that Lizzy is behind the killings. But to her total
shock, she and Michael are drawn into a tragic story of an unthinkable
betrayal committed over 60 years ago. Frightening and tense in the way
that only this master of horror can deliver<i>, The Lost Girl</i> is another terrifying Fear Street novel by the king of juvenile horror. <br />
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When I was a girl I loved reading R.L. Stine's Goosebumps and Fear Street books. Now a parent myself, my oldest daughter (11) sometimes enjoys the Goosebumps ones and the old TV show. So having the opportunity to read a new release in the Fear Street series was almost like taking a trip down memory lane.<br />
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It may be years later in a series reboot, but we have another knock out from YA Horror master, R.L. Stine. The Lost Girl was a dark and twisted story from the very start. Brutal and gory too. So, young readers should approach with caution. But, you know you'll read it anyway. Who am I kidding?! <br />
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Excellent and full of scary, good fun.<br />
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OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD_YfOcrQOLc-Hxno58y2E3OV6QdXrkiD74TtY3js0DMRWohr6Dflls9w8omzk_OF5ieSuEjRTt0PBGGDMTv0A8g1jWlzhDj1jGFSWR4lgJZIhnxWMps7S5BmBzrNKPYQR3wx9CdTfdA/s1600/5heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD_YfOcrQOLc-Hxno58y2E3OV6QdXrkiD74TtY3js0DMRWohr6Dflls9w8omzk_OF5ieSuEjRTt0PBGGDMTv0A8g1jWlzhDj1jGFSWR4lgJZIhnxWMps7S5BmBzrNKPYQR3wx9CdTfdA/s1600/5heart.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-32708340335442504082015-08-03T00:42:00.001-05:002015-08-03T00:42:29.933-05:00It's been a while...If there's even anyone still around that follows, or rather followed,
this blog you'll notice it's been quite a while since I last posted.
What can I say? Life is one crazy, busy ride. Between being a full time
wife, working mother of two, school/church volunteer, and more I simply
became overwhelmed and decided I needed to take a step back from
reviewing. I never quit reading with my girls, but I simply had to
lessen my responsibilities.<br />
<br />
Now it's a few years down
the road and I'm feeling like I can once again carve out a little time
each week or month to include any YA reviews here when I have them.<br />
<br />
So, let's see how this goes. Wish me luck and Happy Reading! =)RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-6349216832704128912010-07-15T12:37:00.011-05:002010-07-15T20:55:07.191-05:00The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ask and the Answer </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">by Patrick Ness</span><br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 14+<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Candlewick<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> September 2009<br /><strong>ISBN-13:</strong> 978-0-7636-4490-1<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfiLaeVfW4thbNm_-yzhxW3-8N1QcArtcGVEcOEXFRMztpI3jbw1yrI1TR7cL7dxct5eKh94kJeO27UEKkJqwiZAqiOL1sbJdtZE2LjIs7FjAFmaCSLGU7YyaLDHMTAsH67eLJrXF-u4/s1600/askandanswer.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfiLaeVfW4thbNm_-yzhxW3-8N1QcArtcGVEcOEXFRMztpI3jbw1yrI1TR7cL7dxct5eKh94kJeO27UEKkJqwiZAqiOL1sbJdtZE2LjIs7FjAFmaCSLGU7YyaLDHMTAsH67eLJrXF-u4/s320/askandanswer.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494228493805568050" border="0" /></a>If you enjoy reading a good thriller, ripe with horror and delight, then look no further. For the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Chaos Walking</span></span> series by Patrick Ness will fit that bill perfectly with its unique and terrifying storyline.<br /><br />In the first book of the series, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Knife of Never Letting Go</span>, you learn that the world can be a very scary place, and no matter how much you think you know you may never be right. Set in a world of "noise", Todd has never known silence- not in the sense that you or I have. Cursed with a disease from the Spackle, an alien race, a person's thoughts are no longer his and his alone. It's a dark and dangerous world, nothing like the settlers envisioned when they first came to this new planet. Yet it's the only world Todd has ever known. It's not a fun place necessarily, but it's home.<br /><br />And then a day comes that Todd must question everything he's ever been taught or thought true. In that day, Todd discovers the most horrifying thing of all- silence. Unlike anything he's ever known, Todd hears a silence so pure it could be almost maddening if it weren't for the fact that it is so amazing. Delving deep in to his search to discover the root of the quiet, Todd quickly finds out that much of what he's grown to think of as truth is infact complete and utter lies.<br /><br />With his world crumbling down all around him, Todd finds himself wrapped up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. With his new found friend, Viola, at his side Todd does what any sane person would do, he runs. Initially the plan was just to get out and away, but rumor along the way says there's a town by the name of Haven where there is a cure for the "noise" and where they will be safe. If they can just get there...<br /><br />Book 2, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ask and the Answer, </span>picks up right where it's predecessor left off. The trouble is, when they get to Haven it is anything but. For unfortunately they weren't fast enough. Choosing the path of least resistance, the town of Haven has given itself over to the invading army of Prentisstown. With its officials and leaders overthrown, the new law in town is the frightful Mayor Prentiss. Having promoted himself from Mayor to President, Mr. Prentiss has also renamed Haven to New Prentisstown. Sadly <span style="font-style: italic;">New</span> Prentisstown does not appear to be any more serene or safe than the old. Quite to Todd and Viola's dismay, it may even be worse.<br /><br />In old Prentisstown you knew what you were getting, but here there's a feigned attitude of normalcy despite the government being overthrown, the segregation of sexes, and the general air of doom. Having managed to overcome so much opposition on the road, Todd and Viola are not prepared for what's about to happen them.<br /><br />Ripped apart almost immediately, the two are thrust into separate areas of the town not knowing what has become of the other. This is most especially difficult for Todd because when they arrived in town he was carrying his bloodied companion as her body struggled to withstand the damage caused to it by a bullet from Davy Prentiss' [the mayor's son's] gun. Todd is promptly detained and tortured; meanwhile, Viola is whisked away to a House of Healing where her wound can be properly taken care of.<br /><br />Days pass and neither have any indication as to what has happened to the other, only the empty promises from Mayor Prentiss that neither has nor will be harmed. Consistently pushing to gain Viola's confidence, the President tries to persuade her to his side. When the settler ships land, she will be his way in- his way to assure he stays in control. Viola doesn't trust him though, knows he's a devilish liar. And still something about the way he presents himself, something about the words he speaks make everything that much more believable.<br /><br />In the House of Healing where she was first taken, Viola discovers there is a plot brewing to upset the current regime. Not wanting to dine with the dragon but likewise not wanting to do anything that could have ill repercussions for Todd, wherever the Mayor might be keeping him, Viola treads lightly. Walking a high rope of uncertainty, she knows she has no other choice. Both sides present what could be a somewhat dependable story if only she didn't know so much already.<br /><br />Caught up in the pain of his loss and the helplessness of his confinement, Todd struggles to understand how he is to free himself, save Viola- if she's not already dead, and all the while make it out alive. Escape is all but impossible with his guard dog Davy always breathing down his neck. And then, when he least expects it, Todd sees his chance. The question is, could it be a trap?<br /><br />Just like the first installment of Todd's story, this book was an incredible and addicting read. Wrought with torment, anguish, and pain the character's came alive as their distressing tales were told and weaved together with just enough love and hope sprinkled in for good measure. Of course, since this is only the second book in a trilogy, we are left with yet another nail biting cliff hanger ending. The positive to this though is that book 3 is already out in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. We'll get it here in the States and Canada in September!!! That gives you just enough time to pick up your own copy of books 1 and 2 in the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Chaos Walking </span></span>series, before heading out for a copy of book 3, <span style="font-style: italic;">Monsters of Men </span>when it hits the shelve<span style="font-style: italic;">s. </span>I can hardly wait!!!<br /><br />OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQEJpcSZ1u5acOLlmHZMWFu97sejs_gL2ajjkxwwC5Pg7IzUXvXIZbXLNmZ9xuuwmyPAtd5HSZzxD5s3szsAoDAdyOw4pEW_f3W8e5dMpqivWSJTEomgbd9AbRPw194Lb-hTkkLM3Gts/s1600/5heart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 24px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQEJpcSZ1u5acOLlmHZMWFu97sejs_gL2ajjkxwwC5Pg7IzUXvXIZbXLNmZ9xuuwmyPAtd5HSZzxD5s3szsAoDAdyOw4pEW_f3W8e5dMpqivWSJTEomgbd9AbRPw194Lb-hTkkLM3Gts/s200/5heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494231381358151442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Want to read my complete and original review of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Knife of Never Letting Go</span>? Click <a href="http://readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/ya-book-blog-tour-knife-of-never.html">here</a>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />P.S. On a side note... I found that "<span style="font-style: italic;">Resistance</span>" and "<span style="font-style: italic;">Uprising</span>", both by MUSE, were the perfect songs to listen to while writing this review. Each seems, to me anyhow, to be perfectly suited "soundtrack" songs for this book. ;)<br /></span>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-85380082743450487442010-07-05T14:17:00.010-05:002010-07-15T11:20:09.844-05:00Little Black Ant on Park Street by Janet Halfmann<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Little Black Ant on Park Street</span> by Janet Halfmann<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illustrated By: </span>Kathleen Rietz<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Geared Towards: </span>Ages 4-8<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Published By:</span> Trudy Corporation & the Smithsonian Institution<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</span> December 2009<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ISBN:</span> 978-1-60727-003-4<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUY17qfp2Ikrf23edhZBRMi_AhditSPT5J9ddAlvQsVqVQi_t-9raq71-4epqZUofFDN3iMQxsasT5Fa4MCPD7myHSBwoRaEri_fhE0LMy6Os4Kej522dYx4EsYThcBWTSX7VYr8u47g/s1600/littleblackant.