The Cat Who Lost His Meow Book Blast

About the Book

Title: The Cat Who Lost His Meow | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Helen H. Wu | Publication Date: June 1, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3+ Summary: Chester the lazy calico cat has suddenly lost his meow. He’s looking everywhere, but can’t seem to find his voice. When Chester puts himself in a frightening situation he not only finds his voice return, but he also finds his courage. This experience makes Chester appreciate things a little bit more than he had before.  

The Cat Who Lost his Meow is cute tale written in rhyme.  He's a lazy cat until he loses his roar; then he must find his courage to go on a hunt for his meow.  Which leads him to a dangerous spot.  Upon finding his meow he becomes grateful and appreciative of what he has.  Very good lessons to teach children at an early age.  I'm sure any child will fall in love with the beautiful calico cat, Chester.  They will probably even feel a bit sorry for Chester as he loses his voice and goes hunting for it. 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse[/caption] Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2012.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

   

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)  
Contest ends: July 29, 11:59 pm, 2014  
Open: Internationally
 How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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An eBook copy was provided in exchange for this post and my honest review.

 

Book Blast: Mysteries of the Grand Canyon by Marie von Minden

  About the Book
Title: Mysteries of the Grand Canyon 
Author: Marie von Minden  

Publication Date: March 21, 2013 
Publisher: Adventures of Discovery: Independent  
Pages: 110 
Recommended Ages: 5 to 12 (read-aloud for younger children)  

Summary: The author of the first interactive Grand Canyon ebook for children takes her readers on an exciting journey as a lively little dog befriends a California condor and an Abert’s squirrel, and together they explore the canyon. What child wouldn’t want to go on the adventure of a lifetime with a great pup like Kristi Kay and follow her on a multimedia journey that is both fun and educational? Amazing stories told by her new friends keep you wondering what surprising new secrets they will reveal next. What happened to the people that lived in the canyon? Will the condors in the rescue program survive? This adventure story for elementary grade children offers an engaging way to experience the Grand Canyon. For those who would like to learn more about the issues touched upon in the story, additional information is provided in the Kristi Kay Talks with a Ranger section at the end of the book via interactive media, photo galleries, maps, charts, and links to external websites. This interactive ebook is especially appropriate for children 7-11 years old, and as a read aloud for younger children, and it would also be well-suited for an educational setting. Divided into 12 chapters, the book lends itself to be read in several sessions at the age appropriate pace. “Mysteries of the Grand Canyon” is the first book in the A Cairn Terrier Travels to National Parks series, a series of educational adventure stories created to inspire appreciation and stewardship of our precious parks.  

Book Trailer

 

Purchase

 

The Buzz

"Mysteries of the Grand Canyon is educational, exciting, and entertaining all rolled into one. Marie Von Minden gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the canyon's past as well as the creatures that still call the Grand Canyon home. The interactive function allows for further learning and the brilliant photos visually stimulate children and help instill the knowledge found within the story." I highly recommend picking up a copy of Mysteries of the Grand Canyon." ~ BeachBoundBooks

 

"A must have experience for young people. With its cute, intelligent looking dog, and a bird that looks like it was conceived by Dr. Seuss, it puts us into an animal society - so beautifully conceived in its civility, generosity, and interest and care for the world - that it is reminescent of books like Winnie the Pooh. These elements, set in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, beautifully brought out by magnificent photographs and videos, make it a compelling book from both parents' and teachers' points of view. ~ Mr. Naturally, iBookstore Review

"Overall, this iBook provides a great introduction to the Grand Canyon to children who are about to visit it or who just want to learn more about this important National Park. It includes lots of beautiful photographs, the story is engaging and there is a huge wealth of information included. I found it a great opportunity to talk about the Grand Canyon with my son, and tell him about my own experiences visiting the park and hiking into the crater. I also really enjoyed learning about the California Condor and all the effort that has gone into the Recovery Program; it provided a great opportunity to talk about Endangered Species and our responsibility to help preserve them." ~ iMum

"More than just a story, the book has incredible imagery that appears to lift off the page – a true photographic journey." ~ Mom's Lifesavers

 

