2011 in Blogging Review for Mymcbooks Blog

Crunchy numbers

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 74,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 3 days for that many people to see it.

In 2011, there were 355 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 437 posts. There were 955 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 170mb. That’s about 3 pictures per day.

The busiest day of the year was October 24th with 924 views. The most popular post that day was Welcome to Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. Ends Oct 31st.

How did they find you?

The top referring sites in 2011 were:

• iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com
• facebook.com
• wordpress.com
• mail.yahoo.com
• mombloggersclub.com

Some visitors came searching, mostly for birthday, birthday images, birthday pictures, pilgrims, and black history month.

Where did they come from?

Most visitors came from The United States.India&Canadawere not far behind.

Who were they?

Your most commented on post in 2011 was Summer Giveaway Hop August 1- 7

These were your 5 most active commenters:

• 1 Carol L. 233 comments
• 2 Larissa 128 comments
• 3 domestic diva 72 comments
• 4 Alicia C. 62 comments
• 5 Krystal Larson 62 comments

Perhaps you could follow their blog or send them a thank you note?

Attractions in 2011

These are the posts that got the most views in 2011. You can see all of the year’s most-viewed posts in your Site Stats.

• 1 Welcome to Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. Ends Oct 31st 47 comments October 2011
• 2 Free January Giveaway 2011 24 comments January 2011
• 3 Black History Month 2011 – African Americans and the Civil War 3 comments January 2011
• 4 The Pilgrims and America’s First Thanksgiving 0 comments November 2009
• 5 NEA’S Read Across America – March 2, 2011 (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) Giveaway 24 comments February 2011

Some of your most popular posts were written before 2011. Your writing has staying power! Consider writing about those topics again.

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

 

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 74,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 3 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Thank You!

 

Dear Friends,

Yes, I called you frineds because you all have stood by and supported Mymcbooks Blog and Memorable Children Books & Gifts. I would like to say a big thank you for the great support you have given by giving your time to read the book reviews, authors interviews, taking part in the giveaways and for making us the winner of the 2011 Top 200 Leading Moms in Business.

In 2011, the blog have been given 3 awards, posted 456 posts and received over 3,200 comments. The busiest day of the year for Mymcbooks Blog was October 24th with 924 views.

I have reviewed over 169 books and given 315 books and 9 gifts free as giveaways.

In June, I created the ‘Mymcbooks Birthday Library Program’ http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/category/birthday-giveaway/ and http://www.mcbooksandgifts.com/mymcbookslibrary.html and have 35 children registed and have given 15 books free to 15 children for their birthday. We have continued to receive more books from authors to help support this program. And in August, I gave away 25 bags of school supplies free.

I would personally like to thank the following people for helping to promote Mymcbooks and MCBG on their blog, facebook and twitter.

Grace H

Alicia C

Kristi B

Inspired Kathy

Donalisa

Worlds To Discover

Tina Peterson

DS Walker

Larrisa B

Margot Finke

Thanks to all those following me on facebook and twitter. Also thanks for featuring me as guest blog on your blogs.

My biggest thanks goes to Carol L for always leaving comments on nearly all the posts that are not listed for  giveaways. For her its not about the giveaway.  And not forgetting Teresa Young.

What a blessed year this has been for us. Thanks again for your support and I pray you all have a blessed New Year.

Thank you everybody and Happy New Year!

Ella

Mommies Point Of View interview Ella Johnson of Mymcbooks Blog

 

The Importance of Education – Guest post by Ella Johnson

We as parent know that Education is a fundamental human right. Our children and every child in the world are entitled to it. Education is not only important but critical to our children’s development as individuals. Development leads to a successful future and we must ensure that our children must have a quality education. If the child doesn’t have the basic of comprehension in reading, it can slow down or hinder his or hers’ learning in all subjects. Reading is the fundamental skill of all learning.

 

Interview with Ella Johnson

Q – Can you tell us who Ella Johnson is and why this makes you you?

A – I was born in England, so am British by birth. I moved back to Nigeria with my family in the 70s. I attended College of Education and majored in Fine Arts and Education.  I taught Fine Arts from nursery school to secondary school level before moving back to England. I live with my American husband inFlorida and own my own business.

Q – How long have you been blogging?

A – I started blogging April 2009

Q – How could other bloggers help you with what you do?