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUY17qfp2Ikrf23edhZBRMi_AhditSPT5J9ddAlvQsVqVQi_t-9raq71-4epqZUofFDN3iMQxsasT5Fa4MCPD7myHSBwoRaEri_fhE0LMy6Os4Kej522dYx4EsYThcBWTSX7VYr8u47g/s320/littleblackant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494166027806841522" border="0" /></a>I never knew this line of books existed, but after reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Black Ant on Park Street</span> by Janet Halfmann I know I simply must look into finding more books published by this company. Halfmann is a amazing author, and I have been a huge fan since I first had the opportunity to read and review her earlier title, <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Skink's Tail</span>, published by the incredible Sylvan Dell. But back to Soundprint's Smithsonian's Backyard, and more specifically <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Black Ant on Park Street.</span><br /><br />If you have a young child who is interested in the how's and why's of nature, then I highly recommend this book. Accompanied by colorful and very realistic illustrations, this story documents the journey of a solitary little black ant as she goes through the day to day activities that comprise the life of one so small. Halfmann does a fantastic job of describing the design and function of an anthill and the hierarchy within. And in a language young children can easily understand, she explains how ants travel; search for food; and work as part of a group for the greater good.<br /><br />Who knew an ant's life would actually offer up some good life lessons that even we as human beings can learn from? Well, it's true. The tiny black ant displays an attitude of dedication, intelligence, independence yet with ties to a group oneness, and a strength of ingenuity. When life gets difficult or a job seems too big to tackle, the seemingly insignificant ant doesn't get upset, she simply finds a solution. Whether it is asking for help or keeping her head down and staying on the path, she gets what she needs to get done and finds fulfillment within the act and end results.<br /><br />It's a lesson I know I can use to take to heart. If a tiny little ant can accomplish so much simply by dedicating herself, how much more can I, as a person, accomplish if I set my mind to it? How great can my life be if I really apply myself?<br /><br />Yes, this book definitely provides some wonderful life and scientific lessons, but it also provides something more basic- pure entertainment. Watching as the little ant on Park Street goes through her day was both educational and full of heart. Coming from someone who generally can not stand ants, I'd have to say I really found myself drawn in to this book. Without a doubt, Halfmann has written another winner with <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Black Ant on Park Street</span>. It's been my privilege to have this review opportunity.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXQFftbWJE_PTnbzsBpLpAt25A2-49OpHU5i6nJvKPtIEdE-ygv07lXHCyL3SPgcbXFAewosz6_oyFWfuwMx2Z_Ray3jUHulJKObXH1UnBd4MLpemFFqx297NgjKKNXPPKHt97dehChM/s1600/5heart.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 24px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXQFftbWJE_PTnbzsBpLpAt25A2-49OpHU5i6nJvKPtIEdE-ygv07lXHCyL3SPgcbXFAewosz6_oyFWfuwMx2Z_Ray3jUHulJKObXH1UnBd4MLpemFFqx297NgjKKNXPPKHt97dehChM/s200/5heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494166796416149234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />***MORE ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION LINE, AS SEEN ON THE BACK OF THE BOOK***<br />"Smithsonian's Backyard... is a world of wonder for children intrigued by the wildlife outside their windows. These entertaining stories answer many questions children have about the habits and habitats of the animals in our own backyards. The series excites children about reading and learning, using interactive storybooks, audiobooks and stuffed animal toys. This title was developed under the direct supervision of curators for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History."RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-48117595256345065982010-06-29T13:51:00.002-05:002010-06-29T13:55:52.809-05:00Another FREE Online Book Offer: The Poison Diaries by Maryrose WoodHere is another great online offer. <span style="font-style:italic;">The Poison Diaries</span> isn't even in stores yet, but Harper Collins has posted it in it's entirety online. Interested readers should check it out soon though as I don't know for how long it will be available. <br /><br /><table width="184" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td width="30"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/book/browseinsidemain.aspx?WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget06c046fc-6d34-464d-bed3-a6cd756ed433" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxLeft.gif" width="30" height="182" border="0" alt="" /></a></td><td style="background-image:url(http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxCenter.gif);" align="center" valign="middle"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061802362&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget06c046fc-6d34-464d-bed3-a6cd756ed433" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/small/2/9780061802362.jpg" border="0" style="margin-bottom:5px;" /></a><br /><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biCaret.gif" style="margin: 0px 2px 2px 2px;" align="absbottom" border="0" /><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061802362&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget06c046fc-6d34-464d-bed3-a6cd756ed433" target="_blank" style="color:#FF0000;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;">Browse Inside this book</a><div style="margin-top:5px;"></div><a style="color:#FF0000;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;"href="http://www.harpercollins.com/book/index.aspx?isbn=9780061802362&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget06c046fc-6d34-464d-bed3-a6cd756ed433" target="_blank">Get this for your site</a><br /></td><td width="8"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxRight.gif" width="8" height="182" alt=""></td></tr></table>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-43354431390622659022010-06-29T13:38:00.002-05:002010-06-29T13:41:26.036-05:00FREE Online Read: Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard<table width="184" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td width="30"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/book/browseinsidemain.aspx?WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget7a880e7f-7b59-4e16-a70d-57e0cbcf12c6" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxLeft.gif" width="30" height="182" border="0" alt="" /></a></td><td style="background-image:url(http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxCenter.gif);" align="center" valign="middle"><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780062009548&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget7a880e7f-7b59-4e16-a70d-57e0cbcf12c6" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/small/8/9780062009548.jpg" border="0" style="margin-bottom:5px;" /></a><br /><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biCaret.gif" style="margin: 0px 2px 2px 2px;" align="absbottom" border="0" /><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780062009548&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget7a880e7f-7b59-4e16-a70d-57e0cbcf12c6" target="_blank" style="color:#FF0000;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;">Browse Inside this book</a><div style="margin-top:5px;"></div><a style="color:#FF0000;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;"href="http://www.harpercollins.com/book/index.aspx?isbn=9780062009548&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget7a880e7f-7b59-4e16-a70d-57e0cbcf12c6" target="_blank">Get this for your site</a><br /></td><td width="8"><img src="http://www.harpercollins.com/services/browseinside/images/biBoxRight.gif" width="8" height="182" alt=""></td></tr></table><br /><br />I read this book a couple of years ago; it was really pretty cute. I haven't had the chance to read any of the others in this series, but hopefully will one of these days. Enjoy the freebie! =)RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-37559064058422022852010-06-05T20:00:00.005-05:002010-06-05T21:40:54.230-05:00A Leap of Faith by Sabine S. Goldman<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A Leap of Faith</span> by Sabine S. Goldman<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Geared Towards: </span>Ages 9-12<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Published By:</span> Strategic Book Publishing<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</span> July 2009<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ISBN:</span> 978-1-60693-954-3<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBMZgRnCpJzr8yYWqqVt7tSrj6NrvsG3ZnPW3w_AWYYzrPyfbaY7rSJVU6JWK__LDiKQ34e4_fcmZGUsvjeMbtlo0cYetpw4kQJnUja6OpB2DE0AdHi7qqy8xfjNIock84UbahyA7jCI/s1600/aleapoffaith.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBMZgRnCpJzr8yYWqqVt7tSrj6NrvsG3ZnPW3w_AWYYzrPyfbaY7rSJVU6JWK__LDiKQ34e4_fcmZGUsvjeMbtlo0cYetpw4kQJnUja6OpB2DE0AdHi7qqy8xfjNIock84UbahyA7jCI/s320/aleapoffaith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479484929759088162" border="0" /></a>We live in a world full of endless possibilities and opportunities. Countless events take place every moment just outside our view, but just because we do not see these things happen does not make them any less real. What if just outside our realm of knowledge and understanding there was another whole world of life? What if legends and tales of days gone by were true? What if faeries, or rather Pixies, actually were to co-exist alongside our human world?<br /><br />According to Sabine S. Goldman's, <span style="font-style: italic;">A Leap of Faith</span>, such a reality is not so far fetched. Pixies do exist and take up residence in many places within our human realm. And one place in particular that they call home is Windhill Tree.<br /><br />Life in the Windhill Tree should be blissful; but Faith, a fiery sixteen year old Pixie, has never felt like she fit in. Compared to the other Pixies in her home, Faith both looks and acts differently. Unlike others of her kind, her heart desires to explore, and explore she does. But when Faith's father finds out that her love of exploration has been taking her beyond her community's borders to observe the humans he is furious. Not only is interacting with humans incredibly dangerous, it's also expressly forbidden by the Pixie code.