Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot- FREE Online

Wanted to let you know that anyone who is interested can currently read Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries, in its entirity for free, online at Harper Collins' website. Click below to check it out!

MobiStories: Virtual Books for Kids

In a day and age when seemingly everything is going electronic it makes a certain amount of sense to steer that way in literature too. We've seen it happen years ago with books on tape, then on cds, and now you can download them for your iPod, or to read on your e-readers and computers. Mostly it's adults who have been able to benefit from the modern advancements (tapes and cds aside), but now that's all changing. Enter, MobiStories: Virtual Books for Kids.

Anytime - Anywhere Whether on the go or at home, MobiStories makes reading fun. With a library in your pocket, storytime is wherever and whenever your child wants it to be. Just load up your portable device with some of our great books and voila - you’ll never be without an entertaining story in the palm of your hand. And remember, when people ask why your child is so quiet, just say: "MobiStories!"

MobiStories bring books to life right before your eyes. With graphics, narrators, and read-along text, children from 1-10 can curl up with a book anywhere and anytime. Need a few minutes for a quick shower or to toss a load of laundry in? With MobiStories, your child can be entertained and mentally stimulated without sitting infront of the television or playing games online. Parents and their children can easily browse the great online books offered on MobiStories.com, preview a short snippet of each, and then quickly purchase their selections (for really reasonable prices) for immediate download. MobiStories are compatible for viewing on PCs, DVDs, iPods, iPhones, the iTouch, and more. With so many compatibility options, your child can view the stories whether at home or on the go.

As anyone will tell you, I'm a big proponant for print books. I love the convenience of e-books just like everyone else, but in giving up the bound and printed books for the techno style I feel that readers are missing out on so much of the experience that reading itself has to offer. So, when I heard about MobiStories my interest was piqued. Could this company really make a digital version be as fun and straightforward, without all the bells and whistles, as sitting down to read a hardcopy? The answer is, Yes!

I figured this would be something my 5 year old would enjoy, and I was right. She was hooked on the spot by the first book we "read" together, Good Mousekeeping. The stories come across like a blend of audio books and movies. Read by a narrator and coupled with fun musical accompaniment and sound effects, each book appears visually on the screen for young readers to watch and follow along with. The illustrations are fun and because the text appears on each page as it would without narration, the child can read along, outloud or silently, with the narrator. Even the pages realistically turn at the appropriate times. All in all, it's a pretty neat combo.

My daughter loved the interactive aspect of the books, and all four that we downloaded (Good Mousekeeping, Ella Elephant, The Squirrels' Thanksgiving, and Salsa for Kittens and Puppies) were a big hit. Naturally we had to "read" them all back to back, and she was immediately asking if we could download more. If that's not a stamp of approval I'm not sure what is!

And while I'd still never in a million years give up print books, I can say honestly that this new version is pretty cool. With several great age categories and titles to choose from, MobiStories is an awesome tool for parents, grandparents, and educators alike to use to continue to inspire the love of reading in the kids in their lives.

Would you like to try out MobiStories for yourself? Well, thanks to MobiStories and Mom Select I'm excited to tell you that you too can try MobiStories on for size. Through December 31st, 2008 ALL of my readers here at Ready Set Read Reviews can use coupon code BSM226A upon checkout at MobiStories.com to receive $10 in free downloads. Plus act now and you'll be able to score a bonus as Salsa for Kittens and Puppies is currently being offered for free too!

***Thanks again to the wonderful people at MobiStories and Mom Select for this great review opportunity!***

The Commenters Tag Fest (a little fun)

I've been tagged for a meme, but I'm not actually sure I even have enough qualifications to continue the tagging process. LOL Like Sara, it was really hard to find enough commenters to actually do this, but here it goes...

The rules are:

1. List the last 10 commenters on your blog.
2. If you’re on the list, you’re tagged.

My List of 10:

1. Michelle
2. morninglight mama
3. sarahwithnoh
4. Anna
5. Terry
6. Ruby (Mouth)
7. Cecelia
8. ChefDruck
9. Claire
10. Mary512

And here are the questions:

1. What's your favorite post from number 3's blog?
I enjoy all of Sara's posts, but from her most recent ones I'd pick the one she made about her anniversary gift she gave her husband. The gift was very unique and creative, and it was cool to see what the finished product looked like.

