Holiday Giveaway - Kindle Fire HD 7" for Kids!

About the Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition 7" Tablet

I was pretty excited to see this pretty cool new product available through Amazon. This is a HOT PRODUCT! The all-new Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet also comes with 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited (which means kids get unlimited access to 5,000 books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games—at no additional cost!). It includes a quad-core processor for great performance, a vivid HD display, front and rear-facing cameras, and Dolby Audio PLUS comes with a Kid-Proof Case, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee - if they break it, return it and Amazon replaces it for free. No questions asked! Um... can you say Christmas present?  

Fabulous Sponsors (Bloggers)

Thank you to the following bloggers who are sponsoring this giveaway. Please consider visiting at least one or two and thanking them personally. Mother Daughter Book Reviews Enter Here Canada Lavender Likes, Loves, Finds and Dreams I am a Reader Addicted Readers Crystal's Tiny Treasures A Bit Bookish Home on Deranged Book, Reviews and Giveaways Tales of a Bookworm BeachBoundBooks A Leisure Moment  

Fabulous Sponsors (Authors and Publishers)

A big thank you to all of the participating authors and publishers who are sponsoring this giveaway. Below you will find their fabulous books Please consider purchasing one, two or more books that interest you as a "Thank You" to these generous sponsors. Some books are free, others only 99 cents!                                                        

Giveaway Details

Prize: One winner will receive either a new Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition 7" Tablet (US only) a $200 Amazon gift card (International) or $200 PayPal cash prize (International) Contest closes: November 30, 11:59 pm, 2014 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 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. NOTE: When the winner is chosen, ALL of their entries will be verified. If ANY of the winner's entries is invalid, they will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny is Calling by Emily Siskin-Toy



 

ROXY ROGERS:

YOUR DESTINY IS CALLING

by Emily Siskin-Toy

Illustrated by Brian C. Krümm

Three Bug Books

32 pages

ages 6 - 9

 

What happens when a young girl with a Hall of Fame baseball pedigree breaks the family mold and follows her dream to become a soul singer? “Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny Is Calling”, a picture book for ages 6 – 9, lets children see that their families will love them just the same when they pursue their true passions in life.
Everybody in Roxy’s family–from her great-grandpa (played with Lou Gehrig), to her grandpa (played with Jackie Robinson), to her mother (super-star college softball player), to her father (was a Los Angeles Dodger), to her sister (won a Gold Medal for Team USA Softball, and so on)–famously played ball, and Roxy is next in line. The only problem is that Roxy dreams of singing soul music like her idol, Aretha Franklin!
A historical addendum provides information about the Hall of Fame baseball players who turn up in the book, as well as Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul music. Additionally, a fun treasure hunt for clues about Roxy’s true destiny runs throughout the book, giving readers an enhanced, interactive experience.

 

 

 

MY TIDBITS

 

Roxy is doomed to be a baseball/softball player. After all, every single family member she can think of was a famous player themselves at one time or another. They say that playing ball is in her blood. But that's not what she wants. Just like many kids, Roxy doesn't want to disappoint her family, so she keeps her real dreams to herself - a fact I found very true to life. After all, what kid is willing to disappoint their entire family?

The illustrations are well done, and the story telling itself is direct to the point (if not perhaps a bit too brief). It's perfect for a short read-a-loud. I especially enjoyed the mention of famous baseball players, and the added tidbits at the end of the book about them, which is sure to interest small baseball player gurus. As an extra bonus, small surprises are hidden in the pictures, which kids are asked to go back and discover when the story comes to an end. This alone guarantees to grab kids' interest.

Summed up, this is a sweet story kids can relate to with a heart-warming ending. Kids will enjoy it.

 

 

You can find this on Amazon here!

 

 

 

 

And here she is. . .

EMILY SISKIN-TOY!!!

 



 

A U.C. Santa Cruz banana slug alum, Emily Siskin-Toy launched her writing career with posts at various film and television magazines in Los Angeles. After a break in the action to raise her daughter, Emily and her college sweetheart founded WOW! Music Studios, a successful children’s music instruction school in Mill Valley, California.
But just like the character in her book, Emily’s true passion was something entirely different; she always dreamed of writing children’s books. Inspiration was everywhere for Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny Is Calling. While coaching her daughter’s youth softball and basketball teams, Emily eventually came to realize that the world of sports was a passion of hers, not her daughter’s, who really wanted, of course, to be a singer. The plot of the story was right in front of her, and the surrounding details would be cultivated from her lifetime of love for the rich history of Major League Baseball and her daughter’s love of music.


Website | Author Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Great Mini Myths by Joan Holub for Young Readers

Children's auhor, Joan Holub, has added a super cute board book series for toddlers to her list! And I had to share these with you, since these are ones you won't want to miss. My own daughter toted these around with her for days. . .literally.

BE PATIENT, PANDORA!

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.



My Tidbits


My Daughter loved this book! She carried it and Play Nice, Hercules around with her for weeks.

I found this book simply wonderful. The illustrations are super cute, the wording just perfect and the idea behind it - amazing. As an ancient myth fan, I loved the way Joan was able to bring down the basic ideas surrounding these characters to a young level. Honestly, when I first saw the books, I was skeptical if it could be done. But Joan does a great job of taking the simple idea of Pandora's box and making it understandable for young kids.

As an extra bonus, she's added a short description of the original myth on the last page. My 9 year old son found this part interesting.

In other words, I give this a huge recommendation!

You can find this on Amazon!

PLAY NICE, HERCULES!

Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.



