Book Review/Giveaway: The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook. Ends June 7th

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin

About the book

In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat, Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet’s office, Oona tells the stories of his previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook’s lives have echoes in Oona’s own family life, which is going through a transition she’s not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan—whom Oona secretly calls “the villain.” The truth about Dylan, and about Zook’s medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story. http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/The_Five_Lives_of_Our_Cat_Zook-9781419705250.html

Age Range: 8 and up

Paperback: 240 pages

My Review:  If you are a cat lover you would want to read Five Lives of Our Cat Zook. This touching story tell about a 10 years old girl who watched her father die of cancer and is still grieving for him, her beloved cat is now sick and the only thing she can do is tell stories to Fred to keep him happy.

Oona and her brother Fred found Zook the cat in an alley while they were eating lunch from O’Leary’s. They took the cat home and their mother agreed that they can keep him. Zook left ill and they took him to the Good Samaritan Veterinary Clinic and was told that Zook’s kidneys are failing. Oona notice that her brother was very sad, so to make him happy she told him that cats have nine lives inside them. They have the ability to come back to life. But we know cats don’t actually have nine lives. So Oona went on to stretch the truth and tells Fred stories about their cat Zook’s previous four lives. This book will be emotional for cat lovers. A well written story by the author.

FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Abrams Appleseed in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.

About the author

Joanne Rocklin is the critically acclaimed author of several books, including One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, which School Library Journal called, in a starred review, “fascinating and thought-provoking. . . . Sweet and tart and sure to satisfy.” She lives in Oakland, California.

Giveaway (US ONLY) 

There will be ONLY 1 Winner

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rules not followed will be deleted immediately.

Mandatory: You must leave your comments in the comment field below

Mandatory: Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest or tell a friend about this giveaway. Please note that in your comments. Thanks

Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.

Giveaway Ends June 7th

The winner will be selected via Random.org

Mandatory

If you have a Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest etc post and leave a link wih your comment

Giveaway: 3 DVD The Land Before Time. Ends May 31st

The Land Before Time: Through the Eyes of a Spiketail – DVD

It’s time for more dino-riffic fun friendship and songs as your favorite prehistoric pals reunite in 4 exciting new TV episodes in The Land Before Time® : Through the Eyes of a Spiketail! Join Littlefoot, Spike and the rest of the kids as they play romp and have exciting adventures in the Great Valley. With over ninety minutes of animated fun you’ll want to watch Spike and his friends again and again!

 

The Land Before Time: Adventuring in the Mysterious Beyond – DVD

Join the enchanting TV adventures of your favorite prehistoric pals–Littlefoot, Chomper, Petrie, Cera, Spike, Guido and Ducky explore their amazing world in four fantastic episodes filled with dino-riffic songs and important life lessons. Over 90 minutes of fun for the whole family! You won’t want to miss a minute of the laughter, friendship and excitement!

 

The Land Before Time: Amazing Adventures – DVD

The Land Before Time: Amazing Adventures contains 4 fun and entertaining episodes filled with valuable life lessons, toe-tapping songs and your favorite dinosaurs and their new friends! Plus, this DVD is filled with even more dino-riffic games and sing-a-long activities that your kids will want to watch again and again.

 

Giveaway (US ONLY)

There will be ONLY 1 Winner

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rules not followed will be deleted immediately.

Mandatory: You must leave your comments in the comment field below

Mandatory: Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest or tell a friend about this giveaway. Please note that in your comments. Thanks

Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.

Giveaway Ends May 25th

The winner will be selected via Random.org

Mandatory

If you have a Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest etc post and leave a link wih your comment

 

Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop – May 13th to 19th

Welcome to Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop May 13th – 19th
 Hosted by KidLitFrenzy, Mymcbooks & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

There will be 3 winners for this Hop (USA ONLY)

Each winner will receive 7  children’s books

You have to be a subscriber to enter.

Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen

Talk, Oscar, Please! by Karen Kaufman Orloff

No Jumping on the Bed by Tedd Arnold

Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent

Lincoln and Grace (Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a  Beard by Steve Metzger

Let’s Laugh

Andy Shane and the Queen of Egypt by Jennifer R Jacobson

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Hello, Mrs. Piggle- Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road) by Kate Klise

Games and Puzzles from the Tree House by Mary P. Osborne and Natalie P Boyce

Sassy Pants by Carol Brown

J.R.Terrier and the Message by Tabitha Z. Baskin

Short Circus by Stephen V. Masse

Rabbit The Fisher. Story based on the Book of Matthew 4:19 by Jose J. Arzave

Do Unto Otters. A book about Manners by Laurie Keller

Christian Comics

Jonah

Moses

Beaty Queen – The Story of Esther

The Last Convert of John Harper

Babylon Exile Vol 1

Babylon Conquest Vol 2

Babylon Madman Vol 3

Babylon Kingdom Vol 4

~~~~~~~~~~

List Your 7 Books in Your Comments

The first winner will receive their choice of 7 books

The second winner will receive most of their choices and what is left will go to the final winner.

Thanks for taking part!

~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway (US ONLY)

Mandatory Entry: Must be a Follower of Mymcbooks blog. Leave Your Comments below.

To win more books please check out the other OVER 125 blogs taking part by clicking on the link below to enter more goodies.

http://www.iamareader.com/2013/04/childrens-book-week-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-may-13th-to-19th.html

This giveaway close at midnight May 19th and the winners will be selected at random.org and posted May 20th

This Giveaway Has Ended

Thanks to all that took part.

Winners

#27 – Seyma S

#49 – Audra W

#28 – Elsie

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: WOI Tour for L. R. W. Lee Author of Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury

 

L.R.W. Lee WOI May 2013 Tour 

Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury

About the Book:Ten-year-old Andy Smithson is magically brought to the Land of Oomaldee while he is doing dishes one night. Unbeknownst to him, he is there to break a 500-year-old curse.  Andy learns that his quest is the Dragon’s Lair to find an ingredient critical to breaking the curse – the scale from an elusive red dragon, the fiercest of all dragon species. Andy nearly destroys the castle amidst adventures battling fire-breathing dragons, fighting vicious vulture attacks, escaping people-eating giants and more.

A middle grade (5th & 6th grade) fantasy adventure that entertains while teaching uncommon life changing narratives. http://www.lrwlee.com/#!books/c7pz

 

Publisher: Createspace

ISBN: 978-1482312645

ISBN -10: 1482312646

Available in eBook and Print Publication

Date: April 2013 Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/worldofinknetwork/l.r.w.-lee-may-13.html

Amazon Reviews – http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Smithson-Blast-Dragons-Volume/dp/1482312646/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

 

About the Author:  Since the age of eight, L. R. W. Lee knew she wanted to write a book. Fortunately or unfortunately, she required of herself that she have something significant to say; she sought to contribute to others in a way that could change their lives. Because a degree in Accounting at Cedarville University, as well as work in public and corporate accounting, did not provide riveting fodder for a best seller, she waited. Upon selling her business in early 2012, she had time to write and, more importantly, something significant to share.   L. R. W. Lee’s favorite musical is The Sound of Music. She hates scary movies, but loves piano and strings music, sunsets in Hawaii and a good cup of decaf, French press coffee (yes, decaf!). She also loves Ansel Adams prints and all manner of kinetic art.  http://www.lrwlee.com/#!bio/cerf

 

Follow L.R.W. Lee and the Andy Smithson series at Website: http://www.lrwlee.com

Twitter: @LRWLee

Facebook: http://facebook.com/LRWLee

Places where available: Amazon.com and B&N.com

 

 

Giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This Giveaway is Open to the US ONLY.

1 Winner selected by Random.org to win a copy

Giveaway Ends May 31st, 2013

Mandatory: Please leave your comment about the author, book and your email address in the comment field below.

Mandatory: Visit Author’s facebook page  http://facebook.com/LRWLee and also leave the same comment you left on this blog on her facebook page..

 

Click to follow other blogs taking part in this tour http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/worldofinknetwork/l.r.w.-lee-may-13.html

 

 

 

 

Mymcbooks Mother’s Day Giveaway. Ends May 12th

The Other Side of the Fence by Kristi Woods

Skunk Tales: Making Sense of Scents: A Family Devotional by Lynn Marie Hurtado

It’s a Wrap! by R. Andrea Honor

God Loves Ugly: & love makes beautiful by Christa Black

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Founded of Mother’s Day Anna Marie Jarvis never married and had no children. After her mother’s death, Anna held a memorial to her mother and thereafter embarked upon a campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognized holiday

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Jarvis

