Bookworm for Kids presents books for toddlers to teens and everything in between: board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade reads, tween reads, and young adult literature.
Finley's best friend Henry is about to turn nine, and Finley has a major problem: she has no idea what to give him for his birthday. He already owns all of her best creations! The school cook-off might be the perfect solution. The grand prize is a year's worth of Flying Pie Pizza ― Henry's favorite. But coming up with something original and tasty is harder than it looks. As one crazy concoction leads to another, Finley discovers that cooking is just like the rest of life ― things don't always turn out as planned and friendship is the real prize.
MY TIDBITS
This book is simply fun to read! Finley is a girl full of spunk, determination and ideas. She wants to do something special for her best friend's birthday and goes all out. I found this inspiring, and her ideas humorous as well as adventurous.
The story is broken down into chapters, making it easy for kids to take breaks. The lovely illustrations in between are a real treat and add a nice touch to the entire thing. I, personally, find the length a bit heavy for early readers and was glad to see that things were broken down a bit. Still, this isn't something to throw at reluctant word fans.
There are two recipes introduced into the story, which if nothing else, will inspire kids to maybe try cooking something on their own--so parents watch out for your kitchens! These sort of inspirations are always wonderful and a delightful chance for kids to try something new and possibly find a new hobby or two.
Summed up, this is a nice read, which is sure to make kids smile. The character is unforgettable and full of life. Although I wouldn't recommend this to reluctant readers or those really just starting out, it's a great read for those ready to attack words or slightly older kids (more on the age 8 end of things). I'm sure readers will enjoy diving into the rest of the series as well.
Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the newly released picture book, "The Knights Before Christmas" by Joan Holub (November 6 to 8, 2015).
'Twas December 24th, and three brave knights were just settling in for the night when out on the drawbridge, there arose such a clatter! The knights try everything to get rid of this unknown invader (Santa Claus!), a red and white knight with a fleet of dragons . . .
But nothing would stop
their white-whiskered foe.
No matter their efforts,
he just would not go!
This parody of Clement Clarke Moore's well-known poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is kid-friendly, clever, and just plain silly. Sure to become a holiday classic of a different kind!
“There's an excellent interplay between the amusing illustrations and the polished text, with lots of clever jokes for readers to discover in the art. These knights know how to keep the castle safe and the readers entertained”~ Kirkus Reviews
“A royal romp of holiday pratfalls and punnery. Yule love it!” ~ Tom Lichtenheld, bestselling illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
“A royal delight of a book! Sure to become a favorite holiday read-aloud in every household throughout the land!” ~ Judy Schachner, creator of the bestselling Skippyjon Jones
"A great premise...Magoon's illustrations are vibrant and fun...!" ~ Publishers Weekly
"This rousing, ridiculous medieval “Night Before Christmas” parody jingles with castle- and holiday wordplay. Cheeky digital illustrations brim with good cheer." ~ Horn Book
About the Author: Joan Holub
Joan Holub is the author of 140+ books for children including the acclaimed picture books Little Red Writing, The Knights Before Christmas, and Mighty Dads, a New York Times bestseller. Joan co-authors (with Suzanne Williams) three series: Goddess Girls (ages 8-12, Greek mythology with a middle school twist), Grimmtastic Girls (for ages 8-12, fairy tale adventure with a middle school twist), and Heroes in Training (ages 6-11, Greek mythology adventure chapter books). Watch for her upcoming chapter book, What Was Woodstock?, and her board book, This Little President, both available in early 2016!
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: November 19, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: 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, Joan Holub 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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Who ever heard of a girl being hatched from an egg the colour of sapphires? Magelica doesn't know where she came from or who she really is. But when she's transported to the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub, she launches into an adventure of discovery, and learns that wonderful things can happen when she uses her imagination, believes, opens her heart and trusts in love. Come fly with her and discover for yourself the power of imagination, gratitude, believing in yourself, and love! In this special first voyage, fantasy, adventure, magical illustrations, empowering messages, and a wonderful cast of enchanting characters come together as Magelica takes young girls and the special people in their lives on a fun, inspiring voyage about making your life magical.
When my youngest caught sight of this book, she immediately started begging for me to read it to her. So big plus on the covers because they grabbed her attention--exactly what a cover should do.
Magelica was all my daughter hoped her to be--sweet, kind and a little magical. The story begins with Magelica wondering who she really is and contemplating with the cutest little dragon on her side. Especially the idea that she came from an egg was fascinating and definitely had my daughter as curious of Magelica's origins as Magelica was.
