The Adventures of Popcorn and Jellybean

If you know me at all you know that my love of literature extends to children's books as well so anytime I have the chance to review one, I jump on it.

The Adventures of Popcorn and Jellybean - Robert Gillespie

Popcorn and Jellybean had never ventured down the path beyond the big tree. But since they never really did anything exciting and even though it made them a little nervous at first, they decided it would be a fun adventure for a couple of days since. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, as it turned out, if the explorers were not prepared! Join them as they took on new challenges each day, learn how to survive by following the behaviors of the animals they encountered, and go where Mother Nature led them. And who knows, maybe we would learn as well! 

If you're in the market for a really cute book that doesn't have your cookie cutter characters, this one is for you. We meet Raisin, Popcorn, and Jellybean (often referred to as JB) who venture on a five day adventure down the path beyond the big tree. The book itself is long, much too long for my two and one year old to listen to in one sitting so we broke it up into a few reading sessions. A good reading group this would be for are your first and second graders, beginning chapter book readers. The words are easy, the text is clear on the page making it an easier read visually, and there are illustrations that correspond with the text. One thing I noticed right away is that there aren't as many illustrations as I would have liked, though maybe for a beginning chapter book reader that isn't a deterrent.

Penelope telling me I had to read the book!

The story itself moves along pretty well, we have JB and Popcorn on their grand adventure but they encounter problems along the way, find solutions, and do kind things for others throughout. The story gives you lots of opportunities for asking your child questions about the book, you can ask them to guess how JB and Popcorn are going to solve a problem, how can they be kind towards others in that moment, etc. The first thing came to mind is maybe using this as a classroom read along, or maybe a good book if you're doing one on one work with a student having a harder time. The book itself is a little larger than a regular chapter book, making it easy if you wanted to read side by side with a kiddo, which is really nice. Oh! I thought this would also be kind of a cool read for the youngest group of Girl or Boy Scouts, they could probably work this story around with a fun project or maybe before their first walk into the woods to clean up and take out what doesn't belong there, like JB and Popcorn do.

My two and one year old can't give me a great opinion about it but the fact that Penelope (two) wanted me to keep reading it is always a good sign, she's a tough critic when it comes to books! I'm going to give this one a solid 4 stars. My only complaint is wishing there were more illustrations because what was there was cute, and maybe the length wouldn't make this a good book for the young readers but more towards elementary age children.

   

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The Purple Turtle Graded Readers - Level 1!

My favorite thing in the whole world as a school volunteer was to watch little kids learn how to read. At the beginning of the year they stumble over simple sight words, maybe not understand what they just read, and sometimes they don't like to read at all. I firmly believe that every kid can be an avid reader, you just have to find a topic they really enjoy. Not everyone needs to read the classics to be well read, find something you really like and go for it.

I also have found that books with animals as the main characters are always a favorite of the kids. Kids love animals and the fact that animals are going on adventures exercises their imagination. I got the opportunity to try out this beginning reader system and it was pretty great. Keep in mind, my two littlest are only one and two years old so they aren't necessarily learning to read, but Penelope (the two year old) is pretty bright. She can anticipate what's going to happen in a story, she can tell me how a character feels by the look on their face, and she really likes books. Lucy loves to read as well and I find myself reading the majority of the day with them. The older two kids learned to read when they got into Kindergarten, but I really think Penelope and Lucy might be readers before they get there! Penelope can identify all of her colors, count to ten, and identify most letters already. So far, Penelope likes the Counting Insects, The Animal Parade, and Purple's New Shoes (we have a bit of a shoe obsession right now). Lucy likes Music for Melody because I usually give her one of her toy instruments to shake or bang while I read it. The bonus is is that each book has some activities at the end that tie in with the story, and at the front of the book it gives a quick summary of the book so kids can make some guesses at what might happen.

If you home school, or maybe you just want to do some at home reading practice, these are great sets to try out! There are three sets and they are very affordable considering you get 12 books in a box! The next best thing? Is that the books are small enough that you can easily keep a few in the car, put a couple in your purse or diaper bag, put it in their little bag (I know my kids aren't the only ones who bring their own purse or bag everywhere we go, usually full of rocks and crayons, sometimes rogue socks!). Also, if you're traveling, you can bring a few of these and store them in your luggage easily without having to haul around heavy books- these are rather lightweight!