"Readers of all ages will enjoy this engaging story to discover one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World at the Grand Canyon National Park. This photographically rich and entertaining ebook is especially appropriate for 7-11 year olds and as a read aloud for younger children, and it would also be well suited for an educational setting." ~ The Appy Ladies

"As a teacher, I am grateful to use this amazing book with my class! My students loved learning about the Grand Canyon from precious Kristi Kay's point of view, and they were excited to participate in the interactive aspects of the book; they didn't want to put it down!" ~ A. Gillette, iBookstore Review

 

About the Author: Marie von Minden

Would you like to live each day surrounded by unsurpassed beauty and deeply connected to nature? Marie finds it hard to believe, but this is now her lifestyle and she wants to share it through her photography and stories. Marie von Minden was born and raised in Poland. She immigrated to Canada in 1982 and in 1999 she and her husband relocated to the United States. Like many Europeans, she was overwhelmed by the vastness and the beauty of North America and she developed a passion for landscape photography. They began camping in the wilderness and connecting with nature on weekends and holidays, first in a tent and later in a cap-over camper. It was during those camping trips that a dream of full-time traveling and living in an RV evolved. In 2002 that dream became reality and they have been traveling in a 34 foot Airstream trailer ever since. America’s National Parks continue to be one of their favorite places to visit. When Kristi Kay, a Cairn Terrier, joined them, the idea of a children’s book series about America’s National Parks as seen through Kristi Kay’s eyes grew as a natural extension of their lifestyle and love of nature. Through interactive adventure stories enhanced by photography selected from her vast photographic library, animation, sounds, videos, and unique graphics Marie hopes to express her gratitude for what has become her home, and to help cultivate appreciation and stewardship of these precious resources.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

           

Prize: 2 x $50 Amazon Gift Cards or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)  
Contest ends: July 25, 11:59 pm, 2014  
Open: Internationally
 How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Marie von Minden and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Keep kids reading all summer long

Take part of the Summer Superstars: Reading AND Writing Makes Kids Shine literacy campaign.

In order to keep kids engaged we are offering enticing prizes including:

• Weekly drawings for $20 Amazon gift cards and Wigu Books
• Two Grand Prize winning readers will receive $100 Amazon Gift Cards and Wigu Books
• 10 Writing Finalists will receive $100 Amazon Gift Cards and Wigu Books 

The Grand Prize Winning Writer will receive a $250 Amazon Gift Card, Wigu Books, and a $1,000 donation to the school or library of his or her choice....just for letting his or her imagination and creative writing flow! Entry details here.

About Wigu Publishing

Wigu Publishing is a collaboration among talented and creative individuals working together to publish informative and fun books for our children. Our titles serve to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. Wigu's books are unique in that they help our children to visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference. Our goal is to inspire the great leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Book of Dreams by Sylvie Michaud

About the book:

Book of Dreams sees Baby Raccoon’s parents use clouds to share their dreams of a better future. In the story, Mama and Papa use clouds to share their dreams about a healthy planet and vibrant future for Baby Ringtail. In the book, Baby Ringtail asks Mama and Papa, “Why is every cloud a different shape?” “Clouds are pictures in the sky that help us dream,” Mama Ringtail replies.

 

Book of Dreams is a delightful book.  It has such a dreamy mood to it.  The way the author uses the shapes of clouds and dreaming is excellent.  What person doesn't try to see shapes in the clouds?  It's a fun game to play with your youngster on a sunny summer day when they are bored.  Read Michaud's book and dream with your child.  See what shapes you can find you the sky above your head. The author uses lots of description to help bring creative images to the reader's imagination.  The water color illustrations help to set the mood of the book beautifully.   They are an added bonus to the prose of this book.  Definitely a Book to Dream with. 

Title:  Book of Dreams

Author: Sylvie Michaud

Genre: Children’s bedtime stories

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: Crafty Canuck, Inc. (March 28, 2012)

ISBN-13:978-0-9782955-8-5 (Print Soft Cover)

Kindle: B00BTPBX0Q

Purchase at:

Amazon soft cover: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family/dp/0978295587

Amazon digital: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family-ebook/dp/B00BTPBX0Q

B&N soft cover: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-of-dreams-the-ringtail-family-sylvie-michaud/1110202903

About the author:

Sylvie Michaud is a North Vancouver, BC based writer and graphic designer. After years as a writer, editor and designer for The Canadian Red Cross Society newsletter, “The Responder”, Sylvie has gone on to write for several other groups & magazines including Pacific Yachting, GardenWise and the North Shore’s own Lynn Valley Literary anthology, “Wintertide.”

