Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Mine and Taea's Review of My Little Cheerleader by Jodi Stone


Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook

*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

We start with our Junior Reviewer Taea.

"I like this story because Brooke reminds me of me. I'm scared of stuff too but Bree always helps me get over it like Destiny helped Brooke. Mommy.. I want to try Cheering so I can be like Brooke"

This has to be the cutest story Jodi has written by far. It strays a little away from the other two I've shared with Taea and instead of focusing on Savannah like those two had, focuses on her older sister Brooke.
Brooke has had to come face to face with some big changes. First being a new teenager. As she learns from her squad and they from her, they come together and do a thing they had felt sure they'd never do.
As always, Jodi has instilled a good lesson in this story. This lesson being that life is not always going to be happy, but even during the saddest times there are still things to smile and be grateful for.
I give this story 5 of 5 paws

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Helga Returns (James and Syvok Adventures 2) by Wendy Nystrom

Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook ][ GoodReads

Taea (Age 6) will start our review as usual. "I liked this one better than the first one. I want to go to Iceland one day to see the places in the stories."



Okay now that Taea had her small but very nice say in it, it's my turn lol! This story seems longer than James Saves the Moon. I found it a bit more enjoyable as well. James and Syvok can never seem to keep themselves out of trouble and this time was almost bad. But they made a new friend to share their adventures with. Being a children's book, I let the lack of contractions slide since children normally don't learn about those till second or third grade (I think) and not using them makes it a bit easier for the children to read the story. As with first book, this one too names places in Iceland and weaves another piece of their legendary lore into a memorable story. Wendy has made fans out of my children and they eagerly await to hear book 3.

I give this book 5 of 5 paws

 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Spotlighting Lil Anchor Author Jodi Stone



Find All of Jodi's Books on



About the Author
Jodi Stone is a wife and mama of three little girls: Brooke, Alexis and Savannah.  It's important that they are mentioned to know how she became a writer, because they are the ultimate inspiration for everything ske writes. She has been happily married for almost fifteen years, and started writing poetry to heal her lonely heart since her husband was away a lot when they were first married (Navy).
She attended college here and there while raising her children and writing, and finally graduated from USF in December of 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in English and Creative Writing. This is another important part to who she is because she forever dreamt about the day she'd have a degree. And to her it still feels surreal.
She is a lover of many things: family, friends, movies, great books, and sort of an addict to party planning (okay, a complete addict). She starts planning her daughters' birthday parties months in advance, and is thankful her husband doesn't give her too much grief about it.
Books:
She first became published almost three years ago with Solstice, where she still has several books out. But her dreams truly came true when she signed on with Anchor Group, and have two books currently out, Savannah's Story & An Easter Bonnet for Lily. She will have a couple of more books out later this year with Anchor Group, and hope to be with them for a very long time!



Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook ][ GoodReads
All Savannah wants is for someone to play with her. When she asks her older sisters to play, they both turn her down. It's at that very moment when Savannah makes a wish that leads her on a magical journey...one that will lead her on a trip through her favorite dollhouse and floating on a cloud of bubbles. Follow along with Savannah as she realizes the true meaning of friendship and family.



My Thoughts-
This is the book we chose for day 2 of Childrens Book Week. Gallataea really liked Lily's Easter Bonnet so she just had to read more about Savannah >^.^<

"I liked it all. I liked the ending and I liked how Savannah got to dance on bubbles and have a tea party with her dolls" - Taea (age 6)

I think this is a cute story. The way it all rhymes will keep young readers enthralled and help them better understand the story as well as learn some new words. Little girls especially will enjoy going on all of Savannah's adventures. Jodi Stone has a way with words that will have all children (more so girls than boys) wanting to see more of their new favorite character Savannah and hopefully Jodi will heed the call and come out with even more adventures for Savannah and her friends to go on.

I give this book 4 of 5 paws



Easter Bunny in training, Lily, has lost her way. She is cute and feisty, and everyone in the town of Tulip adores her. While most bunnies are planning for Easter, Lily cannot see past her ears. On the other side of town, three little girls are preparing for the big day as well. One little girl in particular, Savannah, is not as excited as she usually is. While her sisters are painting eggs and preparing for the big egg hunt, Savannah is concerned that her attire is not as fancy as it should be. Join Lily and Savannah as they both learn that Easter is not just about looking perfect, but more about family and friendship. Travel on this journey and discover the magic.