2. Has number 10 taken any pictures that moved you?
I don't think Mary has posted any pictures lately that haven't gone along with a product review or post, so I'll go with 'no' on this question. (Aren't I boring? lol)

3. Does number 6 reply to comments on her blog?
She would if she had any. (Love ya, Sis.)

4. Which part of blogland is #2 from?
morninglight mama has a great blog centering around her life as a mom and wife. Her posts generally have to do with whatever happens to be on her mind, and are often times very insightful, thought provoking, and funny.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to number 7, what would it be?
Keep up the good work. You've a wonderful blog!

6. Have you ever tried something from number 9's blog?
I've tried the Avon Foot Works stuff she has posted in one of her most recent giveaway posts.

7. Has number 1 blogged something that inspired you?
I thought that Michelle's post about staying busy with work and missing your kids touched home with me. I love my p/t job and I love the benefits it provides for my family, but I miss the time I'm no longer getting with my girls during those hours. Michelle's post inspired me to simply enjoy all the time that I can with my girls when I'm not at work, and to keep in mind that they grow up so quickly.

8. How often do you comment on number 4's blog?
I don't comment enough, but I have sooooo many blogs that I try to keep up. I really need to do better. I love reading her interviews and reviews at Diary of Eccentric.

9. Do you wait for number 8 to post excitedly?
Yes, actually. ChefDruck always has great reviews and giveaways on her site, so I always look forward to getting my e-updates from her.

10. How did number 5's blog change your life?
I've only really just recently discovered this blog, so I don't have much to say about it yet. And while I'm not sure it's necessarily changed my life I would say that it's bound to provide lots of wonderful reviews and book recommendations. I'm all about kids lit, and this blogsite is very much in the same boat.

Okay, that's it. That's my boring responses. LOL

Teen FIRST Blog Tour: Infidel (The Lost Books Vol 2) by Ted Dekker **Plus Review**

It's the 21st, time for the Teen FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book's FIRST chapter!

Ted Dekker

and his book:

Infidel--Graphic Novel: The Lost Books Series

Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. To see a complete list of Dekker's work, visit The Works section of TedDekker.com.


Here are some of his latest titles:
Chosen (The Lost Books, Book 1) (The Books of History Chronicles)
Adam
Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle Trilogy Graphic Novels, Book 1)

Saint




Product Details
List Price:$15.99
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595546049
ISBN-13: 978-1595546043

AND NOW...THE FIRST TWO PAGES:



(Click Pictures to Zoom!)

Time for my thoughts...

I wasn't sure what I should expect going in to reading this book because I hadn't ever read a graphic novel. I've also never really gotten in to the comic book scene, so the entire thing was new to me. I accepted the review opportunity based solely on the fact that I really like Dekker, and I figured this would be a fun opportunity to see both another side of him and to see what all the hype is about regarding graphic novels.

I won't go as far as to say that I'd rush out to read another graphic novel, but I do see why the appeal is there. There's something unique about being able to read and have the pictures there all along the way to illustrate for you just how everything is happening. I was actually amazed by the degree of depth and detail of some of the images. Some were pretty basic, but then you had others that were just beautiful. I especially liked how gorgeous the woman were.

For the story, I'd say that it was neither here nor there for me. I think maybe I just didn't fully grasp the concept due to the fact that it was in graphic novel format or maybe because I haven't read the first volume or either of the regular novels. I thought it was okay, but the plot seemed kind of shallow. On the back cover synopsis it sounds like Infidel will be quite the well put together story with just the right amount of mystery, drama, and action to really draw in the reader. What I found when reading, however, wasn't quite that fantastic. It was interesting, but I didn't think that the storyline was really all that deep or exciting. Again though, maybe I'm over simplifying it because I'm not use to reading this style (ie graphic novel).

Whatever the case, I can say that I was intrigued enough by how it came together at the end. So, I'd probably want to read the next books Renegade and Chaos when they come out. I'm not so invested in the story that I'm biting at the bit for the next releases, but I'm curious enough to give them a go when the time comes. Maybe they'll get better for me as I get more familiar with the style.