A – Well, they can help my reposting my giveaways on their blogs. This will help more parents take part in the free book giveaways and for a chance to win free books for their children or their classroom library. I used to feature bloggers’ giveaways on my blog and am about to start again under ‘Freebies’.http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/get-freebies/

Q – Would you like to tell us about your family and how they feel about what you do?

A – My husband is from Cleveland and is very supportive of what I do.  

To read more visit http://www.mommiespointofview.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment there.

 

 

 

Friends/Supporters of Mymcbooks

Mymcbooks Blog is in the business of supporting other businesses/blogs. http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/friendssupporters-of-mymcbooks/

If you would like to be featured please email me at mymcbooks@yahoo.com

https://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/freedrawing.asp?sid=L2337&gid=106465717&emkt=212 click for free drawing

Tina Peterson
Omaha, NE, United States
An Educational Consultant with Usborne Books and More – the Books Kids Love to Read! http://www.MyUsborneBooks.com Find me at: http://www.familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com/ Focusing on close family relationships through Faith, Reading and Activities.

Jacquitta McManus
Douglasville, Georgia
I started writing children stories years ago, it came out of a desire to create characters I felt my daughter could relate to. It also came from a desire to create stories that would excite her imagination when she laid in bed at night.

Inspired by a passion to create great and exciting adventures that pushes the imagination and creates worlds of enchantment for people around the world. I’m proud to announce that I’m launching of my debut MagBook, Labyrinth’s Door. For more information:

http://www.worldstodiscover.com/

Karla Trotman is the owner of BellyButtonBoutique.com, LLC. Her background in supply chain logistics and degree in business logistics is the foundation for her business. The inspiration stems from two incredibly difficult and uncomfortable pregnancies. She is now the mother of two healthy preschoolers who she says are “insane”. Life is always crazy, but she is able to laugh at each experience that she and her husband survive.

A third generation generation entrepreneur, Karla finds the time to blog about industry trends, owning a business, being a mom and just life in general.
http://site.bellybuttonboutique.com/blog/

Angie Sternberg
Lake Worth, FL
Owner and designer of The Diaper Baker, an online company specializing in unique tiered diaper cakes and baby shower gifts. Every mother-to-be receives the same gifts at her baby shower. Although the style of the layette may change over time, one thing that hasn’t changed is the predictability. One can pretty much guarantee to see the same products given at the next baby shower they attend.

Wouldn’t you like to give a gift that would be the highlight of the baby shower? A present that is original, practical, and guaranteed not to be duplicated? A gift that will never be forgotten? A special creation designed especially for both… baby and mom-to-be!

http://www.thediaperbaker.com/

Dr. Prakash Dheeriya
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

A Professor of Finance at California State University-Dominguez Hills. He has been teaching finance and investments for over two decades. Dr. Dheeriya has several publications in the field of financial markets. A frequent speaker at conferences, chambers of commerce and rotary clubs, he has received several research awards, has over 30 refereed publications to his credit. To read more visit http://www.finance4kidz.com/

Ingrid Stauffer
Hemet, Ca

SOCKOES was born at the beginning of 2009 as a solution to the one of many children’s needs.

I am a mother of four beautiful, active, girls that love to play outside wearing just there socks. In an attempt to help keep the house clean, our family has a rule that no one is allowed to wear shoes inside of the house. This has created a problem with the little ones. My two youngest do not know how to put their own shoes on, and consequently run out of the house in just their socks. Although my two oldest girls know how to put their shoes on, nine times out of ten, they are too lazy to do so. As a result, we have a huge mountain of soiled socks to wash at the end of the week; of which many pairs are beyond repair. To read more visit http://www.sockoes.blogspot.com/

Cindy Clarke
Richmond, VA

A daughter, wife, and mom (to 4 children from 28 to 2 years old). A Gigi aka grandma (to 1 sweet little boy). I work full time outside the home as well as run 3 businesses with my husband from home. Busy is an understatement!

