Get a Book in Your McDonald's Happy Meal

Yesterday I wrote about how much I loved reading as a child and how much my girls and I read together. Books are a huge part of our daily lives and a great tool for learning and growing our imaginations. I'm excited that McDonald's is celebrating reading by offering books instead of toys in Happy Meals through November 14. Each Happy Meal will include one of four books that focuses on nutrition or active play presented in a fun story that kids will love.

McDonald's Happy Meal Books

The four limited edition titles are:

• The Goat Who Ate Everything – Tells a story of a goat who has a big appetite and struggles to eat right. But when he does, he feels great and becomes the playful ‘kid’ everyone loves.
• Deana’s Big Dreams – Shares how Deana, the world’s smallest dinosaur, grew tall by eating right.
• Ant, Can’t – Features Ant, a bite-­‐sized bodybuilder who’s big on encouraging physical fitness through exercise and eating right.
• Doddi the Dodo Goes to Orlando – Follows happy-­‐go-­‐lucky bird Doddi who travels the world. She eats right because this dodo is always on the go-­‐go.

McDonald's Give A Book, Get A Book

Indy with Kids has partnered with McDonald’s of Central Indiana for the local, “Give a Book, Get a Book” campaign.

November 1st-14th, book donation sites will be set up around the area at the Ronald McDonald House, local libraries and Indy Reads Bookstore. In exchange for the donation of a new or gently used children’s book, customers will receive a Be Our Guest card for a free Happy Meal. In addition, participating libraries will host a “Happy Meal Day” with activities for kids and McDonald’s Happy Meal books.

I'm sure the girls and I will be grabbing a Happy Meal sometime in the next week. Is there really such a thing as too many books? Naw, I didn't think so!

Mom Tip: If your kids are young and willing to share grab one Mighty Kids meal to split. 6 chicken nuggets is plenty for my girls, they share the apple slices, & there are extra fries for me.

Happy Meal Giveaways

Several of my fellow Central Indiana bloggers are giving away Happy Meal prize packs. Go forth and enter quickly because these won't be open long.

• Indy With Kids
• Chaos is Bliss
• WritRams
• What's Up Fagans?
• Redefining Perfect
• Gotchababy
• Indy Homeschool
• 4th Frog Blog

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• McDonald's Give a Book, Get a Book and GIVEAWAY
• A Happy Addition to Happy Meals