Giveaway Ends  May  12th

There will be ONLY 1 Winner
 
Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!
 
So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.
 
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rules not followed will be deleted immediately.
 
Mandatory: You must leave your comments in the comment field below Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.
 
Mandatory: Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest or tell a friend about this giveaway. Please note that in your comments. Thanks

 
The winner will be selected via Random.org

 
Mandatory
_________

 
If you have a Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest etc post and leave a link wih your comment.

 

 

 

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #8 – Teresa Young

Book Review/Giveaway: 2013 Spring Collection Titles from Sylvan Dell Publishing. Ends May 25th

Balloon Trees by Danna Smith illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein.

About the Book: Balloons do come from trees—rubber trees. Told in rhyme, the story follows the wide variety of steps involved in making the air-filled decorations we all know and love. Starting with the tapping of the rubber tree, the ship that carries the liquid rubber to the factory, and the manufacturing process itself; readers will learn just how that balloon arrived at his or her house. This delightful, fun-to-read-aloud story is sure to give readers a new appreciation for balloons.

My Review: This is a great book that would teach children about how balloons are made and where the rubber used to make them comes from. This book goes into details on how the tappers start at dawn to slice the bark and tie a container to the tree and then the white milky latex drips out and into the container. The containers are then loaded on a tanker and shipped to the factory where a special mix and color is added to the white latex. The balloons are shaped, colored and cleaned put in a box and shipped off to the stores.

This book includes four pages of learning activities for creative minds. How rubber is the most important raw materials in the world with thousands of uses.

The first rubber trees grew in the Amazon area of Brazil. Rubber is used to make balls, latex paint, rubber bands, pencil erasers, car tires, latex gloves and rubber boots and many more. I recommend this book for classroom teaching.  The illustrations by Laurie A. Klein are colorful and helps tell the story.

The Deductive Detective written by Brian Rock and illustrated by Sherry Rogers

About the Book: Someone stole a cake from the cake contest–who could it be? Twelve animal bakers are potential suspects but Detective Duck uses his deductive reasoning skills to “quack” the case. After all, the thief left hairs behind so the thief wasn’t a bird. Follow along as he subtracts each suspect one at a time to reveal just who the culprit was. This clever story will have children of all ages giggling at the puns and the play on words

My Review: This is a funny book I couldn’t stop laughing. If you love mystery you would love reading The Deductive Detective. Duck received an urgent message that someone stole one of the cakes from the cake contest. It was Duck’s duty to find out who may have stolen the cake. When Duck arrived at the scene of the crime all thirteen bakers were still there. Duck found out the cake stolen belong to Fox and it was now time for him to quack the case (hahaha!).  Duck was going to find the clues by subtracting each suspect until there is one left. And that one left is guilty of the crime.

Duck used subtraction on each page to rule out each suspects.

12 suspects

- 1 mouse

_________

11 suspects

Was Duck able to solve the crime?

The book includes 2 pages of learning activates for creative minds, Deductive reasoning, compare and contrast the animals. I recommend this book for classroom teaching.  The illustrations by Sherry Rogers are colorful and helps tell the story.

 

Nature Recycles How About You? By Michelle Lord and Illustrated by Cathy Morrison

About the Book: From sea urchins in the Atlantic Ocean to bandicoots on the Australian savanna, animals recycle all over the world. Explore how different animals in different habitats use recycled material to build homes, protect themselves, and get food. This fascinating collection of animal facts will teach readers about the importance of recycling and inspire them to take part in protecting and conserving the environment by recycling in their own way

My Review: This book gives an insight look at how some creatures in the wild recycle.

The hermit crabs helps keep the shores clean by eating rotting ocean debris.

The wren and her mate gather twigs, spider webs, leaves, trash and snakeskin to build a nest to keep their eggs warm.

The owls use the abandoned hole in an old saguaro cactus as a safe home for her and her chicks.

The Asian elephant use the fallen banana leaf to wave flies away and for lunch. The book gives examples of many more animals with four pages of learning activities for creative minds and why animals recycle. This is an interesting book for classroom teaching.

On the Move Mass Migrations by Scotti Cohn and illustrated by Susan Detwiler

