Kaleidoscope collection by Hameray Publishing

I was so excited when Bill from Hameray Publishing contacted me to do some product reviews of their books on my site.  The first collection I chose to review was the Kaleidoscope collection.   The Kaleidoscope Collection is a series of 150 books at various reading levels written by a team of experienced reading teachers, leaders, literacy coaches and reading specialist.  The authors come from many different states and teaching backgrounds.  There are fiction as well as non-fiction titles in the series.  These readers may be used in small groups, individually or put into a classroom library.  Currently there are 40 book available with 50 additional titles to be added here in January of 2012 and 60 more added in January 2013.

Book Features include:

• a large range of interesting topics that reflect the diverse world of young readers
• high-quality illustrations/photographs 
• encounter characters that are familiar to their own lives as well as meet new folks in different jobs and settings
• prose, poetry and effective use of vocabulary to engage and challenge readers to expand their horizons
• like a kaleidoscope the books add color and interest and new experiences to the reader

as a teacher I was very impressed with these readers that were sent me to review.  The illustrations were wonderful the print easy to read.  On the average one readers is about 8 pages as to not overwhelm the new budding or the reluctant reader.
Here is a sample of a book using photos...

Here is a sample page of a book using illustrations....

Needless to say my pictures of the pictures doesn't do them justice. 
Here is the sample of books I was sent for this review...

Halloween Night by Gaynell R. Jamison

We Recycle by Susan G. Weaver Jones

Crash Cars by Lisa Burnett Killebrew

Zip the Squirrel by Kimberly Ziemann

No Rules by Sandy Veach

So if you need some reinforcement at home you may want to check out this great collection and others that are put out by Hameray Publishing. 

review copies have been provided in exchange for my honest review by....

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reid

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson David C. Cook (January 1, 2012) by Don Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since wrote two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

America: The Last Best Hope Vol. III by William J. Bennett

William Bennett has done it again; he has put together information to inform his readers. I have many of Bennett's books both adult and children's and like them this book was not a disappointment. This is this third book in America series it enlightens the reader to the last 20 years of American history:  From the collapse of Communism to the Rise of radical Islam.  It covers presidents from George H. Bush to beginning of Obama's presidency.  This book was very interesting for the history buff and informative for the political/history wannabes.  The author presents the information in a very easy to read format that is easy to read and follow, Bennett keeps the readers interest sparked.   The author adds his own personal notes, views, and perspectives throughout the book.  Many schools use Bennett's books in their curriculum.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be informed.  You will walk away more informed after reading Bennett's book.

Buy		Read

for more information about this book visit here

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

WWW ~ Jan. 18, 2012

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?


Currently Reading:

Recently Finished:

 Read my Review here

Next Read:

NEWS BREAK!!!

We interrupt the regularly schedule programming to bring to you this new and latest and BREAKING NEWS

Teaser Tuesday ~ TJ and the Time Stumblers: Oops!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"I don't want it there." She raised her perfectly tanned arm and pointed her perfectly manicured finger.  "I want it moved over there."

~ taken from p. 122 of Bill Myers' book TJ and the Time Stumblers #3:  Oops!

Mailbox Monday ~ jan 16, 2012

Join Mailbox Monday meme

@ The Printed Page

January's host is: 
at Home with Books

(I will be hosting sometime in 2013 she is that far booked ahead)

Non-fiction

Mornings with Jesus 2012 various authors

Children's books

 

Ann's Amazing Adventure by Jeanetta Brancaccio

various titles from Hamerary Publishing's Kaleidoscope collection

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing His Steadfast Love Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2011) by Golden Keyes Parsons
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Captive Heart Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Dale Cramer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Sound of Red Returning

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"...The Americans cannot possibly know what we found at the cabin, but they are tracking us this moment, I am afraid.  Without the letter, they stumble in darkness.  But not for long."  He bent toward Kozlov, who tensed even more.  "You must be quick,"  Andreyev ordered.  "And this time, Evgeny, you cannot fail." 

~ taken from p. 24 of Sue Duffy's book The Sound of Red Returning

Lucky by Craig Inglis

This book is about a dog that might not be as lucky as he thinks.  He has an accident and ends up living the remainder of his life with three legs.  However, he does overcome this obstacle in his life and does everything that he did with four legs.  Good book to help young ones learn that even though others are different they can still live with their disabilities.  Very cute story for ages 3-7  You may visit Lucky's web site here.  You can will more about the author, book and the illustrator on the web site; there is even an ask "Lucky" page if you have a question you'd like an answer to.  

Lucky, a special illustrated children's book by Craig S. Inglis
"Is a positive book with a "can-do" attitude that helps children understand that they can overcome obstacles in life and even make a better life than before," Inglis says. "I was inspired to write the book by those who faced and overcome physical disabilities."

Intended to entertain and educate young readers, the book aims to share a serious message through a playful, uncomplicated narrative. The book features original illustrations that are really art by Richard Kinsey that depict Lucky, his owner and his courageous recovery.

There is also an "ask Lucky" section on the book's website at www.luckythechildrensbook.com. This makes the book interactive. Children can ask Lucky a question about his disability, attitude, recovery, whatever, and get a thoughtful answer that is informative.

Craig S. Inglis is a writer and retired entrepreneur. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Inglis was raised in Illinois and California before graduating from California State University at Fullerton. He founded a small business soon after graduation and remained self-employed throughout his 30-year career. A father of two, Inglis resides in Anaheim, California with his wife Mary. He has always felt a connection to those who have physical disabilities and explains that their courage and determination in overcoming obstacles in order to lead a happy life is what inspired him to write "Lucky." This is his first novel.

for more information about this book visit here.

A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

Mailbox Monday ~ Jan. 9, 2012

Join Mailbox Monday meme

@ The Printed Page

January's host is: 
at Home with Books

(I will be hosting sometime in 2013 she is that far booked ahead)

ONLY 1 BOOK THIS WEEK:

Casey and Kyle:  I'm saving up for a Big Brother by Will Robertson