The Persnickety Princess by Falcon Storm

Evolved Publishing presents "The Persnickety Princess," the first book in the "Tales from Upon A. Time" series by Falcon Storm. This lower grade adventure is perfect for kids 6-9 years old, though kids a little older are sure to like it too.

~~~~~

High up in the tallest tower of the purplest castle in the Kingdom by the Sea, Princess Lavender awaits rescue. Desperate as she may be, only the most dashing, well dressed, properly mannered prince will do. Oh, and he must stand exactly four and three-quarters inches taller than her. A princess has got to have standards, after all.

When, finally, one such prince comes to her castle—not to rescue her, but her younger sister—Lavender refuses to be ignored. Instead of waiting for the next suitor to come along, she devises a plan to put herself in danger, thus forcing the upstart prince to forget her sister and rescue her instead.

Well accustomed to getting her way, there is only one thing, unfortunately, that this princess can’t control—her luck. When her plans go awry, putting her in very real danger, will she allow the prince to rescue her as he sees fit? Will he even want to try?

And will anyone be able to find a way to rescue Lavender from her persnickety ways once and for all? Find out in this comedic tale of princes, dragons, and dreams that just may come true.

My Review:

* I won a copy of The Persnickety Princess in a no-obligation giveaway from the author & publisher. The opinion stated here is entirely my own. *

It is a rare thing for a book to make me smile and even more rare for me to laugh out loud while reading. The Persnickety Princess had me doing both. Falcon Storm has created an enchanting story with fun characters and amusing situations. Princess Lavender gets herself into all kinds of trouble as she attempts to fulfill her ideal fantasy of being rescued by a prince. Unfortunately, the prince she wants to rescue her is off to rescue her sister, Princess Petunia. Instead Lavender is rescued over and over by a man she believes to be the prince's squire.

The story moves quickly and is sure to hold a child's attention. The target audience for this book is ages 6 - 9 so it is still a little beyond my four year old. I have no doubt that she will be ready for it soon though even if we do have to stop often for all the inevitable "why" questions and a few vocabulary lessons. At the same time I think the story is fun and interesting enough for readers a bit on the older side of the age range.

The only thing that might make this book even more fun would be a small illustration at the beginning of each chapter to go along with the beautiful chapter headings.

I am so glad that Falcon Storm will be writing more books in this children's series as the first was a complete delight.

Buy The Persnickety Princess on Amazon: Kindle * Paperback

Note: All opinions presented in book and product reviews are my own. Opinions presented in posts authored by others reflect the view of the author only and not necessarily my view or opinion.

An Easter Bonnet for Lily

From children's author & illustrator Jodie Stone

Prize Pack includes:

$25 Visa gift card, Paperback copy of 'An Easter Bonnet for Lily' ,
Jodi Stone Illustrated Greeting Cards,

Jodi Stone Illustrated Paper Dolls, Magnets, bookmarks

Join children's author & illustrator Jodi Stone for a Twitter Party

Tuesday, May 7 at 11:00 am ET

#EasterBonnet

Connect with the Author: Goodreads  *  Facebook  *  website

Easter is Savannah’s favorite holiday. She loves to dress up in her fanciest of dresses and bonnets, and enjoys all of the traditions her family continues year to year. Savannah finds herself struggling though on a day that she usually loves, and finds herself feeling discouraged. Across the land in Tulip, Easter Bunnies are preparing for the big day as well, all but one: Lily. Lily is the newest Easter Bunny recruit, but struggles with one major problem: her ears. Join both Savannah and Lily on this magical Easter adventure, where they will both realize that magic is held within your heart if you just believe.

Buy the book at Amazon!

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A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. The giveaway is sponsored by the author.

Note: All opinions presented in book and product reviews are my own. Opinions presented in posts authored by others reflect the view of the author only and not necessarily my view or opinion. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Amazon and Book Depository links are affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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The Fifth Grade Boy Inside My Head with Karen Pokras Toz #NateRocks

Karen Pokras Toz is rocking a blog tour to celebrate the third book in her Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the School. Today she is telling us about the voices in her head and giving away some great swag. There is one giveaway just for this blog and then a grand prize giveaway for the entire tour.

The Fifth Grade Boy Inside My Head

When I first started writing, I had every intention of writing for an adult audience. That is, until I actually sat down to write. It seems I have a fifth grader stuck in my head, and he is anxious to be heard. Well actually, he was a fourth grader when I first started, but he’s recently moved up.