<br /><br />After being found out by her father, Faith can't stand to sit around and see her punishment come to pass. She has been told that her lightening ceremony is to be canceled, but a Pixie who goes without her lighting ceremony is doomed. It is at this time only that a Pixie will gain her powers, including the ability to always fly. If she is to be denied her chance at a full Pixie life, Faith can't begin to imagine what she will do. Her interest in humans has always been hard to ignore, but certainly just watching from the sidelines can't warrant this kind of punishment.<br /><br />It doesn't take long for Faith to realize the gravity of her misjudgement. Deep in thought on her favorite red mushroom with white polka dots, she never notices the humans getting closer. And before she can even realize what has happened, Faith finds herself caught up in the hand of a human girl. This particular girl, Sam, is one Faith has watched diligently over time. Something about her in particular has always drawn Faith's attention, yet now with no space between them Faith understands how serious her miscalculations might have been.<br /><br />Faith's journey doesn't end here; however, I don't want to give away any more of the story or else you won't have any reason to read it for yourself. And that, my fellow bookworms, would be completely unfair to both you and the author. Sabine S. Goldman has done a fabulous job creating Faith's world and telling her story. Perfect for any young adult whether this reader has a pre-existing interest in the world Pixies and/or faeries or not.<br /><br />I found the story to be quite endearing, and Faith's lone spirit is an aspect I know many young readers can relate to. Feeling outcast and alone is, sadly, an all too common complaint in today's society, but as readers will discover it does not have to be that way. You are never alone, no matter how different you are. Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and from all walks of life. And if it takes a tiny Pixie to get this point across so be it!<br /><br />I had one small complaint in regards to the story development, but it's hard to be too specific without giving anything important away. I guess the easiest way to explain would be to simply say that I found part of the story's progression about 9/10ths of the way through to be somewhat unbelievable. Based on information given earlier in the book it just didn't fit. The way some of the character's responded to certain events seemed all too easy, like the progression was rushed in order to draw the story to a close. I don't know. Maybe I'm way off base and reading too much in to things. I guess I'll leave that up to you, the other readers, to decide.<br /><br />Despite this minor criticism, I must say it was an absolute pleasure to discover and read this little gem. Infact, my deepest thanks go out to Sabine for allowing me this review opportunity. THANK YOU!! Looking forward to seeing what twists and turns <span style="font-style: italic;">A Leap of Faith- A New Beginning</span>, Ms. Goldman's next installment takes.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>OUR RATING: 4 heartsRebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-84178503668470444732010-05-18T13:50:00.005-05:002010-05-18T14:20:36.625-05:00Jeri Smith-Ready's SHADEI love Jeri Smith-Ready's adult/young adult books. She's amazing. Now she's got a new teen fiction debut, <span style="font-style: italic;">Shade</span>; I just can not wait to read it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Preview from Jeri Smith-Ready's website (found here)<br /></span><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4fhFGlUNUDtIXzj2d3SCfsvGwDbM9sw16lKIoywqN5wzIG98wrG4Im0dTQpW58zvBQL9fsH4N3DDHNA3B6Essw4mADExEyBTmwf7qBCZaK70Gtg5B9dY7c-VKHk6vi4O7bIUMMTu8mI/s1600/Shade_cover_blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4fhFGlUNUDtIXzj2d3SCfsvGwDbM9sw16lKIoywqN5wzIG98wrG4Im0dTQpW58zvBQL9fsH4N3DDHNA3B6Essw4mADExEyBTmwf7qBCZaK70Gtg5B9dY7c-VKHk6vi4O7bIUMMTu8mI/s200/Shade_cover_blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472690137269440962" border="0" /></a><strong>Love ties them together.<br />Death can't tear them apart.</strong></p> <br /><p style="font-family: arial;">Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plan for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.<br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.</span><br /><br /></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, sort of.</span><br /> <br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has</span> always <span style="font-family:arial;">been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.</span></p><br /> <p style="font-family: arial;">It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.</p> <br /><p style="font-family: arial;">As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.</p> <br /><h4 style="font-family: arial;"><em>Look for the sequel, SHIFT, coming May 2011!!</em></h4><br />Check out the book trailer and the soundtrack she envisioned going along with it. :)<br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/J0MjKzZTbBE/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J0MjKzZTbBE&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J0MjKzZTbBE&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Click the below link to listen to the soundtrack.<br />http://www.playlist.com/playlist/19638927883/standaloneRebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-37130485609484906662010-04-13T16:01:00.001-05:002010-04-13T16:02:41.332-05:00UpdatingPlease forgive the mess as I redecorate and reorganize. I'm having some difficulties with the new template, and don't appear tech savvy enough to get over the hump. Please be patient as I take the time to figure out what needs to be done to get me past this snafu. Thanks!RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-55679591824979602812010-04-09T13:47:00.006-05:002010-04-13T16:04:30.255-05:00Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance</span> </span>by Annie Barrows<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illustrated By:</span> Sophie Blackall<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Geared Towards: </span>Ages 6-10<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Published By:</span> Chronicle Books<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date: </span>November 2009<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ISBN:</span> 978-0-8118-6266-0<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkjfBwsOoL9Cs3OAqg9a2X2vEzY-iFyu3Q3-LAnaCAIBP6_XbRGoIulDn_a_Bewoptc7elHHnMT2Dq1OG1ulhUf_q44t50MrFEvE9D71lEgLtjlbEQeKOLx8s4Vj0kHyWQO_VYcx0uJw/s1600/doomedtodancecover.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkjfBwsOoL9Cs3OAqg9a2X2vEzY-iFyu3Q3-LAnaCAIBP6_XbRGoIulDn_a_Bewoptc7elHHnMT2Dq1OG1ulhUf_q44t50MrFEvE9D71lEgLtjlbEQeKOLx8s4Vj0kHyWQO_VYcx0uJw/s320/doomedtodancecover.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459666370039979106" border="0" /></a>When you were a young girl, did you ever want to run away? Were you ever so thoroughly convinced that a broken limb or a horrible sickness might be the preferred option when up against something you really truly didn't want any part of? Did you ever convince your parents you wanted to participate in something that you all too soon discovered wasn't what you'd expected? Did you ever beg out only to be denied?<br /><br />All of these and more are true for Ivy and Bean the characters of Annie Barrows' early chapter book <span style="font-style: italic;">Ivy & Bean Doomed to Dance.</span><br /><br />Ivy and Bean are the best of friends, and these best friends are now cast as the unseemly "friendly squids" for their ballet recital. This is not at all what either of the girls signed up for. Who know ballet would be so awful? It was supposed to be fun like it was portrayed in<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Royal Book of the Ballet.</span></span> In the story of <span style="font-style: italic;">Giselle </span>there was dancing, the kicking off of heads, stabbing, and death. It was a ballet about an out and out brawl, far more entertaining than <span style="font-style: italic;">Wedding Beneath the Sea</span>.<br /><br />When the girls first got their bright idea to sign up for ballet, each had had to talk her parents into letting her go, and it wasn't an easy sell. Both Ivy and Bean had had to promise they wouldn't whine or complain, nor would they give up. But being stuck playing the part of a squid certainly warranted a small bit of whining, right? Mom and dad will surely understand and allow them to drop out of dance class. Wrong! Quitting is not an option.<br /><br />If they are to have a chance at outsmarting Madame Joy and making it out of the recital alive and without looking ridiculous as squid they're going to have to really start brainstorming. There are several options available to them. They could break an arm, get sick, or even run away. None of these options are ideal, but Ivy and Bean are prepared to do what it takes to get out dancing in Madame Joy's stupid ballet recital if it's the last thing they do.<br /><br />I had heard of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Ivy and Bean </span>books before, but this isn't a series my daughter had yet started on so neither had I. I have to say that I thought the storyline was really pretty cute, and I enjoyed how the author seemed to understand her characters. Reading as a parent it was very easy for me to see how true to form they really were. Little girls are indecisive and constantly changing their minds on what they like and don't like, want to do and don't want to do. They're bossy and don't like to be told what to do. They embarrass easily, and they are very curious young creatures. It's true that girls can be very mysterious, even from a young age, and as such it's hard to always figure them out. Ivy and Bean are no different.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>There was never any question in my mind that this book told a great, engaging story that any little girl would enjoy reading. I will admit though that when it started out I was a little taken aback by the dark tone of the discussion Ivy and Bean were having about ballet and <span style="font-style: italic;">Giselle</span> in particular. Seemed that bloody toes, murder, and suicide were all a bit much for a book geared at such a young age group. The story quickly turned from this towards a more lighthearted direction, and I understand why the author chose to incorporate these earlier aspects into her story. I just can't see handing the book over to my own 6 year old (who reads at a 4-5th grade level) to read just yet. I don't doubt that she'd enjoy the story and probably wouldn't even think too much of this initial bit, but I don't know...