Motivatioanl Letters Are Here!
Santa knows that the closer you get to Christmas, the more children work to get put on the “Nice” list. Every child wonders whether they are on the “Naughty” or “Nice” list. Now they don’t have to wonder. For more information click on For more information click on http://santassecretary.com/default.asp

About the Author
Jennifer McFadden is currently a student at the University of Phoenix online school, majoring in psychology. She lives in the Houston, Texas area with her husband and two sons. This is her first published book. To know more about the author visit her website http://www.jenniferemcfadden.com/index.html

Kristi Bernard
Overland Park, KS

Kristi Bernard writes fiction and non fiction books for children. She is a contributing editor for the National Writing For Children Center and a book reviewer for Tiger Tales Books. A parenting expert for Bizymoms.com in which she provide insigtful articles on parenting and family life. She also love the art of the interview and create articles that capture the essence of human kind as well as provide important and helpful information to the reader. For more information click http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, Their three children are now grown and doing very well, and have provided them with 4 delightful grand- children.
Margot didn’t begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, “I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! ” Margot is also well known for her Manuscript Critique Services.
Margot’s books strive to HOOK kids on reading – especially reluctant reader boys. Trailers, illos, and sample verses are on her website – Reviews also.
Latest books: “Rattlesnake Jam” and “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind.”
http://www.margotfinke.com
http://margotfinke.blogspot.com
http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

LaTersa Blakely
Pittsburgh, PA
United States

Diaper Cakes by LaTersa offer great and custom diaper cakes, towel cakes, and more extra ordinary gifts for all occasions. Diaper Cakes make great centerpieces at the baby shower or simply a beautiful gift for the new mommy. Visit her blog for more information http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.blogspot.com/
http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com/

 

Epic Press P. O. Box 41624 Austin, Texas 78714-1624

Established in 1999 as the publication division for an education and management consultancy firm, Epic Press expanded its operations in 2007 to include children books and supplemental instruction materials. The impetus for this expansion began when one of Epic Press’s owners, inspired by her granddaughter’s love of books, motivated by her son’s foreign language expertise, and challenged to find relevant learning materials for gifts, penned a book as a present for her granddaughter’s third birthday.

To purchae the Award-winning books Dr. Little’s Tri-Alphabets and More in English • Español • Français

visit  http://www.epic-press.com/purchase-books/

For more information visit http://www.epic-press.com/

This is the website for the award winning children’s book author Dr. Sylvia Hawkins Little

Dr. Little’s Tri-Alphabets And More English· Español· Français

Is a 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Medalist. An “a, b, c” introduction to English, Spanish, and French. Readers will learn to identify familiar foods, animals and objects in all three languages. Knowing more than one language enriches vocabulary, improves academic performance, and enhances future work options.

For more information visit http://www.sylviahawkinslittle.com/

Interview with Ella Johnson, owner of Memorable Children Books & Gifts

Interview with Ella Johnson, owner of Memorable Children Books & Gifts http://melangeofcultures.wordp​ress.com/2011/07/31/interview-​with-ella-johnson-founder-of-m​emorable-children-books-gifts/

Interviewer: Nicole Weaver

Leading Moms in Business 2011 Competition

Mymcbooks Blog will like to thank you for voting. This voting ends 31st April, so please take a minute to vote for Memorable Children Books & Gifts. Don’t forgot to cast your vote everyday. Click link to vote http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/10217/index.php

 Thank you

Leading Moms in Business 2011 Competition

Leading Moms in Business is back and we will be grateful if you could please take a minute to cast your vote for Memorable Children Books & Gifts on Leading Moms in Business 2011 Competition. You can cast your vote everyday. Click on http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/10217/index.php

Thank you

Choosing the Best Books for Your Child by Shama Davis

Build a library of titles she’ll remember forever

Do you recall your favorite dog-eared tale about a far-away kingdom or a backyard adventure? Or the first time you hid a flashlight under the covers because you had to find out how a story ended? Selecting terrific books for your small child will put him on the road to learning, build his vocabulary and object recognition skills, spark his curiosity about the world, and create wonderful memories. As he grows, great books will help him become passionate about reading and promote school success by developing vocabulary, writing, comprehension, and study skills.

Before buying, see how your selection rates by asking yourself:

Is this book age-appropriate?
Take note of the age guidelines and learning benefits of your selections. For your baby or toddler, board books constructed of sturdy cardboard and wipeable plastic titles make good choices. Older toddlers and preschoolers can handle paper pages and will delight in larger picture and lift-the-flap books that invite them to lose themselves in the story.
The best books will grow with your child. For example, you might buy your 5 year old a picture book you read to him. At 6, he’s reciting the words to you, and by 8 he’s curled up in a corner reading it alone. For an independent reader, select titles that will challenge him without causing too much frustration.

What will my child learn from this book?
Books for babies and preschoolers tend to focus on basic concepts, like ABCs, feelings, or friendship, as well as use repetition, phonics, and other literacy tools to prepare him for reading. For an older child, consider how a book will develop her comprehension and vocabulary, as well as the themes and possibilities she’ll learn through reading.