About the Book: Imagine seeing hundreds or even thousands of the same type of animal gathered at the same place and at the same time! Right here in North America, many animals gather in huge numbers at predictable times and locations. Not all migrations are tied to seasonal food changes some are tied to life cycles and the need to gather in huge numbers. Certain birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, fish, and even insects migrate during spring, summer, fall, or winter. Travel along with them as you learn about what puts these animals On the Move.

My Review: The author did a great job in explaining how hundred or thousands of the same animals migrate from one location to another. Some travel in groups due to climate change, food, to give birth in a warm safe place. This movement or migration can take place during the winter, spring, summer and fall.

In the winter, some move to the cold mountain to keep mosquitoes away from them.

In the spring some sea animals travel with their calves to northern waters.

During summer, some animals find their mates and females lay their eggs in the warmth. At the end of summer crickets sing their evening song, bats wakes up and flex their wings.

During the autumn chilly air, monarch butterflies flutter their brilliant orange and gold wings.

The author describes the migratory patterns of each animal in this book which also includes four pages of learning activities for creative minds. Animal migration: what, when, where and why? As always wonderful illustrations by Susan Detwiler which helps tell the story. I highly recommend this book for classroom teaching.

Shark Baby by Ann Downer and illustrated by Shennen Bersani

About the Book: Who am I?” wonders Shark Baby. When his “mermaid’s purse” egg case is torn loose in a storm, he finds himself on a journey through different ocean habitats: kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. He learns what kind of shark he isn’t, but not what kind he is. He needs to find the “mermaid” to learn where he belongs, but the ocean is big and full of dangers. Will he find out who he is and what he can do in time?

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries by Jennifer Keats Curtis

About the Book: Just as tiny kittens and puppies grow into bigger cats and dogs, wild animal babies grow into adults too. These full-grown animals may no longer be cute and cuddly. Their wild instincts may kick in. They can become very large, even dangerous. What happens to these exotic pets when owners realize they can no longer care for them but they can’t be returned to the wild? And what about big predators that get hurt or sick? This photographic journal takes readers “behind the scenes” at five nonprofit sanctuaries and rescue zoos, and one care farm, that have opened their doors and their hearts to desperate animals in need

Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer by Mary Holland

About the Book: Follow this photographic journal of a red fox as he explores the world around him during the first few months of his life. He’s about a month old when he first comes out of the den. Watch as he learns to hunt through play and by using his senses. See the changes as he grows from a young kit to a young fox. After all, by the next summer, he’ll have kits of his own! Naturalist photographer and environmental educator Mary Holland has captured Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer in a way that is sure to grab children’s hearts
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of these books from Sylvan Dell Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.

Sylvan Dell Publishing

Award-winning picture books that integrate Science, Math, and Geography . . . hardcover and paperback plus read-aloud eBooks with Spanish http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/index.php

 

Giveaway (US ONLY)

There will be ONLY 1 Winner

Select any 2 Books

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute! So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rules not followed will be deleted immediately.

Mandatory: You must leave your comments with the name of any 2 books in the comment field below

Mandatory: Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest or tell a friend about this giveaway. Please note that in your comments. Thanks

Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.

Giveaway Ends May 25th

The winner will be selected via Random.org

Mandatory

If you have a Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest etc post and leave a link wih your comment. AND DON’T FORGET to Select any 2 Books

Review/Giveaway: Fancy Nancy The Musical CD. Ends May 18th

Fancy Nancy The Musical CD. Book & Lyrics by Susan DiLallo and Music & Lyrics by Danny Abosch

Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording

About: Fancy Nancy and her friends, Bree, Rhonda, Wanda, and Lionel are going to be performing in their very first show, “Deep Sea Dances.” Nancy is positive, that’s fancy for 100 percent sure, that she and Bree will be picked to be mermaids. When another girl wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn’t the one she wanted?

The track listing follows:

1. Overture

2. Anyone Can Be Fancy

3. What I’ll Be

4. I’m A Tree

5. You’ll Always Feel Much Better After Tea

6. On My Team

7. Something Terrible

8. You’ll Always Be My Star

9. Shark Rap

10. The Deep Sea Dances Ballet

11. A Fancier Place