<br /><br />All things considered I'd certainly recommend the book; I'd just do so with a slight warning as I've already done here. As a whole I think <span style="font-style: italic;">Ive & Bean: Doomed to Dance </span>will be a real crowd pleaser among 1st to 4th grade girls. The story itself, told through eleven short chapters, is something they'll be able to relate to and laugh over. Plus the illustrations, done by Sophie Blackall, do a wonderful job of visually cataloging Ivy and Bean's adventure.<br /><br />**Thanks to Chronicle Books for giving me this review opportunity.**<br /><br />OUR GRADE: 4 hearts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFPN6xyLCLdz_QGv37C-o0V5JLT-3N5zK_ILkwJwahKhD5lUauLzsAR4QXJZATlmLWI6ONAfH6SbxCAVD36VqTxRjG0C839Tj9ECyrUXFGLvAqBnb0Wu1Ao3snvFCkbA_BBd4wxcvGlc/s1600/4heart.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 25px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFPN6xyLCLdz_QGv37C-o0V5JLT-3N5zK_ILkwJwahKhD5lUauLzsAR4QXJZATlmLWI6ONAfH6SbxCAVD36VqTxRjG0C839Tj9ECyrUXFGLvAqBnb0Wu1Ao3snvFCkbA_BBd4wxcvGlc/s200/4heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459667043457566178" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-54535879686433150322010-03-19T00:42:00.006-05:002010-03-19T02:07:01.848-05:00The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz<strong><em>The Night Fairy</em></strong> by Laura Amy Schlitz<br /><strong>Illustrated By:</strong> Angela Barrett<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 7-11<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Candlewick Press<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> February 2010<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-7636-3674-6<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkpcbQrpm2yxxo77BUwzJTq9nS6w9CfcpNHrn_6r5Y1hqeXWpYTti94y1T4w8716rV02HztX4AIyCRcDngow_YcMrf0krPwImfRAQmMLWI3f4iivaUwfv5t8o8d6FMJrPIbfZrrByz9c/s1600-h/nightfairy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450235516942840498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkpcbQrpm2yxxo77BUwzJTq9nS6w9CfcpNHrn_6r5Y1hqeXWpYTti94y1T4w8716rV02HztX4AIyCRcDngow_YcMrf0krPwImfRAQmMLWI3f4iivaUwfv5t8o8d6FMJrPIbfZrrByz9c/s320/nightfairy.jpg" border="0" /></a>Laura Amy Schlitz, acclaimed author and Newbery Medal Winner, has recently released her new illustrated fiction title, <em>The Night Fairy</em>. Flory, a night fairy, must learn how to survive when the tables are turned and she suddenly finds herself without a wings. A fairy without wings? Nonsense! Unfortunately though, this is not the case. <br /><br />As the author explains early on, fairies do not make good parents. So it is not uncommon at all for a young fairy to be left on her own to make her way through the big, amazing, and oh so very dangerous world. This normally would not be a problem, but for Flory the trouble comes when a little brown bat mistakes her for a moth. It only takes the creature a moment to realize the error of his ways; however, even by then the damage is already done. <br /><br />Flory, barely as tall as a single acorn, finds herself, a night fairy, wingless and alone. Uncertain as to what else she might do, Flory quietly locates a shelter [a giant's bird house] for herself and begins to brainstorm. To be a night fairy is to see and experience such undeniable beauty and awe. Still, without wings the dark of night is very dangerous and difficult to navigate. <br /><br />It's a bittersweet day when Flory determines that despite her heritage, it is now the day that offers her the most likely rewards and benefits- such as food, safety, and survival. With that, Flory renounces her night fairy name, and begins to live as a day fairy. But even the sunlight hours are full of obstacles and dangers galore. Flory must learn to not only live as a day fairy but to survive as one as well.<br /><br />Flory doesn't cater to anyone and quickly comes to the realization that someone as small as herself must learn to demand respect if she's going to get anywhere in life. And a wild temperment is just what the doctor prescribed. Bold and brazen, Flory steps out of the dark and in to the light as a day fairy. Determined to survive, she wastes no time in making the necessary demands of those creatures around her, most specifically Skuggle the squirrel. <br /><br />Despite the fact that he is more than double her size, Skuggle is an easy pawn. His tiny squirrel brain thinks almost always of food. And a hungry squirrel can easily be bought and coerced into doing exactly what one wants. It's not always easy, but soon Flory has Skuggle wrapped around her little finger and is able to travel the garden as she pleases. <br /><br />As she grows, Flory begins to discover she knows more and more magic. All the same, and even with a friend of size on her side, Flory must still be consciencious of her surroundings and never forget for a moment where she comes from. <br /><br /><em>The Night Fairy</em> is compact little book, but the story it contains within its pages is anything but simple. Full of drama and adventure this is the kind of fantasy that leaves the reader envisioning a sequel. The well thought out story combined with the beautiful watercolor illustrations make this short tale almost classical in style. It won't take you long to read it, and I guarantee you it won't just be because of the size. Schlitz's storytelling ability leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat as you root for Flory and her friend(s). You don't want the story to end, but as far as this particular installment is concerned you are left feeling satisfied and content. For the author leaves no strings untied, and does a wonderful job of bringing her story full circle. <br /><br />This delightful little tale of fancy is one I look forward to sharing with my own daughters. So thank you, Candlewick, for the review copy and opportunity. It's been a real pleasure!<br /><br />OUR GRADE: 4 hearts<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWwPJ71DL7gbY5W2iL-QKml5dptIbrGTiDwZXxsXT9X-1yUSvQ3HJxZKxitS2ivS58jmy8DvUzeT2LSFzOtBfFrXmKrMh9gPYAF50SDvk9iz-tOJXNm7_Q9oE7mkSS2blW7c60pHfuRU/s1600-h/4heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450234544018759170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 99px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 25px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWwPJ71DL7gbY5W2iL-QKml5dptIbrGTiDwZXxsXT9X-1yUSvQ3HJxZKxitS2ivS58jmy8DvUzeT2LSFzOtBfFrXmKrMh9gPYAF50SDvk9iz-tOJXNm7_Q9oE7mkSS2blW7c60pHfuRU/s200/4heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-7361798444045657922010-03-14T13:20:00.009-05:002010-03-19T00:34:31.876-05:00Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds<strong><em>Rose's Garden</em></strong> by Peter H. Reynolds<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 3 and Up<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Candlewick Press<br /><strong>Publication Date: </strong>October 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-7636-4641-7<br /><br /><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pZc2t1vOad0k9XcqJSDiCRg4yScTQI6E-4-1VfpvBehnlhFf47UTsoM5jFZnzd24LP51FX8QbrL3-DyC2WzmhKrBslADdNU57-8x6Bf4Z3Y3Zs4bP5qCffAQRSnjv4mAaEj9Hik7jY/s1600-h/roses-garden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448556851503532882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pZc2t1vOad0k9XcqJSDiCRg4yScTQI6E-4-1VfpvBehnlhFf47UTsoM5jFZnzd24LP51FX8QbrL3-DyC2WzmhKrBslADdNU57-8x6Bf4Z3Y3Zs4bP5qCffAQRSnjv4mAaEj9Hik7jY/s320/roses-garden.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rose's Garden</em> is an imaginative tale with a beautiful and inspirational sentiment. Written in dedication to Rose Fitzgerarld Kennedy herself, this story is meant to show the resplendent joy that a little hope, faith, and love can bring about.<br /><br />Rose is a wee girl, traveling the world in her giant tea pot. As she travels from one exotic land to another Rose slowly fills her incredible ship with seeds to remind her of each and every place. After a time her grand tea pot is overflowing with seeds, and with no further room Rose sets her sights on a place where her amazing journey can come to a halt.<br /><br />Once she finds a place to dock, Rose sets out to discover just the right spot for her glorious garden. It doesn't take long before she stumbles on to an ugly, abandoned lot just perfect for what she has in mind. Upon returning to her ship, however, Rose is dismayed to find that birds have swooped in and selfishly eaten all but a small handful of her prized seeds.<br /><br />Most people would find such a thing so depressing that all hope would be lost, but Rose is not most people. Unwilling to let a trivial detail such as this get her down, she scoops up the few remaining seeds and heads back to nestle them gently in the dirt. But time and the elements seem to be against Rose. Despite everything she does, her garden just won't grow.<br /><br />As word of her dream spreads, Rose suddenly discovers that she is not alone in wanting to make the world a more beautiful place around her. Children of all ages and color begin coming to her from around the community to share in her faith of a more beautiful tomorrow. Bringing with them colored paper flowers in all brilliant shades and designs, Rose's garden slowly begins to sprout forth before her eyes. It's not quite what she had initially envisioned, yet it's absolutely perfect.<br /><br />This lovely little picture book tells an endearing story ripe with originality and lots of heart. It's a story that not only inspires you to take in all the beauty around you, but to go after it without holding anything back. Life's an adventure but it can be amazing if you just allow yourself to dream big and never let go of your faith.<br /><br />OUR GRADE: 5 hearts<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26RNFPo_JrUsfGqAziDx7qyCl7r_2s0trjam5zfyce5RDYb2rD7fvoZFPXkv4QXPCj8F3blusCfNQlVbY6SeHkF9-12pK7f9sEnvt-bSq7DjYW4DYwS6gHrC5a0FrO6syJvIW6FgWAcg/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450213375914531858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26RNFPo_JrUsfGqAziDx7qyCl7r_2s0trjam5zfyce5RDYb2rD7fvoZFPXkv4QXPCj8F3blusCfNQlVbY6SeHkF9-12pK7f9sEnvt-bSq7DjYW4DYwS6gHrC5a0FrO6syJvIW6FgWAcg/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-69249939760518009102010-02-24T15:33:00.007-06:002010-02-24T16:05:11.648-06:00Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St. Jean<strong><em>Alyssa and the Spider</em></strong> by Alan St. Jean<br /><strong>Illustrated By:</strong> Libby Carruth Krock<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 4-10<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Oren Village<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-9777272-5-4<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDQ9aVYFd9yht0N3JebV8tojfUK4e_vCHjiOVd1McWwkNh0sBro2Chp57cRSuZGXAYJknQvBVCBM2l5F7gOJqFXDVub8nC8qLTx-a-nRtBIfBJM2FON1oHhqJBnydWyZ6tyO4q65dg78/s1600-h/alyssaandthepsider.