Even worse, I’ve got his entire family in there, plus some friends and even a few extras. I’ve also got a sixth grade girl there as well as her family and friends. At times it can get a bit crowded as you can imagine, especially when I need to make room for even more characters.

I blame it on my children (those would be my real life children, not the ones stuck in my head). They have immersed me into their world of super heroes, boy bands, friends, dreams, and ambitions – oh yeah and bodily functions – especially the ones that make disgusting noises and smells. I write based on my daily observations, and well, it seems I spend a great deal more time around these children than I do around adults. Their words and their world are what inspire me. Through their eyes, I have a greater appreciation for life. They make me smile on a daily basis.

Sure, there are times when I need to push them aside (referring now to the kids in my head, not my real children), and yes, I am determined to write something grownup still (coming in June – stay tuned!) But I do so love having these children around – both the ones in my real life and the ones in my head. They keep me young at heart.

So if you see me smiling and having a conversation with myself, don’t worry - it’s just me chatting with the voices in my head.

About the Book:

First Nate Rocks the World . . .

Then Nate Rocks the Boat . . .

Now Nate Rocks Is At It Again . . .

According to Nathan Rockledge, fifth grade has plenty of perks. Oh sure, there’s more work and that know-it-all, Lisa Crane, is still around – but, there’s a lot to look forward to as well: a laser tag birthday party, baseball at recess, and even a cool Halloween dance. Of course, all of that means nothing without the biggest perk of all . . . the class trip to New York City in the spring. If Nathan’s class can raise enough money to go, that is.

Give Nathan paper and a pencil and watch as his imagination turns him into Nate Rocks, hero and fifth grade super star. With adventures abound, Nate saves the day time and again. But will Nate be able to save the fifth grade trip?

Join Nathan, his hilarious family, and his friends, as he rocks the school in another fun Nate Rocks adventure.

About the Author:

Karen Pokras Toz lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. Karen’s middle grade childrens’ novels: Millicent Marie Is Not My Name and the Nate Rocks series, have won several awards including First Place for Children’s Chapter Books and the Grand Prize Overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for a Global E-Book Award for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). Her first adult contemporary novel, invisible, will be released this summer. For more information, please visit www.karentoz.com.

Connect with Karen: Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Buy books by Karen Pokras Toz at Amazon

The Giveaways

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A GWR Publicity Event. Sponsored by Karen Pokras Toz.

Note: All opinions presented in book and product reviews are my own. Opinions presented in posts authored by others reflect the view of the author only and not necessarily my view or opinion. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Amazon and Book Depository links are affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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Guardians Inc.: The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain (Guest Post)

Today some of the characters from Guardians Inc.: The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain are chatting it up on the blog as part of an online tour run by GWR Publicity. Be sure to check out the other tour stops throughout the month. Keep reading to find out how you could win a $75 Amazon Gift Card.

 About the Book:

A chance reading of a newspaper ad will send 16 year old Thomas Byrne into the world within our world.

Following the ad he will find Guardians Incorporated. A seven thousand year old organization charged with protecting the balance between Magic and technology.

Through their guidance technology has kept Magic at bay since the Renaissance, but the balance is shifting and soon all those creatures we've driven into myth and legend will come back with a vengeance.

To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future and to unlock the future they need a cypher.

Purchase from Amazon: eBook (free at time of posting) or Paperback

Purchase from Barnes & Noble (eBook also free at time of posting)

Purchase the second book in the series Guardians Inc.: Thundersword from Amazon: eBook or Paperback 

Guardians Inc.: The Cypher Interview

M: Hello everyone! M here! I’ve been let out from my usual Blogspace Cage and allowed by Clicker to conduct an interview with Cypher Thomas Byrne, in the wonderful –Library Girl Reads- Thank you very much, Angela, it’s quite nice of you to have us…So, Thomas, you are the newest member of Guardians Inc. right?

Thomas: Correct. I’ve been here for about nine months.

M: Most of the people that work inside Guardians Inc. are born into it, ushered by their family members, like I did. How does feel to learn that we exist?