Open iTunes to preview, buy, and download music. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fancy-nancy-musical-original/id610135150?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 or Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Musical-Original-Off-Broadway-Recording/dp/B00BMI90KK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367169182&sr=8-2&keywords=Fancy+Nancy+The+Musical

My Review: The Fancy Nancy the Musical is based on the book Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet. As Fancy and her friends wonder what they will be in the play, Fancy couldn’t wait to play the Mermaid and she was certain she was going to get the part but instead ends up playing a tree. What a tree? She always wanted to be a Mermaid. She was sure it was a mistake because tree isn’t fancy, nor does it wear ribbons or bows.

She went home to tell her mother who encouraged her that she will always feel much better after tea and she will play the best tree and that she will always be a star. When the new girl who got the Mermaid part was injured Fancy taught she will play the part now but the part went to her best friend Bree. She was upset and disappointed Bree gets offered the role.  Fancy learned that whatever part you play its more than what you wear, but to make the best of what you have. She ended up playing the best tree.

If your child is a fan of Fancy Nancy books and missed the live Broadway musical the music CD did its best to portray the musical.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this CD from the composer  in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.

About the Composer, Arranger, and Music Educator: Danny Abosch is the composer/lyricist of Placebo, a new musical that won the 2012 PMTP Development Award, including a fully produced workshop at the Pasadena Playhouse, directed by Ryan Scott Oliver. Placebo has also been workshopped at the University of Michigan, Oklahoma City University, Emerson College, and Pace University. Danny wrote music and co-wrote lyrics for Fancy Nancy the Musical with book writer/lyricist Susan DiLallo, which is currently running at Vital Theatre in New York City (since September 2012), and on tour. To read more visit http://dannyabosch.com/about/

Giveaway (US ONLY)

There will be ONLY 1 Winner

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

So please leave a helpful comment relating to this book.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL MANDATORY RULES – Rules not followed will be deleted immediately.

Mandatory: You must leave your comments in the comment field below Don’t forget to leave your email address for contact if you win.

Mandatory: Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest or tell a friend about this giveaway. Please note that in your comments. Thanks

Giveaway Ends May 18th 

The winner will be selected via Random.org

Mandatory

If you have a Blog, twitter, facebook, pinterest etc post and leave a link wih your comment.

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner is #9 – Mel

Book Review/Giveaway: Adventures with Buster. Ends April 29th

Adventures with Buster: The Adventures Begin with a Guide Dog Named Buster by London Lake Pickett and illustrated by Lynda F Wilson

About the Book: Adventures with Buster” is a children’s book that will entertain and educate readers about guide dogs and blindness. This is the first book in which London Lake Pickett shares experiences she has had with her guide dog named Buster.

My Review: Meet Buster a Guide Dog who is trained to guide, protect and follow commands in public and at home.

The author London L. Pickett is blind in her left eye and has about ten percent of her vision in her right eye, she shares her story about Buster.  Buster is a black Goldador born at the Southeastern Guide Dogs and professionally trained. When London met Buster it was love at first sight. The time she spent with Buster showed her that he was a strong, smart and gentle dog. She also found out that Buster likes to chew acorns, grass, sticks, rock and even feathers, and even likes to chase bunnies and eat frogs.

Buster wears a harness only when he is working with a sign on the harness that says, “Please don’t pet me I’m working”. It is important to ignore a guide dog when he/she has a sign like that on. There is a list of commands that a guide dog and its owner need to know, this is to ensure their owner gets around safely.

This is a great educational story not only for children but for adults as well. The Illustrations by Lynda Farrington Wilson helps tell the story.

Paperback: 35 pages

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

Buster lives in North Carolina with London, her husband and children, their three dogs, a cat named Bear and four fish.” Adventures with Buster” is the first in a series, “The Buster Series”. “Vacations with Buster” “The Adventures Continue with a Guide Dog Named Buster” is coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-with-Buster/416021111791301

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Also win a Size small “Adventures with Buster” t-shirt

Giveaway Ends April 29th , 2013

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, Please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

Leaving a helpful comment relating to this book would be appreciated and valid to the giveaway.

This Giveaway Has Closed

The Winner is #1 – Lisa

Book Review/Giveaway: I know Tuff Luck! Ends April 29th

I Know Tuff Luck written Danny W Rhodes.