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441933865606489970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDQ9aVYFd9yht0N3JebV8tojfUK4e_vCHjiOVd1McWwkNh0sBro2Chp57cRSuZGXAYJknQvBVCBM2l5F7gOJqFXDVub8nC8qLTx-a-nRtBIfBJM2FON1oHhqJBnydWyZ6tyO4q65dg78/s200/alyssaandthepsider.jpg" border="0" /></a>Little sis Alyssa wants to play with her big brother Ralphie while he's home for the Summer from school. Ralphie, however, just wants to be a boy. He wants to watch tv, eat snacks, and just relax. He's not asking much, but Alyssa just won't take "no" for an answer. And as Ralphie sends her off on her own to play he settles in for a nice afternoon of movie watching. Little does he know that soon his most dreaded nightmare could very well become his very reality.<br /><br />Rousing him from his afternoon break, Alyssa cries out for help. She's found a really big spider in her room, and only her big brother can help. Stuck between his own fear and his love for his baby sister, Ralphie must decide how best he can help Alyssa. Ralphie knows he can go up against a normal spider, but what if it's not a normal spider? His imagination gets the best of him, and suddenly Ralphie doesn't care about tv or snacks anymore. All he cares about is saving his sister. Life without her would be quieter for sure yet it would in no way be better.<br /><br />Pick up your copy of <em>Alyssa and the Spider</em> by Alan St Jean today and see what happens. Will Ralphie save his kid sister or will the nasty spider prevail? Told in a lilting rhyme, this is a story that is bound to interest any young child. Combine that with the brilliant watercolor and pencil illustrations by Libby Carruth Krock, and you've got yourself a real winner!<br /><br /><br />P.S. Watch for the print book that includes a special audio edition of the story narrated by the author himself. It's really fun and perfect to download to your child's iPod or to listen to in the car. Listen for the page turn ques and your child can even follow along with the book for pictures.<br /><br />P.P.S. Watch for an author blog/interview with Alan St. Jean coming soon here at Ready Set Read Reviews!<br /><br />OUR GRADE: 5 hearts<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK3f4SwFxz8__f7qeZzYQVnwVfR9OntWl7B47s8LRpXddSuL28ke86q0Ctyfvoth2VLx4lT2oaFNUZSs7ftPCh1dad_rFiXwSiJliuV2QOsIg1kvcDgV8PR8RN7IWt_AmwrsZPImiz0c/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441933639671460658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGK3f4SwFxz8__f7qeZzYQVnwVfR9OntWl7B47s8LRpXddSuL28ke86q0Ctyfvoth2VLx4lT2oaFNUZSs7ftPCh1dad_rFiXwSiJliuV2QOsIg1kvcDgV8PR8RN7IWt_AmwrsZPImiz0c/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-16129261486436781892010-02-24T11:09:00.006-06:002010-02-24T12:15:53.211-06:00Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko<em><strong>Al Capone Shines My Shoes: A Novel</strong></em> by Gennifer Choldenko<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 10 and up<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Dial Books for Young Readers<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> September 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-8037-3460-9<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPrJD2W5Hcvq2t6lYhHhAnLSjrybEw-hvGFNuiOC807q1RMs3tOwFGRiUkURJdP2v7Bsyf9Fjb9QZypWoh9tL6Q4ThFlQBSs03Ffi3BeOdY4OuXdt1t9lTOPfdYwkpahpPJCSMmWAzTk/s1600-h/al-capone-shines-my-shoes-2-200x300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441874494851619042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPrJD2W5Hcvq2t6lYhHhAnLSjrybEw-hvGFNuiOC807q1RMs3tOwFGRiUkURJdP2v7Bsyf9Fjb9QZypWoh9tL6Q4ThFlQBSs03Ffi3BeOdY4OuXdt1t9lTOPfdYwkpahpPJCSMmWAzTk/s320/al-capone-shines-my-shoes-2-200x300.jpg" border="0" /></a>Set in 1935 on Alcatraz island, <em>Al Capone Shines My Shoes</em> is the story of Moose Flanagan your average 12-year-old boy living in a very non-average place. How, you may wonder, did Moose come to live on Alcatraz of all places? It's not exactly like it's a kiddie park or something. Quite the contrary infact, as Alcatraz is an island prison filled with a few hundred of the country's meanest, nastiest, and dirtiest criminals. It's a place criminals fear and dread. And as has already been established, it's also Moose's home. </div><div></div><br /><div>Moose's dad is one of the Alcatraz prison guards, and as such he and his family take room and board there on the island. Really it's not all that bad. With other staff families living onsite as well, Moose has several friends to play with. They enjoy games of baseball in the parade grounds, and there's plenty of places to roam. All in all, it's not too bad at all.</div><div></div><br /><div>That is until the day that Moose decides to try and take his sister Natalie's well being in to his own hands. Always a compassionate brother wanting the best for his sister, Moose sends a message to Al Capone, one of the baddest and most notorious inmates Alcatraz has, asking him a favor. What Moose wants for his sister is not something he himself has the power to get. He hopes, however, that maybe with a little pull from someone with Capone's stature his wish can become a reality. For you see, Moose loves his sister dearly and she him, but that doesn't change the fact that something is wrong with Natalie. And what she needs most of all, besides the love and support of her family, is the opportunity to get in to a proper boarding school specializing in working with children with Natalie's problems. The one school in particular that Moose wants more than anything for his sister to be admitted to is the Esther P. Marinoff school in San Francisco. It's a place where hopefully with time she can be made normal, and with it only being a ferry ride away from Alcatraz Moose knows if she gains admitance he'll still be able to visit her. Could be that it's a win win situation. </div><br /><div></div><div>Then the fateful day came- the day the most infamous gangster in America replied personally to Moose and his request. Perhaps it wasn't something he honestly expected to happen. Perhaps he didn't think it all the way through. But whatever the case, Al Capone sends Moose a note via the laundry letting him know his request has been filled. It's a great day for Moose! Until he finds out with every favor comes a returned request. </div><br /><div></div><div>Terrified of having Natalie loose her new found place at the prestigious boarding school or worse yet his dad lose his job, Moose doesn't know what he should do. Having received yet another note, this one saying only two words <em>"Your turn." </em>Moose sets off on the ride of his life. On a small island containing many of the world's most egregious criminals, Moose is left wondering how long it will be before his time runs out. Will he be able to fulfill Capone's request, or will he be left watching his back for the rest of his life?</div><div></div><br /><div>Readers who have read Choldenko's previous release <em>Al Capone Does My Shirts</em> would obviously be encouraged to pick up a copy of this sequel. However, even if you haven't read the original installment, I highly recommend this book. It's full of mystery and surprise, and despite it's unique setting, it's a story I think many kids could relate to. In relatable terms we'd probably be talking more along the lines of school yard bullies (etc) and not high profile gangsters, but at the end of the day I think both are more similar than you might think. Never mind how interesting this book was just in the details of life on the island. Having never been there to experience it firsthand I wouldn't know how true to life it was, but it seems pretty reasonable to believe there were kids just like Moose living on the island during its heyday. What a life that must have been!<br /><br /></div><div>OUR RATING: 5 hearts</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PiJ27tLcxmASi9qb2sCCN3eA7DO4jsAT9TcrR_y4uxK8ar_zbOJ8gylGd7TyPcx9KlfQnpD1sBXy5rVEG3Aq_HWCyoOxQB-SWbWymHwbxeV4_cEVCliCJXLJTbPaPmD1EZdh2-Ujmxo/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441874577754821218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PiJ27tLcxmASi9qb2sCCN3eA7DO4jsAT9TcrR_y4uxK8ar_zbOJ8gylGd7TyPcx9KlfQnpD1sBXy5rVEG3Aq_HWCyoOxQB-SWbWymHwbxeV4_cEVCliCJXLJTbPaPmD1EZdh2-Ujmxo/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-9296214263739353542010-02-11T12:02:00.004-06:002010-02-11T16:01:10.903-06:00Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita<strong><em>Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita</em></strong> by Kathleen S. Wilson<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> YA<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> BookSurge<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> May 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-1439230657 <div><br /><div></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E7y3qUICGK5LDQ6Ss8VAUl60NzXbNFpyFtylSwBBpjt_P6gQNZ5p47MEO4EaK4MAHiYKHIEnaZwul8o7LCMYuEyHfyxg1UZnXdPwSfM-KQ87VqmD0mGzkUGK1Cn-QEGfpAsC8pFX_aQ/s1600-h/rumorqix_sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437108958214300802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E7y3qUICGK5LDQ6Ss8VAUl60NzXbNFpyFtylSwBBpjt_P6gQNZ5p47MEO4EaK4MAHiYKHIEnaZwul8o7LCMYuEyHfyxg1UZnXdPwSfM-KQ87VqmD0mGzkUGK1Cn-QEGfpAsC8pFX_aQ/s320/rumorqix_sm.jpg" border="0" /></a>We live in a beautiful world comprised of living breathing nature, intermixed with man-made technology and creations. It's civilization at it's finest. Or is it? In today's eco-conscious society many believe we, as the presiding and dominant species of our planet, have a responsibility to clean up our acts before we overrun the Earth with pollution and devastation. The fear is that one day, if we are to do nothing, we will eventually see our man-made waste and advancements completely overrun the majestic environment our Creator has given us. In short, the world as we know it could be detrementally changed forever if we don't step in and take corrective action now before it's too late.</div><br /><div></div><div>Such is not too different a scenario than Kathleen S. Wilson portrays in her new young adult eco-fantasy adventure <em>Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita</em>. It's the 31st century and everything has evolved way beyond the greatest imagination of Mirra's predecessors. Nature is extinct, and left in its place is a synthetic world. Living within a man-made Mirrasphere, complete with an intricate collection of SynAir controls; computer controlled sunlight and evening stars; faux flora and fauna; and more, this is the life all Mirrans know. But a shift is beginning on the horizon, and everything the world of Mirra thought it knew it about to change.