Boxed Book Set Details:

Book Title: Purple Turtle Graded Readers Level 1 (12 Titles)
Category: Children's Fiction,
Genre: Educational
Publisher: Aadarsh Pvt. Ltd.
Release date: April 1, 2017
Tour dates: Oct 30 to Nov 24, 2017
Content Rating: G (informative content intended for and available to children & their parents/educators to enhance and support learning. Suitable for: Family audiences with younger children.)

Boxed Book Set Description:

A1 Edutainment takes you to the world on an amazing new reading programme with Purple Turtle. The first level of Purple Turtle Graded Readers includes a set of 12 books with interesting stories and activities and 150 word count. This level is exclusively for learners who have just started reading. It is based on ATOS and Lexile reading level system.

To read more reviews, please visit Purple Turtle's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Boxed Set: 

Amazon

Watch one of the book trailers:

Meet the Publisher:

Purple Turtle is India’s 1st International brand with its educational content in several languages sold in more than 30 countries including Russia, China, US and UK. The character of Purple Turtle has delighted children across the globe through beautifully created Purple Turtle books, rhymes and videos available on YouTube.

Purple Turtle was created with the idea to spread education through a wide range of innovative books for children. To give them the experience of convenient online learning, Purple Turtle also brings both learning and entertainment on a common platform to give a wholesome learning experience to young minds.

Connect with the publisher: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 2

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How to Turn Your Mom Into A Monster

I know I've been cruising along with book reviews for grown ups, but I'm not forgetting the kids! I really love children's books and I have read many in my years as a mom! I have a 12, 9, 2, and 1 year old so I read quite a bit. I even did a stint at an elementary school library and I really enjoyed reading to those kids, showing them interesting books, and helping them find books that interest them. I'm convinced that if you can find the right book to spark that love, you can turn any kid into a reader for life.

How to Turn Your Mom Into a Monster - Aurora Whittet

Do you like smearing your lunch all over yourself? Do you fight with your sister just because she's there? Do you find yourself unable to go to bed because mysterious ninjas keep stealing your pajamas? Then you're a little monster! Guess what: Mom can be a monster too! It's up to you to make your mom's monster come out to play . . .

If ever there was a book that was a how-to on becoming my darling Penelope... it would be this one. I love that little two year old ball of spunk to the moon and back but man alive, she really wears me out. She brings you right to the brink of insanity and then does something cute or gets all cuddly and you can't help but let it all go. 

With Halloween right around the corner, I assumed this would be a Halloween inspired book but I was wrong! It's a really playful how-to book on how to turn your mom into a monster (or in adult speak, how to bring her to the edge of insanity like Penelope does). All of the actions in the book, "make a big mess" , "writing on the wall with lipstick" for instance, are all things that moms experience at least once during the super fun early parenting years. Also featured is a fun "Reason Chart" for why the child can't go to bed- they pick one word out of each of the three columns and that's their reason! One example was, "I can't go to sleep because the dinosaur tooted on my snacks." - exactly something you'd hear out of a reluctant sleeper, right? 

For example, I'm typing this review as I hear Penelope saying "morning" at the top of her lungs at the gate in her doorway even though it's only 8:11 p.m. She went to bed eleven minutes ago but she firmly believes she has had enough sleep. 

Save me. 

I've got to point out the illustrations because I'm a big believer that illustrations can really make or break a book. You could have a cute story but with the wrong illustrations, you aren't grabbing your intended audience. This book features brightly colored monsters throughout, different shapes and sizes. If you were a fan of the Monster's Inc Pixar movie, you will like this because these monsters could have fit right into that movie. Overall? I really loved this book. I read it to Penelope and Lucy and they really thought it was fun and Penelope learned what the word "tooted" meant and says it constantly. Ha!

If you are doing some holiday shopping and you have a young child to buy for, this is a really cute book they will enjoy.. and their parents not so much. Ha! You could pair it with some fun monster pajamas, maybe a monster stuffed animal, and some treats, for a really fun gift. I also thought this would be a fun book for a babysitter to read to kids before bed. Lucky for you, there is a giveaway opportunity for you! 

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But if you aren't feeling lucky, you can always purchase the book on Amazon! 