OUR GRADE: 3 Hearts

The Secret History of Giants- BOOK GIVEAWAY

The time has come, my friends, for me to host my very first ever Ready Set Read Reviews book giveaway! It's unfortunately not something I can afford to do all the time, but Candlewick Press has ever so generously donated a brand new hardcopy of Professor Ari Berk's The Secret History of Giants for me to giveaway here on my blog.

Because I haven't read the book, I can't post a review. However, I can say that, after having taken a quick peek between the covers, that it looks like a really cool book. From the textured front cover to the incredibly detailed illustrations to the neat surprises included on many of the pages. It just looks like a fun book!

Here's what the publisher has to say about it...

Ancient Greece had its Titans, the Celts their Green Knight, the Bible Goliath -- and for those who know where to look, signs of these legendary hulking creatures still abound. Now comes a hugely engrossing chronicle of
giants since antiquity, from their role in forming mountains and causing earthquakes to the mysteries of their sacks (watch out for hitchhiking humans); from their means of employment (how did the Druids built Stonehenge?) to an extensive map of places around the world where giants may likely be found. Exhaustive and lushly illustrated, this enormously valuable resource is sure to fascinate all who open its covers.

Special features include:

• sundry flaps, booklets, and gatefolds
• a lavish foiled and embossed cover
• an elegant tassel dangling from the spine

Are there giants among us? Find their story writ large in a lavish exploration touching on folklore and myth, truth and whimsy.

If you live in the US and think this book sounds like something you'd be interested in winning for yourself or a special child in your life, please leave me a comment here telling me about your favorite folklore or mythical creature.

For extra entries readers can do one or all of the following:

• Subscribe to my e-mail updates (link can be found on right side column)


• Follow me here at Ready Set Read Reviews (link can be found on right side column)


• Stumble either this post or the main Ready Set Read Reviews page and comment back with your Stumble ID


• Add my button (found on right side coloum) to your blog roll


• Mention this giveaway on your blog by creating a new post linking back to me

Please come back and leave a new comment for each new entry. (Please include links.)

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up next week, I'm going to leave this open for entries through Friday December 5th. I'll then do an online random draw to determine which lucky reader will be taking home this prize just in time for Christmas.

Due to cost of postage, US entries ONLY on this first giveaway. I'll see how it goes, and then consider my options again in the future.

~Thanks~

Book Fair

Oooh, the temptation! Last week began the set up for my daughter's school book fair. Being the involved and book loving momma that I am, I immediately signed up at the beginning of the school year to volunteer at the book fair when the time rolled around. I knew I'd be getting in deep being surrounded by all those books for sale, but I had no idea how bad it would be. Add to it the fact that it's being hosted in the library and, OH MY GOD, it's torture. *laugh* Nah, seriously, I am so thrilled that I signed up to help out, and it's been so much fun.

Last Friday I volunteered for 3.5hrs in the afternoon, and I helped the kids as they came in to make their wish lists for the parents, grandparents, etc. All of the younger classes had already been through the day before and earlier that morning, so the kids that were coming in weren't so small as to need me to do all the work. They did need help finding certain titles they were looking for and locating the product prices. It was fun and exciting (Silly, I'm sure.) to be able to volunteer.

Then today I picked up the first shift and worked a little over 5hrs during the actual sale itself. Last week I had my mum take off work to watch my 3 yr old, but today's hours I actually picked up yesterday. So, I had to take dd#2 with me. I was pretty curious how it was going to work out, and I have to say she really surprised me. I knew she'd be good, yet I totally didn't think she'd hold out so well for so long. She was so good though, and kept herself entertained by looking at the books and playing with some duplos that the librarian keeps on hand in the back room for just those occassions. I'm glad she did so well, cause we're going back tomorrow. Only, tomorrow I'm scheduled for both the morning and the afternoon shift. We'll be there from 7a-3p. I hope the novelty hasn't worn off for dd. :P

Anyway, the fair itself seems to be going great, and I've really enjoyed being able to talk books with the students, parents, volunteers, and library staff. It's fun to be able to recommend a book and see the parent or child turn around and buy it based on your recommendation. I know that's what I hope to accomplish through this blog (or the reading of the books anyways, not necessarily the buying), yet it was even more exciting to see it happen first hand.