</div><div></div><br /><div>What if there was real life outside of the Mirrasphere? What if it was the real, genuine article- nature- reemerging after so many centuries? Well, that's what random Indie reports would have you believe. A brilliant green blade of grass here. An incredibly fantastic butterfly there. The reports are scattered, but more and more the networks are reporting strange, unexplainable nature sightings across the globe. </div><br /><div></div><div>As an apprentice reporter for the Global Quotidien news, Rumer is only 16 but her interest is piqued. Raised by her godfather after the mysterious death of her parents when she was just eight years old, Rumer already has a taste for investigating the unexplainable. Her job though is not all the fun she'd dreamt of. Relegated to reporting on the mundane and strictly forbidden to look into any of the amazing indie run nature sightings, Rumer decides she won't be held back. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and one she can't in good conscience ignore.</div><br /><div></div><div>Credible reports are pouring in by the day, and with so many unique occurrances it only stands to reason there's more than meets the eye. So, with her animet, Qix, by her side Rumer sets out to discover the truth behind the supposed resurgence of nature long since believed to be extinct. Why is it appearing now? Better yet, where is it coming from and how?</div><br /><div></div><div>With a little help from some otherworldly sources, Rumer sets out to break the world's biggest story yet. If there really is an explaination she will find it. And if, along the way, she should happen to discover the world's greatest mysteries, than so be it.</div><br /><div></div><div>For someone who typically veers away from the fantasy genre, I must say <em>The Race to Terra Incognita </em>was an all too enjoyable fantasy thrill ride. Who knew that ecological issues could be so entertaining? In a world not so completely dissimilar from our own in many ways, a story is breaking loose about how mankind has destroyed it's ecosystem and left in it's place an all too disheartening replacement. Readers, no matter their previous personal stand on ecological issues, can't help but think twice about this world we ourselves live in. Certainly we're not dealing with anywhere near the extremes the characters of this story were, yet one can't help but admit it does provide some interesting food for thought. We are but a step away from our future. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>OUR RATING: 5 hearts</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzKWm3ovBZVoyKmaCfYVXUD-xTsNimZBcO-mzxetXL8zYKIrzOmfCVTNZA4gOGm1M2iIKUvYLmyKOolx1BxUw7c_5CUpz_u_l7u2TC-FI3bBnszjMEDAF0u7xJu50ydJLi3Dh7npIcKU/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437109090574813010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzKWm3ovBZVoyKmaCfYVXUD-xTsNimZBcO-mzxetXL8zYKIrzOmfCVTNZA4gOGm1M2iIKUvYLmyKOolx1BxUw7c_5CUpz_u_l7u2TC-FI3bBnszjMEDAF0u7xJu50ydJLi3Dh7npIcKU/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div></div>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-81305190984224511332010-01-03T22:44:00.010-06:002010-01-11T17:15:22.351-06:00Flawed Dogs: The Novel by Berkeley Breathed<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">Flawed Dogs: The Novel</span> by Berkeley Breathed<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Geared Towards:</span> Ages 8-12<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Published By:</span> Philomel Books<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Publication Date:</span> September 2009<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ISBN:</span> 978-0-399-25218-1<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkqx0goNIZmlHEQ7aWRlTbMqXM3R7rRBUtqrtjPKCzoHPjkWeLiFwavy_Mah6zt_Dy1pt7vka_zRUwXvtQ9ps5V1KTUiwtu1Rudc1SK6dm0Y_TzU6yZN5dpgewrrCmLk1T8fLOdTt4IE/s1600-h/flaweddogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425623968463587586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkqx0goNIZmlHEQ7aWRlTbMqXM3R7rRBUtqrtjPKCzoHPjkWeLiFwavy_Mah6zt_Dy1pt7vka_zRUwXvtQ9ps5V1KTUiwtu1Rudc1SK6dm0Y_TzU6yZN5dpgewrrCmLk1T8fLOdTt4IE/s320/flaweddogs.jpg" border="0" /></a>Prospective readers will take one look at the cover of <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Flawed Dogs: The Novel</span> and they won't be able to turn away. The comical yet endearing illustration, created by none other than the author, Berkeley Breathed, himself is a true rendering of what readers can expect to find between the book's covers- humor, heart, hurt, and heroics.<br /><br />When our story begins we find "Little Buddy", a bedraggled Dachshund, being carried to and deposited inside a dog fight ring. Complete with his soup ladle leg, it is obvious this poor little dog has seen more than his fair share of horror. Rather than compete with his opponent, a large vicious looking pit bull terrier, "Little Buddy" decides to give up the fight and simply lies down. His lackluster attitude spurs plenty of jesting and jeering but he doesn't care. Because once upon a time, a long time ago, "Little Buddy" had a great life. It is that life that he begins to reminisce and dream about... <br /><br />Sam the Lion started life destined to be a prize winning Westminster show dog, but along the way his plans took a turn for the extraordinary. Freed from the clutches of the horrible Mrs. Nutbush, Sam takes after his rescuer, a young girl named Heidy. An orphan herself, Heidy understands all too well what it's like having no one to lean on and no one to trust in. So despite her initial misgivings about taking him along, Heidy allows herself the pleasure of wisking the tiny dog away with her. It's a match made in Heaven. Heidy finally has someone to love and play with, and Sam has a warm and loving place to call home. And then everything comes crashing down around them. <br /><br />A jealous canine rival, Cassius, determined not to be outdone by the fabulous Düüglitz Dachshund comes up with a plan that'll not only sully Sam in Heidy's eyes but also in the eyes of everyone else they live with. It's a dastardly plan; however, Cassius knows it will guarantee a place in the spotlight for himself. For you see, the large poodle knows Sam has nothing on him in the area of size or strength, yet with Sam in the house there's no room in Heidy's heart for another. Removing Sam from the picture not only clears the way in to Heidy's heart for Cassius, it also ensures there will be one less opponent for him to try to beat at the highly competitive Westminster Dog Show.<br /><br />Nevertheless, Sam is a fighter. He may fall, but he will always get back up. He may break, but he will aways mend. He may lose hope for a time, but in the end he will always charge forward ready to get back on top.<br /><br />It's a complicated tale full of up's and down's. It's also a breath of fresh air. <em>Flawed Dogs</em> offers a uniquely marvelous story that will fill young readers with a need to keep going until that very last page. With a story so cute and entertaining, it's no wonder Berkeley Breathed is a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best selling author. I myself will definitely be checking out some of his other works.<br /><br />OUR RATING: 5 hearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_HL9f6t0g4zpJ7FoziG-63Jk2z31LWTukh6Nr629u30W0ehMXFHgF6tTlY3pp78iKTarthRSjtAnDdTil2vT1LUQdr9ftkxvsXxefQY2ETQbgQecJbf_YR_5UH794mOiq04LQfYnJys/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425623684037530786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_HL9f6t0g4zpJ7FoziG-63Jk2z31LWTukh6Nr629u30W0ehMXFHgF6tTlY3pp78iKTarthRSjtAnDdTil2vT1LUQdr9ftkxvsXxefQY2ETQbgQecJbf_YR_5UH794mOiq04LQfYnJys/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-56586648050699183802009-12-28T02:45:00.005-06:002009-12-28T02:59:04.769-06:00365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids by Maureen Healy<strong><em>365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids</em></strong> by Maureen Healy<br /><strong>Geared Towards: </strong>all ages<br /><strong>Published By: </strong>Growing Happy Kids<br /><strong>Publication Date: </strong>January 2010<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-615-32390-9<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUTB1744YMkofe8yQSazOKDH5y64L0YRrX7AUZGlQm8YslqM5t-_Rk3sJKIN1m4fdIEZwoh5CtR87PtXcO7thpIeIoZeIV-DisdFMGU_uK2IW3S-GUUjoOjzl3W_3hCVZibRhL5q1OM4/s1600-h/365perfecthings.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420207539817443074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUTB1744YMkofe8yQSazOKDH5y64L0YRrX7AUZGlQm8YslqM5t-_Rk3sJKIN1m4fdIEZwoh5CtR87PtXcO7thpIeIoZeIV-DisdFMGU_uK2IW3S-GUUjoOjzl3W_3hCVZibRhL5q1OM4/s320/365perfecthings.png" border="0" /></a>Everyone knows that in order for a child to grow up strong, healthy, and intelligent he needs to be well taken care of in the physical and mental sense. There should be shelter, appropriate clothes, healthy foods, and education. But what if these physical and mental things were the only aspects of a child's development we, as parents, paid attention to? What if we were to give our child everything in the way of food, clothes, protection, and education but never take the time to build them up emotionally? What would happen if a child's emotional well being fell to the wayside and was never nutured or encouraged?<br /><br />In a perfect world no child would go without any of the above, yet unfortunately in today's busy society there are many parents/grandparents/educators who overlook the importance of an emotional upbringing. Every child should live a rewarding life. In order to make this more a reality than just an idea, it is important for parents to empower, educate, and inspire their offspring. Through open lines of communication and a parenting style that comes from the heart, we as parents can not only impact our children in the here and now but forever through the words and teachings we instill in them. For words hurt and words heal. It's all in the way you use them.<br /><br />Shakespeare once wrote, "The voice of parents is the voice of gods; for their children they are heaven's lieutenants." Buddha is quoted as having said, "Whatever words we utter should be chose with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." That is to say, what we put in to our children emotionally is going to come out of them ten fold. If we work to influence their emotional beings through uplifting and encouraging conversations and dialogue we stand a chance of not only teaching our children social and emotional intelligences but also of creating in them more rounded, joyful, compassionate, and confident adults.