Journey's End SPOTLIGHT

Book Details:
Book Title: Journey's End: Death, Dying and the End of Life
Authors: Victoria Brewster & Julie Saeger Nierenberg
Category: Adult Non-Fiction; 558 pages
Genre: Resource/Educational
Publisher: Xlibris
Release date: July 20, 2017
Tour dates: Sept 4 to 22, 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 + M

Book Description:

In Journey's End, we write about death, dying, and end of life issues. We attempt to define and describe these real-life circumstances, and we discuss ways to proactively deal with them. Multiple personal and professional perspectives provide valuable insights.

What is dying like for dying persons, for loved ones, and for those who lend support in the process? Each experience will have unique qualities. Everyone dies in his own way, on his own schedule. While we explore the dying process, we make no assumptions about how any particular death will unfold.

Grief and bereavement support, training tools, and educational resources are included.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Add this to Goodreads

Meet the Authors:

Victoria has a master of social work degree. She has worked as a case manager with older adults for the past seventeen years and as a group facilitator. Her past work experience was as a therapist with children and families, and as a case manager for adults with mental health issues. She just launched a consulting business, NorthernMSW to focus on end of life issues, planning, training, and advocacy, along with memoir writing and life legacy writing.

Julie was inspired equally by her professional backgrounds as a biomedical researcher and long time educator. Julie values open and lively discussions based on interview and research findings, trends in health and wellness, and exciting new modalities of treatment and professional education. She believes it will be through such discussions that we will create new and more satisfying cultural paradigms within which we may live all the days of our lives with dignity and quality of care.

Enter the Giveaway! (ends September 30)

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Grimm Woods (review and giveaway)

*This post contains affiliated links where I may make commission from. All opinions are my own.*

We haven't had a book giveaway in a few weeks so let's do one now!

Grimm Woods - D. Melhoff

A remote summer camp becomes a lurid crime scene when the bodies of two teenagers are found in a bloody, real-life rendering of a classic Grimm’s fairy tale. Trapped in the wilderness, the remaining counselors must follow a trail of dark children’s fables in order to outwit a psychopath and save the dwindling survivors before falling prey to their own gruesome endings.

Drawing on the grisly, uncensored details of history’s most famous fairy tales, Grimm Woods is a heart-pounding thriller about a deranged killer who uses traditional children’s stories as tropes in elaborate murders. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Michigan, it’s a journey through the mind of a dangerous zealot and a shocking glimpse into the bedtime stories you thought you knew. 

Do you love creepy books? If so, you  just found your next read! I admittedly have not read a lot of Stephen King books, but the few I have made me feel like that was the direction this author was trying to good. Taking something as banal as a child's fairy tale story and turning it into a completely bizarre and eerie tale, and some parts were downright scary. I can't say I'd recommend this as a bedtime read because I did that for a few nights and I had some bizarre dreams.

We have summer camp gone really bad when teenagers are found dead and sending the counselors down the path of solving the crime. But instead of leaving clue like perhaps a more traditional murderer, this one is committing murders to resemble classic fairy tales, and depending on your chosen offense, you'll die a death themed around a fairy tale. So theft would be Goldilocks, and so on.

Not only could I not figure out who the murderer was, I was kind of scared to find out, and more so scared to find out it was one of the remaining group members. The great part about this book is that anyone and everyone is likely to be a victim and the murderer (and the author) doesn't care if you want someone spared, both are equally ruthless in their quest. While I can't tell you if there is a happy ending, I can tell you this book is detailed and it is, at times, full of gore. If this is an issue for you, it's probably best to skip it. I will say that while not necessarily being a fan of the horror genre, this was done very well and I would easily read this author again. Ingenious writing to twist what you know into what you can't even imagine, I give this book 5/5 stars. Truly. This was far better than I thought it was going to be.

Order your own copy of Grimm Woods here:


I highly encourage you to enter this giveaway, it's even open to international readers!
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Bossy Flossy

I bet you thought I was going to write about myself but no, lucky for you this is a book review. Which might be a description of myself, but I'll never admit to it.

Bossy Flossy - Paulette Bogan

Flossy is the bossiest girl around. She's bossy at home and she's bossy in school. She's bossy to her friends and she's bossy to her cat. Sometimes she's even bossy to her teacher! Flossy doesn't understand why no one will listen to her. One day, Flossy meets Edward, a boy who may be just as bossy as she is. Has Flossy finally met her match?