My Tidbits


Along with Play Nice, Pandora!, my daughter toted this book around for weeks. And although she didn't read it quite as much, she refused to set it down.

When I first saw this mini-myth series, I was a bit skeptical as to whether these myths (or the ideas behind them) could really be brought down to such a young age level. But yes, they can, and Joan does a terrific job doing it! I'll admit, I preferred the Pandora book over this one, but this is still, one worth reading. The illustrations are well done and colorful. The wording perfect for the intended age group. There's a nice message in this story little kids ill understand and enjoy.

On the last page, the author adds a short summary of Hercules. My son enjoyed these.

You can find this on Amazon!

Soulless by Crystal Collier and Giveaway

SOULLESS

Maiden of Time Series, #2

by Crystal Collier
Raybourne Publishing

Young Adult (YA)
Paranormal Historical

281 pages

The Soulless are coming.

Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.

 

MY TIDBITS

 

 

After reading MOONLESS and loving it, I was really excited to get my hands on SOULLESS to continue the journey. And I was not disappointed.  

 

First, it's important to say that although one can start the series with this book, I wouldn't recommend it. We start there where book 1 left off. Alexia lost many of her loved ones, including her favorite aunt to the Soulless, and her father is finally allowing her upcoming marriage. From beginning on, there's a mixture of emotions, but also the never-ending threat of war with the Soulless. The story grasps and doesn't let go until the very end.

 

In this book, Alexia gains a deeper understanding of herself and her powers, and of course, continues a sweet romance with a hero worth drooling over. She gains self-confidence and takes more control of the situation around her as she's forced to fight her own emotions and realize that the war isn't broken into a clear black and white, but includes more gray areas than anyone else is willing to see. I had no trouble fevering for her as she battled her way from one adventure into another, and faced unexpected twists and turns.

 

In other words, this is a magical, fast-paced, romantic adventure that will keep paranormal YA lovers glued to the pages until the very end. Can't wait for book 3!

 

 

 

 

Buy link: http://crystal-collier.com/buy
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Moonless-Maiden-Time-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00FADL0A6
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soulless-crystal-collier/1120428254

 

 

 

Praise for SOULLESS: 

"With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer

"It's clean, classy and supernaturally packed with suspense, longing, intrigue and magic." --Jill Jennings, TX

"SWOON." --Sherlyn, Mermaid with a Book Reviewer

 

 

 

And here she is. . .

      

                              Crystal Collier!!!

 

 

Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

❀ Unleashing the dream world, one book at a time ❀

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Website

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY!!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roxy Rogers Your Destiny is Calling by Emily Siskin-Toy with Giveaway

 

 Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny is Calling 

by Emily Siskin-Toy 

Illustrated by Brian C. Krümm

Three-Bug Books 

32 pages

  for ages 6 to 9

 What happens when a young girl with a Hall of Fame baseball pedigree breaks the family mold and follows her dream to become a soul singer? "Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny Is Calling", a picture book for ages 6 - 9, lets children see that their families will love them just the same when they pursue their true passions in life. Everybody in Roxy's family--from her great-grandpa (played with Lou Gehrig), to her grandpa (played with Jackie Robinson), to her mother (super-star college softball player), to her father (was a Los Angeles Dodger), to her sister (won a Gold Medal for Team USA Softball, and so on)--famously played ball, and Roxy is next in line. The only problem is that Roxy dreams of singing soul music like her idol, Aretha Franklin! A historical addendum provides information about the Hall of Fame baseball players who turn up in the book, as well as Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul music. Additionally, a fun treasure hunt for clues about Roxy's true destiny runs throughout the book, giving readers an enhanced, interactive experience.  

Sneak Peek

 

Purchase

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Print) | Kobo | iTunes

 

The Early Buzz

"I just LOVED this little book. Empowering for young girls, and at the same time powerful for young boys... The illustrations are perfect for this book: fun and eye-grabbing, and I also love that it includes facts about popular icons like Aretha Franklin and Baseball legends. Well done! " ~ 5 Star Review, Mariana L., Amazon

"Roxie Rogers is an inspiring read for all ages, truly. It speaks to that little voice inside all of us telling us "come out" to the real you. The artwork brings the story to life, and the text is great for read-along or for young readers on their own." ~ 5 Star Review, Laura, Amazon

"I just read Roxy Rogers to my 5-year old daughter and we both loved the book! The story was fun and engaging filled with dynamic illustrations. Besides the great life messages woven into the story, I really like how the story reads. It is really nice to experience a children’s book that is not mind numbing in its repetitiveness (you know the type) with words that flow easily off the pages. " ~ 5 Star Review, Wendigo, Amazon

 

About the Author: Emily Siskin-Toy

A U.C. Santa Cruz banana slug alum, Emily Siskin-Toy launched her writing career with posts at various film and television magazines in Los Angeles. After a break in the action to raise her daughter, Emily and her college sweetheart founded WOW! Music Studios, a successful children’s music instruction school in Mill Valley, California. But just like the character in her book, Emily’s true passion was something entirely different; she always dreamed of writing children’s books. Inspiration was everywhere for Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny Is Calling. While coaching her daughter’s youth softball and basketball teams, Emily eventually came to realize that the world of sports was a passion of hers, not her daughter’s, who really wanted, of course, to be a singer. The plot of the story was right in front of her, and the surrounding details would be cultivated from her lifetime of love for the rich history of Major League Baseball and her daughter’s love of music.  

Website | Author Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: October 30, 11:59 pm, 2014 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 Emily Siskin-Toy 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