<br /><br />In her book, <em>365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids</em> Maureen Healy shows in length just how many ways parents can incite their children and help make them more emotionally aware, insightful, and happy. Written in a list format, Healy's book is broken down in to three main segments: EMPOWERING (Where "your child gains: courage, confidence, optimism, connection, and self-trust.") , EDUCATING (Where "your child learns about: emotional awareness, social and service learning, ethical living, and universal truths."), and INSPIRING (Where "your child connects with his or her: inspiration, imagination, creativity, love of nature, art, and spirit."). In each she lists many suggested conversation starters that a parent can use to create a exchange with his or her child(ren). Many are thought provoking on a child's level, but many seem a little cheesy. I guess in that regard, this is one of those books you must pick and choose from. Not everything will work for everyone, yet I'm sure each person who reads this book will be able to pick out several key elements they find beneficial and helpful on some level.<br /><br />I have to admit that my first impression of Maureen's book wasn't exactly the best. Truth be told, I thought a lot of her suggested conversation starters were just corny and sometimes lame. I get what she was trying to achieve through them; they just, unfortunately, did not all resonate for me. Also I could sense a strong new agey, Buddist vibe in a lot, though not all, of the author's writing. This is not surprising because she openly mentioned, on one of the first pages of this book, her ties to the Buddist and New Age movements. For some this won't be an issue. For me, however, as Christian it was a little too much. I want the best for my children just as much as the next mother, maybe even more, but I don't buy in to a lot of the "the universal harmony" crap that goes along with either of the aforementioned belief systems.<br /><br />I don't want that to sound like I'm completely tearing down Healy's book, because that would be completely false. I do, again, think that there are quite a few really good thought provoking sayings in this book. Just to name a few from each section...<br /><br /><br />In the section on EMPOWERING-<br /><br />#7 The Best (found on page 15)<br />"Ordering the best from life and expecting it often returns just that- THE BEST. So enjoy looking for the best in your SELF and OTHERS because soon the best starts looking for you."<br /><br />#17 Everyday (found on page 17)<br />"You are loved every minute of every day in every way! I love you. God loves you. Your angels surround you and protect you on your way. There is nothing to fear as you let God steer. Enjoy being surrounded by UNIVERSAL love from above."<br /><br />#35 Never Give Up (found on page 22)<br />"Never ever give up! Life has some bumps and bruises, ups and downs, highs and lows but never, ever GIVE UP. Being able to hang on and not give up is a GIFT to yourself that you are STRONG, CAPABLE and WILLING to see life through. Plus there are rewards coming to you."<br /><br /><br />In the section on EDUCATING-<br /><br />#129 Happy Wishes (found on page 53)<br />"Everyone is the same. We all want happiness and to avoid pain. This truth connects every person. No matter what is occurring in life- look past the surface and see every person wants to feel happy. Even the grumpy teacher!"<br /><br />#131 No Better (found on page 54)<br />"There is no better. Each of us is UNIQUE and SPECIAL. No one is better than anyone else. Every person has gifts that are being birthed within them. EVERY MINUTE. Respect the blossoming of everyone's gifts equally."<br /><br />#150 Patience (found on page 58)<br />"Patients are not just for doctors! It is the ability to rest in knowing all is well, others can go first, and you can happily wait your turn. There is not RUSH in life. All the best things are coming to you so just be happy and let them SHOW UP right on time."<br /><br /><br />In the section on INSPIRING-<br /><br />#298 Fully You (found on page 101)<br />"I want you to be FULLY you in everything you do! So enjoy discovering your self, taking your talents off the shelf and being fully the wonderful you. What do you fully want to do?"<br /><br />#332 No Ordinary (found on page 109)<br />"There are no ordinary moments! Every second is special. Even if you are picking your nose or wiggling your toes! God is here, there and everywhere. So see the DIVINE light shining everywhere even at night."<br /><br />#357 Seeds (found on page 115)<br />"Today's seeds are tomorrow's flowers. You can plant seeds and watch flowers rise up from the dirt. Or you can plant kind words and see all kind words spring up all around you! What type of seeds are you planting now?"<br /><br /><br />The above is just a taste of what readers can expect to find between the pages of Healy's new release, <em>365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids</em>. I'll repeat that while I don't particular love every saying in this book, I do agree that there are some really great ones to be found. I think the author did a good job of structuring her writing so a young child can easily understand most, if not all, of the 365 sayings. Her simple wording and catchy rhyming text is undoubtedly one of the key componants that will help younger readers commit Healy's "truths" to memory. And while I probably wouldn't use the book in the fashion the author indicated, I would probably use it to get suggestions for cute notes lunchbox notes that I could send to school with my 6 year old daughter.<br /><br />Thanks to Maureen for allowing me this review opportunity!<br /><br />OUR RATING: 3 hearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUCmMaSRYceAjLpI85nzrSHHukPeRFNUOgFpQl7AtWTyfE_J4tQ3WdXt2CsIpqw96mRVliER1YhoVwYcomgArz3uUeoPJ8aVxrMBHMnOOTjeBEidWMeshYQNh9K9fGqMbFzUwp4wi7fE/s1600-h/3heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420208165295318658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 25px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUCmMaSRYceAjLpI85nzrSHHukPeRFNUOgFpQl7AtWTyfE_J4tQ3WdXt2CsIpqw96mRVliER1YhoVwYcomgArz3uUeoPJ8aVxrMBHMnOOTjeBEidWMeshYQNh9K9fGqMbFzUwp4wi7fE/s200/3heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-21347911537967077402009-11-14T10:19:00.006-06:002009-11-14T10:28:56.077-06:00The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) by Gina Misiroglu<strong><em>The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents)</em></strong> by Gina Misiroglu<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 4 and up<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Visible Ink<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> October 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-1-57859-219-7<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi2VatVcnerav76MsAOqisrWESzCdbDk0EjBnQ-VJZi1xSTFMSLjsLVlpeQHQct7sMTzjrrPGdj2zYuX71pSWpzX8h_3SFScXsVaCEKRc8fwYJsFd3jo_ipmGXIc2zbxcN2FvQ3k-JzuR/s1600-h/handy-answer-book-for-kids-and-parents.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69J8x62_9f3xzPWP7yxFwqinG_7i7lH-fmGF08iSUqFTmtbW6Zn5WkylXAm_ahtVhT0G6JY9nS6kLAW1QKkZPB019ey4htSly7eP2k4sFSOh9gWVTnUur5kF0SXEtZToicQDSu_hzxeC3/s1600-h/handy-answer-book-for-kids-and-parents.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401977388150844002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69J8x62_9f3xzPWP7yxFwqinG_7i7lH-fmGF08iSUqFTmtbW6Zn5WkylXAm_ahtVhT0G6JY9nS6kLAW1QKkZPB019ey4htSly7eP2k4sFSOh9gWVTnUur5kF0SXEtZToicQDSu_hzxeC3/s320/handy-answer-book-for-kids-and-parents.jpg" border="0" /></a>Being a parent is truly one of the most amazing opportunities I think any person can ever have the pleasure of experiencing. It's full of up's and down's, but there's almost never a dull moment. Of course, as any parent will know, having a child can also be very enlightening. Things you didn't know your child could come up with, they'll inquire about. Why is the sky blue? How does a bird fly? What causes leg pains while one is sleeping? Why does a cat pur?<br /><br />These are just a few of the many questions children love to ask, and when they do ask them we, as parents, are expected to have an educated answer to offer. Sometimes, depending on the age of your child, you can get away with a simple "Because it just is." It's highly unlikely though that this response will generate the desired response. The more likely scenario is the one where the child will continue to hound and harrass you for a fact based answer until you either find it or make something up. And let's face it, nobody wants to lie to their kid because they don't honestly have a clue what the answer to their question is. Yet, what are you supposed to do when you don't have a good explaination? Some might turn to the internet or the dusty encyclopedia set that rests, untouched, on the family bookshelf. But what if there were an easier place to find the answers to your child's interesting and highly imaginative questions? Now there is...<br /><br /><em>The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents)</em> by Gina Misiroglu is the perfect reference resource for parents, teachers, and kids alike. Written in a clear and easy to understand fashion, this book is exactly as it's name suggests, a handy answer book. I really love the way the author has chosen to breakdown the contents of the book, because it makes it easy to navigate through when looking for information on a particular subject. For instance, everything related to Outer Space is in it's own chapter. Next follows a segment on Planet Earth and our Moon; Creatures Big and Small; Plant Life; People Around the World; Politics and Government; How Things Work; Math, Measurement, and Time; All About My Body; and Daily Life.<br /><br />If you know what category your child's question would fall under, you only need to flip that section to search out an answer. What's wonderful is that this is a book you can really turn to in all those "I dunno" moments when your child asks you a question you simply haven't got a clue how to answer. Granted, there's no guarantee your child's question will be one that is featured in this compilation; however, with nearly 800 queries touched on within its pages I think it's fairly safe to say you've got a good chance at finding the information you need.<br /><br />I should also mention that the author has been incredibly thorough when collecting the data for her book. Every question that is listed is paired with a thorough and comprehensive answer which parents can adapt to their own situations. In other words, say a parent finds the answer to his child's question but the answer is too indepth for the child of this particular age to be able to absorb and understand it. Not a problem. All the parent has to do is shorten the given answer to something a little more age appropriate. This way, the parent can be certain he is offering the best answer possible to his child, but he's also able to do so in a way that doesn't, hopefully, leave the child with more questions than answers.<br /><br />I'll tell you what, even if you don't have a child who's quite to that critical stage of 24-7 curiosity, this is a book you'll still want to get your hands on. Why is that? That's an easy question, and one I don't even have to look up the answer for in the book. (hahaha) The reason is because <em>The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) </em>is actually really interesting. Reading through it, in order to write this review, I found myself constantly amazed with the knowledge I was consuming from each page. It's a true wealth of information- useful to useless and everything in between.