Thomas: I’m still figuring it out. I mean, doors that open anywhere in the world, Elven Kingdoms in California, Trolls, Faeries… the Fauns. It’s really unexpected to find that everything you hear about as Mythology and Fairy tales is real and that most of them are out to get us.

M: I know, my boss, Clicker is a dwarf, and he has quite a temper…Have you met him?

Thomas: I’ve heard of him, but I haven’t met him yet.

M: You’re lucky… anyway, you work primarily in Pervagus Library. How do you like it?

Thomas: Well, I actually work in a station outside the Library. My station was the largest library I’d ever seen until I saw the actual Pervagus Library.

M: I’ve been to your station; I always thought that it was Pervagus Library.

Thomas: No, (raspberries) The actual library holds a copy of everything written since the year 200 or so, every book, every note, every email…in paper and electronic format. It is quite something.

M: Must be large.

Thomas: Imagine a football stadium, just… uhm, bigger, filled with books floor to ceiling and that extends as far as the eye can see. And inside a room in the Mansion! The first time I saw it, it blew my mind away, and the books! Jules Verne wrote five more novels about the Nautilus and Captain Nemo. There are no lost books… it has them all. It’s quite Magical!

Bolswaithe: It’s actually not Magic but a singularity created in the topology of the space time continuum by…

Thomas: Bolswaithe! Just leave it at that. Magic, we’re not Physicists here!

M: Uhm…For those that can’t see us. That was Bolswaithe, Head butler of Pervagus Mansion and Thomas’ cook. Thomas whole team is actually waiting on the side, I tried to interview them, but they declined.

Tony: You didn’t ask me!

Elise(whispering): Nobody wants to hear what you say.

Tony: What?... Oh I see…They asked you and you told them that none of us... You’re very nasty, Princess…

Elise: (whispering again): and you’re interrupting the interview…shut up…

Tony(mumbles something to Elise.) : Oh! I’m sorry…. Carry on. (Continues mumbling to Elise)

M: Uhm, Okay… so in my notes here it says that…Yes, Bolswaithe? You can lower your hand.

Bolswaithe: I am not his cook. I do cook for him and the others, but I am not officially his cook.

(Long Pause)

M: Okay, Bolswaithe, I’m sorry. I must have read my notes wrong… So, Thomas, Uhm… You are a Cypher. How does it feel to have that kind of power?

Thomas: Power? Pffft!

M: It is a power isn’t it?

Thomas: As powers go, it’s kind of lame… I mean it’s not like I can fly or throw magic spells, Heck! I can only translate and decode anything, and only written things. I’m like a language dictionary with legs!

(Longer pause.)

M: Really?…That’s it? Because my notes say that Cyphers are like the cornerstone of Guardians Inc. I mean, Da Vinci, Helen of Troy, Galileo, Marco Polo…

Thomas: Which one of them threw magic spells or flew like Superman?

M: Well, if you put it that way…

Thomas: Really lame…kinda like…

Elise (whispering): Interviews?

Thomas: (Subdued Snickers)

(Even longer pause)

M: Ooookay, so next question would be about ….Yes Tony?

Tony: I just want to say, for the record, that I’ll be very happy to do an interview.

Elise(whispering): Jeez….

M: Well, thank yo…

Tony: Anytime. Anywhere.

M: Thank you Tony, I’ll certainly take it in….

Tony: And that you’re not lame at all…Just saying it from the heart.

M: THANK! You… Tony... So. Time for one more question, uhm… Thomas, when you found out that your grandfather had been… ?! …Where’d he go? Where’d everybody go?

Tony: Oh! They had a thing to do with Mrs. Pianova. You know… Cypher business… BUT… I’m still here so you can just shoot away!

M: Yeaaaaah, unfortunately I came prepared for Thomas and, uhm, we’ve surpassed our allotted time AND word count, so we’ll do it another time.

Tony: I’m ready now…

M: I’ll call you, Tony don’t worry… uhm… Well. That’s a wrap! And…

Tony (whispering): Tony@guardiansinc.com! Drop me a line and I’ll send you a pic!

M(whispering): This is not a matching service man, we’re guests here…

Tony (whispering): Not mine! From the Book of Beasts or something…

M(whispering): Just…just keep quiet okay?… WELL! Thank you for having us Blogger-readerettes! I hope that we can see you again real soon!

This is M from the Guardians Incorporated Control room signing off!

(Longest pause ever)

Tony(Whispering): Do, I still get my interview?

About the Author:

Julian Rosado-Machain has enjoyed pizza in three continents, BA in Graphic Design, worked building armored vehicles, handcrafted alebrijes, owned a restaurant and swears that he has seen at least one ghost.

A Mexico City native he now lives in San Diego, California and enjoys the sun with his wife, three children and cat.

Guardians Inc. The Cypher is the first book in a series that describes the creatures and powers that live in the world within our world.

Connect with Julian: Website * Facebook * Guardians Inc. Blog

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Note: All opinions presented in book and product reviews are my own. Opinions presented in posts authored by others reflect the view of the author only and not necessarily my view or opinion. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Amazon and Book Depository links are affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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Excerpt: Jack Templar Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Today I want to introduce you to a great book. Jack Templar Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus is a fantasy adventure story for middle grade readers. For more monster hunting adventures, please check out the online tour that Jeff did with GWR Publicity at the beginning of December. The adventures continue with the tour currently happening via I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