Is the subject matter appealing?
As a general rule, the younger your child is, the more stories need to speak to his life experiences. As he gets older, fantasy becomes more important. Let his interests guide you, and be creative in your selections. Is he a dinosaur buff? Try a rhyming dinosaur picture book at bedtime, and for solo reading, offer him a nonfiction book about archeological digs.

Will my child find the text and illustrations appealing?
This is a gut reaction. In picture books, look for illustrations that catch your eye and familiar characters that will engage her attention. Your choices should invite her to point, touch, and talk about the pictures. Also check for books that sound like they’d be fun to read out loud. If she likes repeating words and phrases aloud, poetry or nonsense stories are a great choice. If you know your older child has enjoyed a particular author, illustrator, or series in the past, go with titles from the same creators. Choosing award-winners will also help you select high quality books.

Source: scholastic.com

For a complete read click http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/choosing-the-best-books-for-your-child/

Chinese New Year February 2011

Celebrating the Chinese New Year!

The Chinese New Year has a great history. In our past, people lived in an agricultural society and worked all year long. They only took a break after the harvest and before the planting of seeds. This happens to coincide with the beginning of the lunar New Year.

The Chinese New Year is very similar to the Western one, rich in traditions, folklores and rituals. It has been said that it is a combination of the Western Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. This is hardly an exaggeration!

The origin of the Chinese New Year itself is centuries old – in fact, too old to actually be traced. It is popularly recognized as the Spring Festival and celebrations last 15 days.

Preparations tend to begin a month before the date of the Chinese New Year (similar to a Western Christmas). During this time people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the New Year, when Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom. This ritual is supposed to sweep away all traces of bad luck. Doors and windowpanes are often given a new coat of paint, usually red, then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.

To read more click http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/history.htm

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a feast of color!

Kids, get ready with your crayons. We have great pics that you can print and color! Click link http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/pics_to_color/

Children’s Chinese Folklore – Short Stories for Kids

The Golden Beetle or Why the Dog Hates the Cat by Norman Pitman

What we shall eat tomorrow, I haven’t the slightest idea!” said Widow Wang to her eldest son, as he started out one morning in search of work.

“Oh, the gods will provide. I’ll find a few coppers somewhere,” replied the boy, trying to speak cheerfully, although in his heart he also had not the slightest idea in which direction to turn.

The winter had been a hard one – extreme cold, deep snow, and violent winds. The Wang house had suffered greatly. The roof had fallen in, weighed down by heavy snow. Then a hurricane had blown a wall over, and Ming-li, the son, up all night and exposed to a bitter cold wind, had caught pneumonia. Long days of illness followed, with the spending of extra money for medicine. All their scant savings had soon melted away, and at the shop where Ming-li had been employed his place was filled by another. When at last he arose from his sick bed he was too weak for hard labor and there seemed to be no work in the neighboring villages for him to do. Night after night he came home, trying not to be discouraged, but in his heart feeling the deep pangs of sorrow that come to the good son who sees his mother suffering for want of food and clothing.

“Bless his good heart!” said the poor widow after he had gone. “No mother ever had a better boy. I hope he is right in saying the gods will provide. It has been getting so much worse these past few weeks that it seems now as if my stomach were as empty as a rich man’s brain. Why, even the rats have deserted our cottage, and there’s nothing left for poor Tabby, while old Blackfoot is nearly dead from starvation.”

When the old woman referred to the sorrows of her pets, her remarks were answered by a pitiful mewing and barking from the corner where the two unfed creatures were curled up together trying to keep warm.

Just then there was a loud knocking at the gate. When the widow Wang called out, “Come in!” she was surprised to see an old bald-headed priest standing in the doorway. “Sorry, but we have nothing,” she went on, feeling sure the visitor had come in search of food. “We have fed on scraps these two weeks – on scraps and scrapings – and now we are living on the memories of what we used to have when my son’s father was living. Our cat was so fat she couldn’t climb to the roof. Now look at her. You can hardly see her, she’s so thin. No, I’m sorry we can’t help you, friend priest, but you see how it is.”

For a full story click http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chinese-new-year/short-stories/why-dog-hates-cat.html

Chinese New Years Recommended Reading – Kids Books for Chinese New Year
The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale

For a full list of books click http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chinese-new-year/kids-books/