<br /><br />My thanks go out to online publicist, Lisa Roe, for giving me this fantastic review opportunity. This is a book I guarantee will not get set on a dusty old shelf to become forgotten and outdated. Nope, this is one I know is going to get a lot of use in this house. So, thanks again, Lisa!<br /><br />OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCdfk5gZ9zfLp3DlJrkGN3q2FJEpORQx2TMSm70L5Bi4GR9oUtBoNjuK_Mbh2dYYxNW1alb8RSiHGb-d-naTIPe7Dl5pZaOEwvsnMq29mVlELqonUDUV15y1GYwziPmar21R7VAm0Xtg/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403997017973812658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCdfk5gZ9zfLp3DlJrkGN3q2FJEpORQx2TMSm70L5Bi4GR9oUtBoNjuK_Mbh2dYYxNW1alb8RSiHGb-d-naTIPe7Dl5pZaOEwvsnMq29mVlELqonUDUV15y1GYwziPmar21R7VAm0Xtg/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRP5QyF07_gcq2nWcOWXiH2_WLgAVwaZJ08HnXawJohqeY1ZNhv4Cik6C3hG7gP7B4fOIibcEPE8rU1Tmdv8Cj9Ow3zV9BHl26b0MKcd7s9MFJKKkGTwp1kivb4d1vbojsEl7RSEZmXAX/s1600-h/handy-answer-book-for-kids-and-parents.jpg"></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-46608417138379938022009-11-05T06:22:00.006-06:002009-11-05T12:07:54.863-06:00Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri<strong><em>Another Faust</em></strong> by Daniel & Dina Nayeri<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 14 and up<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Candlewick Press<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> August 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-7636-3707-1<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwt-XXq0ZWrA8y9wdc8zpHm8Wlb1SUK1ZhQvFSEboHw0N-Rmvli9nzfibgMslHolVNa4riirSAgeHMSNvbFwiyoF-aBkxqZfw8jhjccJHy0gLnUH6NtsZl0lws4rUElZWex0rDTC9Tqo/s1600-h/another_faust_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400682087619433202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwt-XXq0ZWrA8y9wdc8zpHm8Wlb1SUK1ZhQvFSEboHw0N-Rmvli9nzfibgMslHolVNa4riirSAgeHMSNvbFwiyoF-aBkxqZfw8jhjccJHy0gLnUH6NtsZl0lws4rUElZWex0rDTC9Tqo/s320/another_faust_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a>We've all heard about selling your soul to the Devil, but what if you really did? In Daniel and Dina Nayeri's new reimagined Faustian novel, that's exactly what happens.<br /><br />Across the globe, five unhappy children are mysteriously swept away from their lives in the regular world, never to be seen or heard from again. Reemerging several years later, distinctly and totally different than before, the Faust five are ready to reek havoc like never before. For what's a deal with the Devil if there's no fun involved?<br /><br />Given over to a lust like no other, the Faust children (as they've since come to know themselves) have become more than mysterious teenagers out to have a little fun. They are in it to win it, and there is no losing. Beauty, fame, and fortune are more than mere petty pipe dreams. For the Fausts they are a way of life. Each having made a very lucrative, albeit chilling deal with the beautiful governess, Madame Vileroy, now proudly embodies his or her most sought after "gifts". Though by no more than sheer evil the teens are able to see their utmost dreams come alive. No more wishing. No more hoping. Now it's all coming together and each is getting exactly what he/she wanted more than anything else. Except, no one thought twice about the consequences.<br /><br />Can the Faust children ever learn to see the error of their ways? Will they be bound to their perverse ways of life forever or will they ever truly take notice of the driving force affecting each of them? Will any ever be able to repossess his/her own soul and turn over a new way of life? Or will the cheating, stealing, hiding, and lying carry on with them throughout the rest of eternity?<br /><br />Readers will be captivated by the twisted and intriguing world brought to life in this eerie tale. A wonderfully nefarious debut by Daniel & Dina Nayeri, <em>Another Faust</em> depicts, in a whole new way, the ultimate self serving sacrifice as originally brought to the table by German legend.<br /><br />OUR RATING: 5 hearts<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyvXz0bTMzS5ACQpd9Z7hvedoAAmit-YpwGHJopuLbwq0PpEpyhR7YE6R9jOeAE1C-rgkntemXEj1dcdOecSipP0JEGr5L9UBDrN8ILqb29u_XQxefKlnl0dfZqFS9XIRs6DOTSL8WjI/s1600-h/5heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400682237013214562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyvXz0bTMzS5ACQpd9Z7hvedoAAmit-YpwGHJopuLbwq0PpEpyhR7YE6R9jOeAE1C-rgkntemXEj1dcdOecSipP0JEGr5L9UBDrN8ILqb29u_XQxefKlnl0dfZqFS9XIRs6DOTSL8WjI/s200/5heart.jpg" border="0" /></a>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872223908931242709.post-19526919301594682062009-10-25T16:18:00.014-05:002009-11-05T06:22:05.387-06:00Bear-ly There by Rebekah Raye **Review & Blog Tour**<strong><em>Bear-ly There</em></strong> by Rebekah Raye<br /><strong>Geared Towards:</strong> Ages 8-11<br /><strong>Published By:</strong> Tilbury House<br /><strong>Publication Date:</strong> September 2009<br /><strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-0-88448-314-4<br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tilburyhouse.com/images-book-covers/bear-ly-there.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/bear-ly-there.htm&usg=__eBgcGtvnol-AtzrllpQAbHizoOM=&h=360&w=323&sz=52&hl=en&start=1&sig2=Y-ArpGuOakwkokMjiVsuiA&um=1&tbnid=i8hCf-eu7FrDQM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbear-ly%2Bthere%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=lB_lSrjGIoW2Ns-H8fQP"></a><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tilburyhouse.com/images-book-covers/bear-ly-there.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/bear-ly-there.htm&usg=__eBgcGtvnol-AtzrllpQAbHizoOM=&h=360&w=323&sz=52&hl=en&start=1&sig2=Y-ArpGuOakwkokMjiVsuiA&um=1&tbnid=i8hCf-eu7FrDQM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbear-ly%2Bthere%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=lB_lSrjGIoW2Ns-H8fQP"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq43TmyXhj-VP2QhwDaIEOXQ859aP3j1iPnvqQ3uQotSVwwotxBCeJes3l-Zze7Z3SQRydLZP1qspnhAen87PflE-l8WZplqv-s9XEVCp89MrKUpH-t4mnVa3o56hJHqL64uUgPg5asyo/s1600-h/bear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396760349276193538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq43TmyXhj-VP2QhwDaIEOXQ859aP3j1iPnvqQ3uQotSVwwotxBCeJes3l-Zze7Z3SQRydLZP1qspnhAen87PflE-l8WZplqv-s9XEVCp89MrKUpH-t4mnVa3o56hJHqL64uUgPg5asyo/s320/bear.jpg" border="0" /></a>I grew up in an area of the country where most everyone is accustomed to having black bears around. Even if you don't actually see them you know they are there, lurking in the woods waiting for the sun to go down so they can venture out to investigate the people world around them. There it's fairly common to spot one of these brave and curious creatures rifling through the garbage or sauntering around. However, now I live in the city, and while I'm still familiar with country life, my own daughters are not. That's why I really enjoyed the opportunity I was recently given by Tilbury House Publishing to review their new release <em>Bear-ly There</em> written and beautifully illustrated by author Rebekah Raye.<br /><br />When bear awakes from his long Winter slumber, he is hungry and ready to explore. But when he suddenly smells something sweet wafting through the air, bear is no longer interested in the worms and acorns he's found buried deep in the ground. No. What he wants is what he smells, and what he smells is hidden inside a locked, wooden shed just beyond the woods.<br /><br />After the bear tears in to Charlie's family's storage shed, seeking out the delicious smelling bird seed that had lured him there, Charlie is left fearing for the lives of his geese. They were safe in their own shed at the time, but another visit from the bear could end on a not so lucky note. With that, Charlie takes the opportunity to begin researching his wild visitor. Not only can his family take measures to help insure that the bear does not return, but so can their neighbors. It's a joint effort that everyone, including the bear, can benefit from.<br /><br /><em>Bear-ly There</em> is a great story about a boy who sets out to protect his pet geese and in the process saves the bear he was protecting them from. With charming illustrations to accompany it, this story is one that children and adults both will enjoy reading. What's more is that you could even say there's a moral to the story; one that suggests that life is precious and everyone- everything has a place and purpose. Who wouldn't love that message?<br /><div></div><br /><div>OUR RATING: 4 hearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4vRryGxC6P01H0efNTcxDaAEKjDlnXBEqRRz2f3aKMGJzuwfIQswjRlMa6DTvA_Gpp3BaQ6f1typcdEGNUnqSJPXcxrviEwejP3KLjHwT1Ptlkb62a4OiLSwkrZmZQEK8cBgG5p1D4k/s1600-h/4heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400593680001000866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 99px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 25px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4vRryGxC6P01H0efNTcxDaAEKjDlnXBEqRRz2f3aKMGJzuwfIQswjRlMa6DTvA_Gpp3BaQ6f1typcdEGNUnqSJPXcxrviEwejP3KLjHwT1Ptlkb62a4OiLSwkrZmZQEK8cBgG5p1D4k/s200/4heart.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />Now for some fun...<br /><br />Rebekah has graciously offered to contribute some of her beautiful wildlife artwork (see samples of her work atwww.rebekahraye.com), in addition to the signed books that Tilbury will be giving away. So that's a total of 10 fantastic prizes during this tour!<br /><br /><strong>Blog Comment Prizes</strong><br /><br />Tilbury will draw 9 lucky winners from all of those who leave comments on the participating tour posts from (October 16-30) to win one of the following prizes:<br />- A set of four art cards (2 sets available)<br />- A signed wildlife art print<br />- An original sketch from <em>Bear-ly There</em><br />- An original sketch from <em>The Very Best Bed</em><br />- An original sketch from <em>Thanks to the Animals</em><br />- A copy of <em>Bear-ly There</em>, <em>The Very Best Bed</em>, or <em>Thanks to the Animals</em>, signed by Rebekah Raye<br /><br />Winners will be announced on Oct. 31, US/Canada addresses only, please.<br /><br /><strong>Twitter Prize</strong><br /><br />Everyone that participates in the Twitter Book Party, and/or posts anything about the tour using the hashtag #Bear-ly There from October 15-30 will be entered to win a complete set of <em>Bear-ly There</em>, <em>Thanks to the Animals</em>, and <em>The Very Best Bed</em>, all signed by Rebekah Raye. Winners will be announced on Oct. 31, US/Canada addresses only, please.</div>RebekahChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15420724279608026815noreply@blogger.com1