You can guess that this is a children's book and an adorable one at that. It's only 32 pages but it's a fast read and would be a great book for your first and second grader to read on their own. It would also be a great classroom read for those of you who are teachers, or volunteer readers, because you can really make it fun by changing up your voice while reading. Clearly the topic of the book would be a great classroom discussion, especially with the beginning of the school year, some kids maybe forgot over the summer how to be kind to others. And some students, like kindergartners who maybe haven't been in a classroom setting, could benefit from this book as well.

It's the story of Flossy, who is VERY bossy. She even bosses her mother (and teacher). She meets Edward, who is also very bossy, and Flossy gets to see how her behavior is by watching Edward. They eventually learn how to work things out together and listen to each other and perhaps be a bit less bossy. The illustrations are really adorable, the story is so fun to read, and it has a topic that you can discuss with your child and maybe ask them if they are ever bossy, and how they can be a bit less bossy.

It's such a great read, it's a good addition to any home, classroom, or school library. Paulette Bogan has a great website, and you can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

25 Literary Must Haves

Do you read past your bed time? 

Find yourself begging, “Just one more chapter!”? 

Have an emotional break down when your favorite character dies?

 Then say it loud and say it proud: I LIKE BIG BOOKS AND I CANNOT LIE!

Here is a list of must-have pieces for every literature lover.

1.    Harry Potter

Represent your Potter pride with this tank.

Cozy up with your favorite Quidditch player. Pillows here.

Just in case Hogwarts starts delivering their acceptance letters via text. Here.

***Attention Harry Potter Lovers: In honor of J.K. Rowling being named the Top Followed Author on Reader’s Legacy in 2015 we’re holding a 1 week sale on ALL of her books. From April 25th-30th, 2016 any Rowling book is 20% off AND double the LitCoins will be loaded into your account just for purchasing. Click the link to check out this limited time offer! ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling***

 2. The Hunger Games

If you get a set of these bracelets you’ll know it’s real. See what I did there? Click here.

Let’s be honest, Seneca Crane’s beard is the real winner of the Hunger Games. Mug here.

But what do we do about the tracker jackers? Tank here.

3. Lord of the Rings

The one fire pit to rule them all here.

You’ll love these leggings like a hobbit loves second breakfast.

 4. Alice in Wonderland

Now you can go to Wonderland every night. Bedspread here.

“I’m not crazy. My reality is just different from yours.” -Cheshire Cat Here.

 5. To Kill a Mockingbird

…and stick it in my awesome tote, thanks.

6. Sherlock Holmes

Nothing says ‘high-functioning sociopath’ like these Baker St. cuff links.

*ring ring* Detective Holmes, is that you? Phone case here.
7. The Great Gatsby

Why Daisy Buchanan, you are simply radiant tonight! Headband here.

Ain’t no party like a Gatsby party because a Gatsby party don’t stop until two people are dead and everyone is disillusioned with the jazz age as a whole. Gatsby envelopes here.

8. The Chronicles of Narnia

So how does it work if you keep your map of Narnia in your wardrobe? Do you fall into Narnia when you go to put it on? Narnia-ception. Scarf here.

Three cheers for The Great Lion! Necklace here.

9. Pride and Prejudice

Is it just us, or did Mr. Darcy give you unrealistic expectations of love too? Printable here.

Never leave home without your Jane Austen! Bag here.

This wisdom from the 18th century still holds. Pillow here.

10. Where the Wild Things Are

I think they’re hiding in your hair! Bow here.

Capture the wild side of parenting with this matching set.

And for all of the book lovers that can’t choose just one novel to rep!

How’s THAT for a full-fandom? Shirt here.

You other readers can’t deny; when a book walks in with a good plot base and a big spine in your face you get sprung! Tote here.

Deep breathe in. Ahhhhh books! Candle here.

As an added perk of Reader’s Legacy’s Rowling celebration, we will be holding a special 20% off sale for each of her novels from April 25th to April 30th – ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling. 

The sale not only celebrates J.K. Rowling, but was also brings attention for a special grant program we have created in order to give away 1 million physical books in support of literacy programs! Spreading a love of books, and ending illiteracy around the world is 100% possible, and with the help of reader’s on the site, we believe will be one step closer to achieving that goal! Get in on this sale HERE.