About the Book: Come along on the journey with Lester Dooley, an overly curious 9 year old, whose curiosity will get him into some of the funniest situations imaginable. However, through all the situations Lester encounters, he will find the true meaning of friendship. That is, friendship is based on the association of people you enjoy being around. I know Tuff Luck, do you? Come on in and read. For when you finish, you will say: I KNOW TUFF LUCK TOO!

We all have known a Tuff Luck or have been a Tuff Luck ourselves. Growing up as kids, our curiosity has gotten us in some strange and even humorous situations at times. No matter what situations we have encountered as kids or even encounter as adults, one satisfying and redeeming value is the value of friendship. We have all heard at one time or another, the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” The value of friendship is within this proverb; the friendship that we received from our parents, our siblings, our neighborhood friends and their parents. Remembering good friends is the reason why this short story was written. Reading this short story will make you stop, if just for a moment, and remember those friends that you have cherished in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmKNmps5QK0

My Review: This book not only takes you back to the best part of your childhood living in the 50s or 60s but it also makes you remember that one kid that was a Tuff Luck like Lester Dooley.

I remember growing up in a neighborhood that was like one big family where children are allowed to place from sunup to sundown, sitting around the fire listening to stories told by the elders. Neighbors watching out for other neighbors kids making sure they don’t get into trouble, and children having fun playing in the streets and showing off their best dress during Easter and Christmas.

This book is set in the late 50s, about a kid name Lester Dooley also known as Tuff Luck, his character makes him stand out from the other kids. He has had so many unfortunate incidents happen to him that his friends in the neighborhood are left laughing.

It was summer again, and the Rhodes family prepares to take another trip to the country to spend time with their Uncle Mike and Aunt Phoebe for one month. After convincing Tuff Luck’s parent and Danny’s, Tuff Luck was able to go on this trip with Danny and his brothers. But on this trip to Uncle Mike’s farm, Tuff Luck of bad choices resulted into a bad encounter with Pecos the bull, the bantam rooster and the skunks was enough for him to start making good choices. This turns out to be a big surprise to his friends and the neighborhood.

Interesting Kid’s Prayer at the start and end of the book.

Pages: 56

http://www.amazon.com/Know-Tuff-Luck-Danny-Rhodes/dp/1432797395/ref=la_B00AUYWZ90_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365636747&sr=1-1

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

About this author: I currently reside in Kansas City, Mo. I have been a federal employee for over 40 years, with service as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration and now with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. As a first time author, I self-published my humorous juvenile novella based on my memories of the fun times growing up in Atlanta, Ga. during the 1950′s and 60′s. Growing up in a neighborhood that was like one big family. Recently I heard the African proverb that has been spoken many times “it takes a village to raise a child.” This was what truly happened to me and the many kids that grew up with me. We were raised by a village. I thank all of those parents from that neighborhood. A special thank you goes I currently reside in Kansas City, Mo. I have been a federal employee for over 40 years, with service as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration and now with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. As a first time author, I self-published my humorous juvenile novella based on my memories of the fun times growing up in Atlanta, Ga. during the 1950′s and 60′s. Growing up in a neighborhood that was like one big family. Recently I heard the African proverb that has been spoken many times “it takes a village to raise a child.” This was what truly happened to me and the many kids that grew up with me. We were raised by a village. I thank all of those parents from that neighborhood. A special thank you goes to my mother and my three older brothers, who made life fun for me. http://www.outskirtspress.com/iknowtuffluck/

Giveaway Rules 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends April 29th, 2013

Comments like these would be deleted – Great contest, please enter me, Love to win this! This is so cute!

Mandatory: Leave a comment about the review below. Leaving a helpful comment relating to this book would be appreciated and valid to the giveaway.

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner is #3 – Dorothy Teel

 

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: WOI Tour for Scott R.Caseley Author of Isosceles! Ends April 25th.

WOI March/April 2013 Tour: Scott R.Caseley Author of Isosceles

About the Book:When he finds his best friend Trey Goodsby dead and almost completely submerged in a bathtub filled with bloody water, Sean McIntyre is determined to find out if it was an accident or suicide. Did his death accidental or intentional have anything to do with Madeline Edwards, the woman who came between them constantly through their thirteen-year friendship? The tale begins with the death of Trey Goodsby, and explores his relationships with family, friends, his romances, and which of the circumstances he found himself in that led to the tragic event, and the repercussions for those he left behind.