It doesn't take long for Magelica's journey to begin, and the idea of using a bathtub to fly off in is fantastic. Magelica's travels and adventures happen with such fantastical ease that it's simply a joy to be on her side. But the other characters make it as fun as she does. A talking puff-ball and her best friend, a small dragon, are the perfect companions and had my daughter smiling the whole way through.
The chapters are kept pretty short, giving Mom's (and other readers) a chance to take a breath. . .but not a long one. At times, I found the writing a bit jumpy, but this didn't bother my daughter in the least. She had no trouble understanding what was going on and wasn't pleased when I took a break half-way through (it was a school night and past her bedtime).
I especially enjoyed the illustrations and found they fit Magelica and the mood perfectly.
Summed up, this is a wonderful book for early readers, especially girls who love fairies, magic and dream of far away, fantastical lands they might someday fly to on their own.
The Rescue, (Magelica's Voyage, Book 2)
THE RESCUE
(Magelica's Voyage, Book 2)
by Louise Courey Nadeau
Magelica Inc.
48 pages
For ages 5 to 10
When Magelica dreams of the prince lost on a deserted island, she realizes that it could lead to his rescue. She returns to the Isle of Dreams to tell Queen Raya what she knows.Can they save Prince Will before it's too late? Will the power of laughter and love be enough?
This begins there where the first book ended, and although one could possibly read this as a stand-alone, I wouldn't recommend it. The adventures from book 1 will make it easier for readers to understand Magelica and the situation she finds herself in this adventure.
Honestly, I enjoyed this book more than the first. While the first had to jump between several things to give the reader a good understanding of the characters and magical world around them, THE RESCUE takes off one, pure adventure.
Magelica has become braver and more self-assured than when we first met her. Although she still is in search of her identity, she's learned to be the person she is and has accepted her bond to the magical realm. But then, the magical realm is a wonderful place, full of friendship and support. This is a book filled with positive feelings. Even though Magelica now has the mission to find the prince, it's an adventure packed full of goodness. Music, laughter and hope beam through on every page, making this a great read for kids, especially before they head off into a world of dreams.
I can only recommend this for first readers and believe they will enjoy getting sucked up into Magelica's world. The writing is at a perfect level, the adventure fast-paced enough to keep readers interest, and the messages as golden as can be. A two thumbs up from me!
The Buzz About the Books
"Magelica's Voyage is an inspiring, magical tale of a world that I did not want to leave. The author's imagination takes off with vivid magical characters transformed into
beautiful illustrations that your child will love... When you open this book you'll instantly discover that magic is indeed in the air." ~ 5 Star Review, StevieV, Amazon
"This is a wonderful, enchanting book! The story is so imaginative and the illustrations are beautiful! It is delightful to join Magelica on her adventure to the Isle of Dreams, and it is great to see such a positive, confident heroine." ~ 5 Star Review, Laurie J., Amazon
"Magelica is easy to love; a child who accepts herself as she is but who questions the very world around her, is someone many children will be able to relate to. Give this wonderful story a try- you won't be sorry you did." ~ 5 Star Review, Shelley V., Amazon
"Magelica's Voyage by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautifully written enchanting tale filled with alluring adventure. The story is magnificently illustrated, from the winsome depiction of Magelica to the creative Isle of Dreams, the authors gifted imagination is prevalent on every page... I highly recommend picking up a copy.." ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T., Amazon
"I recommend it to every kid between the age of 3 until 9 whether it is a girl or boy. The energy when reading it is indescribable. Both [books] are well made and I recommend it to every parent that cares about how their children should be raised!" ~ 5 Star Review, Hassan, Amazon
"The Rescue is a beautifully illustrated and beautifully written children’s story with an important message about being happy and staying positive, even in very difficult circumstances. Louise Courey Nadeau presents this gentle lesson in a light-hearted and brilliantly illustrated manner that draws in readers young and old." ~ Bil Howard, Reader's Favorite, 5 Star Review
"Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautiful story that will teach kids valuable lessons pertaining to staying true to their heart." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeff, Amazon
And here she is. . .
Louise Courey Nadeau!!!
Passionate about empowering and inspiring children around the world, Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and mother of two girls and two boys created her first fairy tale Magelica's Voyage, with the second book in the series, The Rescue, launched June 2015.
"Through life's trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series my goal is to take young girls and their parents and teachers on empowering adventures and to inspire and encourage them to believe that they are amazing just the way they are, and to discover the power of love, positivity, and believing in themselves. "Magelica's Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love", says Courey Nadeau.
"All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic allaround." To read her blogs and learn more about Louise Courey Nadeau please visit Magelica's Voyage website at Magelica.com. You can also follow Magelica on FB, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