In 2011, Sylvie won the Lynn Valley Literary Society’s short story contest for “Fire and Fortune.”

In addition to her literary background, Sylvie is the ower of Blackbarn Crafts where she designs, produces and sells handmade crafts for crafts shows and other online venues.

Learn more about Sylvie Michaud and the Ringtail Family collection at www.craftycanuck.com and http://shop.craftycanuck.com/

Blog changes....coming this fall

July and August changes are coming...Over the summer I'm going to blend together my two blogs into one.  The new name will be The Blended Blog....where books, sewing, recipes crafts, and life just happens.  I have been debating this merger since last fall.  Now that I've worked pretty much full time for 10 months I'm finding it hard to keep both blogs going.  Not much will change.  I'll still have book reviews, my life happenings (as I can post them), giveaways, and everything I've had on both blogs.  I'm just merging the information from my two blogs  4 the LOVE of BOOKS (this site) and Scraps of Life into one..  I do have some commitments to this URL so I need to keep them, so I'll be posting to this blog and the other one throughout the summer; however, in Sept.  the merger will be fully completed at:

The Blended Blog

When I Grow Up Series....by Wigu Publishing

I just have to brag about this new series of books for children.  They are awesome.  What a beautiful way to inspire kids to think about what they want to be.  Fun and educational rolled into one book, or should I say many book as this is a series of books.  This is a creative and fun way for kids to learn about all types of careers.  Pick your topic there are many to choose from and more to be added.  The illustrations are wonderful and the information is outstanding.  Fun facts, great learning tool and awesome reference books.  I just can't say enough about these books. They are going in my classroom for my students to read.  Check them out for yourself at www.WhenIGrowUpBooks.com

"When I Grow Up I Want To Be...a Teacher!" begings with a girl named Carleet who has always dreamed of being a teacher.  When faced with the reality of her own mom as a new teacher at her school, Carlee is worried what her fiends will think.

When I Grow Up I Want to Be...in the U.S. Army! begins with a boy named Jake whose teacher assigns a class project on careers.  After Jake decides to research being a soldier in the United States Army, the fun begins. 

When I Grow Up I Want to be...a Firefighter! begins with a boy named Will who is always excited to go on his class field trips.  The next class field trip should be like all others, until Will finds out they will be visiting a firehouse.

A copy of these books were provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

Moms’ Night Out | No More “Frumpy Mom” Challenge ($200 Visa Card Giveaway!)

Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive As a Mom, couldn’t you use a good laugh?

Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God’s gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.

Whether you’re running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it’s Monday (again), you’ll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath… This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There’s never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.

This was my first read for Kerri Pomarolli and I have totally enjoyed this devotional.  She hits the nail on the head everytime.  She writes from first hand experience and draws her readers in by relating to them right where it matters.  I so have loved this book.  It is one I'll keep on hand and use over and over again. 

The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

About the author: 
Called Hollywood’s “God Girl,” Kerri Pomarolli is an accomplished actress, comedian, published author, Christian speaker and veteran of television—with credits that include 29 appearances on The Tonight Show and Comedy Central. Visit KerriPom.com.






Learn more and purchase a copy at Kerri’s site.

Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

Goyer knows how to bring the humor in motherhood out in her fiction book Moms' Night Out.  I so want to see this movie.  Moms' Night Out is humorous realistic fiction at its best. Goyer is just the author to write first hand experience. You'll relate to her fiction book in many ways.  

The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

About the Author:

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written the novelization to the much-anticipated movie, Moms' Night Out. Don't miss this hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

And, look for the companion devotional written by comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.

Tricia and Kerri have teamed up for the "No More Frumpy Mommy" challenge.

Motherhood can sometimes seem like survival of the fittest. Every day brings its own troubles, and by the end of the day, you’re spent. Between school, soccer practice, cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner, putting away dishes, and keeping your kids from going at each others’ throats, the last thing on your mind is getting away for an evening. If that’s you, you’re invited to take part in Tricia and Kerri's No More Frumpy Mommy challenge.