Intermission

OK, so we need to take a break in the story to take care of a little business.

Like I mentioned when we started, since you made the decision to read this book, you’ve opened yourself up to attack by any monsters who might be in your area. As you’ve seen so far, monsters can lurk in the unlikeliest of places. They can be teachers, gardeners, cashiers, or strangers walking down the street. (I have since discovered that most, but not all, school principals are monsters.)

Sometimes they are not disguised as humans at all. Sometimes they just stay in their monster form and slink in the shadows, coming out only at night to prey on their victims.

And by victim, I mean you.

Hey, I warned you not to read this book, but noooooo…you wouldn’t listen.

The good news is that by reading this book, you’ll be able to properly identify different types of monsters (even if they are in their human disguises.) I wish that I had time to train you on how to take them out like the butt-kicking monster hunter I know you are, but we’re not going to be able to do that until later.

So, until then, there are some things you need to know and some precautions you should take:

1. Reading this book attracts monsters. You emit an energy that monsters can sense and use to track you down. So, you’re most likely to have monsters find you while you are reading this book.

2. Read this book in a secure place. In your house when it’s all locked up is best. (If you’re in your house right now, put the book down and check to make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Go ahead, I’ll wait.)

3. If you can’t find a secure place to read and you just can’t wait, at least read on the move. Change locations every ten minutes or so; that way, the monsters will have a harder time zeroing in on your location. The car is perfect for this, since you’re constantly on the move. (You might want to close the book in a traffic jam when the car stops.)

4. Don’t ever read out in the open for long periods of time. Sitting under a tree in an open field with no one else around? Not so good. You would be a prime target for harpies, giant earthworms, wood trolls, ogres, faeries (not the cute kind), leprechauns, werewolves, various undead entities…the list goes on.

5. Don’t tell your friends about this book unless you’re prepared to share it with them.

That last one is seriously important. If you tell them about this book and what’s in it, that might be enough to drag them into this world along with you. Without knowing why, your buddies will be chased by monsters without the benefit of being told how to protect themselves.

Trust me, you don’t want to wake up one day and find out your best friend got snatched up and eaten by a coven of vampire zombies, all because you were yapping to him at lunch about this super cool book you’re reading.

So, what if you’re the kind of person who just can’t keep your big mouth shut? (You know who you are.)

Here’s the rule:

You can tell your friends about the book, but only if you have them read through the warnings first and make their own decision, just like you did.

Then, after being properly warned, if they still want to make the same bone-headed decision you did and read the book, then you can go ahead and let them.

Just make sure they lock their doors too, because the monsters will find them. Just like they are on their way to find you, even as you read this page. I’m not kidding. Go lock those doors. Right now.

OK, back to the story. I hope this next part doesn’t freak you out!

About the Book:

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are offlimits... until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Buy Jack Templar Monster Hunter on Amazon: eBook or Paperback

About the Author:

Jeff Gunhus is the author of the Middle Grade/YA series The Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. Jeff is also the co- CEO of College Works Painting, a national company with over 4,000 employees that has been featured in national media for its unique opportunity for college students to learn entrepreneurial skills. He is the author of the motivational career guides No Parachute Required (Hyperion) and Wake Up Call (Seven Guns Press). After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland by trying to constantly keep up with his kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the CIty Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.

Connect with Jeff on his website * Twitter * Facebook

Note: All opinions presented in book and product reviews are my own. Opinions presented in posts authored by others reflect the view of the author only and not necessarily my view or opinion. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Amazon and Book Depository links are affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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Join #MillicentMarie on Twitter Today! (10-11-12)