If you have that feeling that you’re coming up short…what will it take to feel equal?

Excerpt from book:

“Go over to the play area. I’ll deal with you once I’m done with…ah…whatever his name is.” Carter nodded to where the rest of the kids kneeled, stood, or sat on a blue carpet, watching a boy building with wooden toy blocks. Right away, I could sense he intended on crafting something difficult, a scale model of the courthouse down the road from Footbridge. While the boy’s physical appearance seemed rather ordinary, his skills could not be beat. He hadn’t misused a single block. Without any hesitation or second-guessing himself, he knew what to do to put everything in the right place.

“That’s so cool, Trey,” I heard a soft voice like the melodious whisper of birdsong, my intuition revealing the identity before my eyes did. Madeline swayed from side to side, beaming with her pearly-whites.

Trey paid her no mind though, allowing himself to be distracted only by his overgrown dirty-blonde hair, which kept going in his face. Sometimes, he didn’t even push it away. His focus so intense, a few times, he almost knocked into other kids. He never apologized for it, nor did most get upset. They seemed to understand he was in a zone, one with his creation. He circled the perimeter to detect if it needed something. Whenever he snapped his fingers, he’d call out “cylinder,” “triangle,” or “rectangle.” Madeline would select it out of a decaying cardboard box, to present it to him like an obedient puppy bringing a tennis ball to its owner.

Mr. Carter, with Sheldon behind him, returned from their business in the hallway. They joined the rest of us, studying Trey’s handiwork. Before long, Mr. Carter became entranced, too. It felt frustrating. Being an only child, I was used to being the center of my parents’ universe. Here, someone else stole the attention so rightfully mine. Worst of all, watching Madeline fawn over him drove me crazy. His hair was messy, his shirt dirty, and he was just average. Why did he hold her interest? Shouldn’t she see me instead? Mom knitted me this nice sweater and combed my hair before I went to the bus stop. My head started pounding from over-thinking the situation when Madeline moved toward him, letting her pigtail accidentally brush against his head. He didn’t seem to notice, but I sure did. I needed to take action.

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing eBook

ISBN: 978-1-77127-239-1

Publication Date: January 2013

Genre of Book: Young Adult- Coming Of Age,

Mystery/Romance

Places where available for sale: MuseItUpPublishing.com, Amazon.com, Bookstrand, Omnilit, Kobo, Smashwords and B&N

About the Author: While this is his first novel, he wrote and directed a dramatic feature, co-wrote and directed a documentary and wrote for an online magazine. He’s also a trained voice, stage, and screen actor. In addition to his creative pursuits, he is passionate about healthy living. He follows a mostly self-directed fitness quest consisting of weight training, walking, swimming, yoga, and hula hooping. When not working out, he also enjoys cooking healthy gourmet meals as well as playing board games with family and friends with plenty of coffee brewing to keep the fun going until the wee hours of the morning.

You can find out more about Scott R. Caseley, his novel and World of Ink

Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/c85xoz4

Follow Scott R. Caseley at Blog Address: www.scottrcaseleyauthor.com

Twitter URL: twitter.com/scottrcaseley

Facebook Fan Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/ScottRCaseleyWriter

Publisher Website: http://museituppublishing.com

Giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This Giveaway is Open to the US ONLY.

1 Winner selected by Random.org to win a copy

Giveaway Ends April 25th, 2013

Mandatory: Please leave your comment about the author, book and your email address in the comment field below.

Comments without email address will be deleted.

April 9th The Bumpy Road—Guest Post: Plotting a Mystery http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com

April 10th Stories a la Mode—Book Review http://barbarabockman.wordpress.com

April 11th Inspiring Books & Products—Book Review http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

April 12th Strands of Thought—Character Interview http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/

April 15th Blogcritics—Book Review http://blogcritics.org/books/

April 16th American Chronicle—Spotlight Interview http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 17th The Writing Mama—Guest Post: Author Pick http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

April 18th American Chronicle—Book Review http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 22nd Book Reviews by Lynn—Book Spotlight/Giveaway http://www.angelpages.biz/page.php?e=4BOOKREVIEWSBYLYNN

April 23rd Families Matter—Interview http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

April 25th Deal Sharing Aunt—Book Review http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

This Giveaway Has Ended!

Winner is #1 – Andrew T. Kuligowski