Tricia and Kerri will choose 10 winners to receive a Fandango gift card to see Moms' Night Out, as well as copies of Moms' Night Out (the book) and Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss. One grand-prize winner will receive $200 to put toward her own moms' night out or her own moms' night out "ride" (getting her car detailed and cleaned).

GO HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

A copy of this book was provided for in exchange for my review and hosting this tour by...

RUMSPRINGA’S HOPE | Kindle Giveaway from Beth Shriver

Don't miss the first book, Rumspringa's Hope, in Beth Shriver's new Spirit of the Amish series. Beth is celebrating the series launch with a Kindle Fire Giveaway!
 
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Rumspringa's Hope by Beth Shriver

Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 22nd. Winner will be announced June 23rd on Beth's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Beth's blog on June 23rd to see if you won.

Prince Iggy Book Blast

$50 Book Blast Giveaway: Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer by Aldo Fynn

About the Book Title: Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer
Author: Aldo Fynn
 Illustrator: Richie Vicencio
Publication Date: November 5,2013 
Publisher: Boa Press, LLC.
Pages: 172 
 Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: All Iggy Rose wants is for the kids at the Naysayer Academy to like him, and one special girl in particular. But instead, he gets teased and taunted. Every day, he eats alone in the cafeteria and gets beaten up after school on the playground. But when a cruel prank leads to Iggy’s escape from the academy, a wild, unimaginable adventure begins.

Why is King Naysayer offering a hefty reward for Iggy’s capture? When Iggy joins forces with an eclectic cast of characters, he discovers the answer. But before he can escape from the kingdom of Naysayer, Iggy must first reclaim what is rightfully his. Does this sad, lonely boy have the courage to battle the biggest school bully, a mean headmistress, and a greedy, cruel king? Will Iggy finally believe in himself and discover his true destiny?

Purchase

Amazon (Kindle)  |   Amazon (Print)

  The Buzz

“An entertaining fantasy with a quirky, inventive storyline that shows how things invariably turn out badly for bullies.” Kirkus Reviews

“The book is going to be devoured by readers of any type, whether they’re looking for some fun fiction, a comical read, or a page-turner.” 5 Star Review, San Francisco Book Review 

“Fynn’s book reminded me a bit of Harry Potter, but he adds his own cast of characters and a boy (Iggy), fun dialogue, and an amazing story that you can’t help but root for. If you are looking for a great book to get your kids hooked on, then I recommend the Prince Iggy series.” 5 Star Review, The Pen and Muse Book Reviews, Amazon

“Has the flavor of a Dickens and a Harry Potter story while remaining wholly original. It just shares those characteristics that make it such an enjoyable read. This book should be on every child’s must read list and if I’m to be perfectly honest it should be on every adults list too. It has enough subtle adult humor well within its boundaries to make it an entertaining read for the parents too. It certainly has a modern message. It shows just how heartbreaking bullying can be by children as well as adults. It’s a story about losing yourself and finding yourself. It shows being a bully doesn’t pay off but believing in yourself does.” 5 Star Review, April S., Amazon

About the Author: Aldo Fynn

Aldo Fynn enjoys writing wacky, fantastical stories. Prince Iggy and the Kingdom of Naysayer is his debut novel. It’s the first book in the Adventures of Prince Iggy Series. He’s also written two wacky, laugh-out-loud picture books. He lives under his desk and promises he won’t come out until Book 3 in the series is complete. Which is a shame because his desk is based in Los Angeles, where it’s sunny and 70 degrees most of the year.

Book Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway

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The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.

A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.

An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.


 
Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

The Heart's Pursuit is another excellent book by Robin Lee Hatcher.  I have been reading Hatcher's books since 2008.  She actually is one of four authors that got me into doing book reviews; though she doesn't know it.  I was asked to do a book review for some contest and Hatcher's book was one of the four books I was sent to review...from there it is history.  I now have a blog and doing all kinds of book reviews.  Hatcher won't let you down...You'll keep turning the pages and wanting more of her books.  The Heart's Pursuit is no exception.  Awesome book. 

About the Author:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Robin’s website.

A copy of this book was provided for in exchange for my review and hosting this tour by...