Today is the day - the official launch of Millicent Marie is NOT my Name by Karen Pokras Toz! To kick things off you are invited to a Twitter Party. Join award winning children's author Karen Pokras Toz at 10 am, 11, am, and Noon EST and then again at 10 pm, 11 pm, and Midnight EST for 30 minutes of chatting, fun, and prizes.

The easiest way to join the conversation is with tweetchat.com Login with your Twitter account, then enter #MillicentMarie to join the room.

The Twitter Party is just the beginning of the fun. Karen will be on tour for the next 21 days. Check out the full schedule here.

Summary:
Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago and was not the most loveable member of the Harris family. Her friends call her Millie, but when she writes in her diary she refers to herself as Amanda – the name she always wished she had.

When Millie’s younger brother finds her diary on her computer, he decides to publish it as a blog for the entire world to see, including the boy Millie has a crush on. In the midst of all the mayhem, Millie/Amanda discovers she is suddenly Springside Elementary’s most sought after sixth-grade mystery gossip and advice columnist.

But not all is fun and games, as Millie quickly learns, once she realizes feelings are at stake. Nobody, least of all Millie, expects things to turn out as they do in this tale of friendship and respect.

Learn more & get your own copy (ebook and paperback):  

Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Amazon

 
About Karen Pokras Toz:
Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife and mom. Karen grew up in Connecticut and currently lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. In June 2011, Karen published her first middle grade children’s novel for 7-12 year olds called Nate Rocks the World, which won First Place for Children’s Chapter Books and the Grand Prize Overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for a Global E-Book Award for Pre-Teen Literature. In 2012, Karen published the second in the Nate Rocks series, Nate Rocks the Boat, followed by middle grade novel, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name. Karen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).

Follow the tour on Pinterest 
and don't forget to check out Millie's blog.

Note: All opinions provided on this blog are my own. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Bookstore links are generally affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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World Animal Day Blog Hop - Children's Books

Today I am participating in the World Animal Day Blog Hop sponsored by Terri Giuliano Long and David M. Brown. I'm excited because this gives me an excuse to do something that I've wanted to do for a while - feature children's books. I read a lot of books with my daughters yet I haven't been blogging about them. I've contemplated adding a weekly children's book feature but I haven't gotten it beyond the thinking stage yet.

Even if children's books aren't your thing, you are going to want to keep reading because there are prizes to be won! Check out the Rafflecopter for the sponsored prize and then visit other blogs listed in the linky as some of them may be offering individual prizes.

Now that the housekeeping is out of the way, here are some of our favorite children's books featuring animals:

Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd is a really fun book that takes Dog on an adventure. In each place, Dog receives a colorful spot of something that stains his white coat. The book encourages the reader to count the spots and name the colors. Elizabeth and I also like the sound effects as Dog receives each messy spot.

The Little Red Hen (makes a pizza) by Philemon Sturges is one of our favorites right now. The Little Red Hen decides to make a pizza for dinner but discovers that she doesn't have everything she needs to make it. She asks the duck, the dog, and the cat for help but they are all too busy. So she sets off on her own to various stores to gather the equipment and ingredients she needs. One of the things that I really like about this book is the use of repetition so Elizabeth can help me out with reading the story. This is definitely one to read with mom or dad though because it contains unfamiliar words like eggplant, delicatessen, and anchovies.

Dewey There's A Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter is the children's version of Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Changed the World, also by Vicki Myron. This is a great true story about a cat who was found at a library on the coldest night of the year. Vicki, the librarian, cares for the cat and gives him a home at the library. In this story, Dewey interacts with the children at the library and learns about them even as he teaches them about cats. One of my favorite things about this book is the gorgeous illustrations.

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Note: All opinions provided on this blog are my own. If a product was given to me for review, the source of that product is noted in the post. Bookstore links are generally affiliate links and I do earn a small amount for each purchase. Other affiliate links will be noted in the post.

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