Another totally positive note on the whole thing is that I got to shop today. Woohoo! As a volunteer I earn $5 of credit for each shift I work. Added up, when all is said and done, I'll have earned $30, maybe $35 in free books! I still have all day tomorrow and all day Tuesday to work; that's 4 shifts. Who knows, I might even pick up a shift on Monday if they're short handed. With all the awesome books they have for sale this year, I knew it was going to be really hard to narrow my choices down to keep me from going over what I alloted myself to spend. This extra bonus money was totally wonderful because it means, SCORE, more books! I bought sextoday, having only spent $16 out of pocket. I haven't yet decided what I'll get with the rest of the credit I'll earn. Was actually looking at some cute YA books for myself. hehehe I'm so bad! :P

Today's take home bargains were-

Barbie Mariposa: A Storybook by Mary Man-Kong (for dd#1)
Butterfly Meadow: Dazzle's First Day by Olivia Moss (for dd#1)
Madagascar Escape 2 Africa: Father and Son Save the Day by Gail Herman (for dd#2)
Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy (for dd#2)
and
Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems (for girls to share)

The sixth book was called Don't Eat the Babysitter, and it was on dd#1's teacher's wish list for her classroom. So we bought it for her, and had a cute little bookplate sticker put inside saying it was from dd#1 to her teacher's class and it marked the year. I thought that was really cool.

Oi, long day, long night at work, and I'm pretty convinced that this post is going to be utter babble. Ugh. Sorry! LOL

Short point of long story, I'm having a blast being involved at dd#1's school. The book fair is awesome, and I'm so glad I decided to step up and jump in.

Always and Everywhere... a book with a cause

Most of the time when we as readers determine to buy a book it's based on some trivial reason such as price, appeal, etc. We buy the book, the author makes some money of it, and so do several people in between. Now there's nothing at all wrong with this process of elimination, and there is certainly nothing wrong with the chain of command as that's the nature of the business. But, what if there was a book that looked interesting and inspiring, was very reasonably priced, and was written and being sold for a totally selfless cause? Would this cause you to pause and take note? If it would, then get ready to put everything on hold for just a few moments, because I have a book I'd like to suggest to you.

Always and Everywhere by Laura Bowman

I have personally never seen or read this book except for what I'm about to share with you here online. Infact, I only just discovered it myself tonight while browsing some of my favorite blogs. Just reading the author's introduction on the site though has me thinking this is a book worth promoting. I'd absolutely love to read it too, but will have to wait til I have some extra money to pick up a copy. If anyone should read it, based on this post referral, before I get a chance to, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

From http://www.alwaysandeverywhere.org/-

Author and illustrator, Laura Bowman, created Always and Everywhere to help a dear friend in need. Margie LaSalle was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. The book is intended to raise funds for Margie and her family. The LaSalle family, including husband Chris and children, John Mark and Claire, currently live in a two bedroom condominium. The stairs throughout their current home are difficult for Margie to negotiate due to the pain associated with the cancer in her bones. The LaSalle’s are in need of funds to help cover medical expenses and to assist in moving expenses. Proceeds from Always and Everywhere will assist in these initiatives.

Always and Everywhere features John Mark and Claire, Margie’s two children. The book revolves around a series of questions from the children, and reassuring responses from their mom. The final question, regarding the existence of angels, provides reinforcement that we are never alone. For the children who are facing, or have faced, the loss of a Mother; Always and Everywhere is a reminder that Mom is always with you in the lessons that she taught and her spirit is eternal.

So, if the sound of this book or the drive behind it inspires you, there's no better time to order the special child(ren) in your life a copy than right now. Doing so will not only help promote the love of reading I hope all of you are trying to instill in your child(ren), but you'll also be helping out a very worthy cause in the process.

If you've read this far, THANK YOU!

One last side note, if anyone reading this lives in the Atlanta, GA area or knows of anyone who does, there's a Book Launch party coming up soon.

Thursday, November 20th from 5 - 9 PM @ the Mason Murer Projects in Buckhead
There will be: Live music, book signings, and silent auction of the original artwork from the book (Which is stunning, by the way.) Please go to the artwork section for information about bidding and to view the paintings.
All proceeds go to the Margie LaSalle Cancer Fund