My Thoughts- 
As always when it comes to children's books, I let my Junior Reviewer, Gallataea (age 6) say a few words about the book >^.^<

"I liked the part where Lily got her hat. I liked how by being calm Savannah and Lily realized they were not useless, but able to help in different ways" - Gallataea

This is the perfect story about realizing your potential. Children of all ages will enjoy this new classic Easter story about friendship and over coming problems that seem to have no solution.

I also liked the illustrations. Jodi is a very talented person to write and illustrate her book. The pictures are perfect for little eyes. The colors are vibrant and stand out.

I give this book 4 of 5 paws

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I'll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara

Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ B&N (print) ][ GoodReads





Junior Reviewer Taea's thoughts-

My favorite part was when the baby turtle found the mama



Cu's Thoughts-

This is one of the cutest books I've had the pleasure of sharing with my children. the words of basic sight words that any 5 or 6 year old will know and they will enjoy repeating the little catch phrase after each new rhyme. The simple rhymes are written as how one might suspect a new being would think Broke thoughts and words that still somehow make sense. I think this book should be a part of any child's library.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws 


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson in Bullying by Cindy Springsteen


Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook ][ GoodReads

This is a Libboo Copy. I do not have an Amazon or B&N or even a print copy of this book. Recieved this copy through Libboo and thus any errors found are in reference to THIS edition only. 

As always, with children's books we start with Junior Reviewer Gallataea (Age 6)
"I liked this book. My mom says it's always better to get animals in pairs so they never have to be lonely when their humans are too busy to play with them. Oscar learned a real good lesson and I hope he remembers it the next time he sees Waffles and Pancakes."



My Thoughts
There is a section where a line repeats itself, but I assume that's simply because I have a copy from Libboo and there's a libboo page in the middle of the pages the repeat is on.
I also spied a page with the words overlapping the illustrations making it difficult to read but again that's probably just due the copy I have. I really with I had a normal ecopy of this x.X

Anyway the story itself is a good one. It shows children how verbal bullying.. or being picked on.. Affects the people it's done to. It's definitely a life lesson every  child should learn along with other forms of bullying.

I give this book 4 of 5 paws
Reviewed by
S.Cu'Anam Policar
Freaky Fiction Writing Author
Around the Universe Book Tours Apprentice
Fae Books Tour Host/Reviewer
Girls <3 Books Tours Host
LadyAmber's Book Tours Host
B3 Book Tours Host
I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tour Host

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Professor Lightfoot's Mushroom Expedition by Laurel Heger


Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook ][ GoodReads

Junior Reviewer Taea will be up first with her thoughts

"I liked Truffles. I didn't know there so many different kinds of mushrooms!" - Gallataea (age 6)

This is a very good book. Professor Lightfoot and Truffles (which is a great name considering Truffles are the most expensive kind of mushroom ever) take the reader on a mushrooming expedition. While they explore Professor Lightfoot explains different kinds of mushrooms and whether or not they are edible and what they look like.
This book is most definitely more aimed at older children. Younger kids may get distracted and not pay attention. Taea's rare she likes books and the more advanced they are they more she'll pay attention. The book is written from a professional angel like a professor would talk to his students, which is adorable considering who the students are meant to be.
I give this book 4 of 5 paws
Reviewed by
S.Cu'Anam Policar
Freaky Fiction Writing Author
Around the Universe Book Tours Apprentice
Fae Books Tour Host/Reviewer
Girls <3 Books Tours Host
LadyAmber's Book Tours Host
B3 Book Tours Host
I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tour Host

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Savannah's Story by Jodi Stone

Kindle ][ Kindle uk ][ Nook ][ GoodReads

This is the book we chose for day 2 of Childrens Book Week. Gallataea really liked Lily's Easter Bonnet so she just had to read more about Savannah >^.^<

"I liked it all. I liked the ending and I liked how Savannah got to dance on bubbles and have a tea party with her dolls" - Taea (age 6)

I think this is a cute story. The way it all rhymes will keep young readers enthralled and help them better understand the story as well as learn some new words. Little girls especially will enjoy going on all of Savannah's adventures. Jodi Stone has a way with words that will have all children (more so girls than boys) wanting to see more of their new favorite character Savannah and hopefully Jodi will heed the call and come out with even more adventures for Savannah and her friends to go on.
I give this book 4 of 5 paws
Reviewed by
S.Cu'Anam Policar
Freaky Fiction Writing Author
Around the Universe Book Tours Apprentice
Fae Books Tour Host/Reviewer
Girls <3 Books Tours Host
LadyAmber's Book Tours Host
B3 Book Tours Host
I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tour Host