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Congratulations to CHAD GUSTAFSON, the winner of the $50 Mudpuppy giveaway.  Thanks to all who entered. I’ve emailed Chad the details of his win. I’m sure he will find many awesome items at Mudpuppy. If you want to check out Mudpuppy, go to http://www.mudpuppy.com. Right now you can get 40% off your order by “Liking” …

Kid Lit Reviews, along with Mudpuppy, is pleased to announce a special Christmas Giveaway. $50 Gift Certificate from Mudpuppy! The Fast Chase: Enter here:   Mudpuppy Holiday Giveaway  Have you heard of Mudpuppy? Mudpuppy produces engaging toys that facilitate creativity and artistic play. They’ve won the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Award for many of its products. …

THE NOT VERY MERRY POUT-POUT FISH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish Written by Deborah Diesen Illustrations by Dan Hanna Farrar Straus Giroux BYR    9/08/2015 978-0-374-35549-4 32 pages     Ages 2—6 “A gift should be BIG, And a gift should be BRIGHT, And a gift should be PERFECT— Guaranteed to …

Crow Made a Friend Series: I Like to Read® Written and Illustrated by Margaret Peot Holiday House     9/15/2015 978-0-8234-3297-4 24 pages     Ages 4—8 “Crow was alone. He had a plan. He tried and tried and tried to make a friend. If you like to read, you will like this book.” [back …

Coming May 26th, from Running Press Kids:
Butterfly Park
by Award-Winning Author/Illustrator Elly MacKay

Running Press Kids is teaming up with select blogs to promote a very special picture book artist, Elly MacKay. Elly MacKay creates paper worlds inside a miniature lightbox theater, and turns those worlds into picture books. The images in her upcoming picture book, BUTTERFLY PARK, are nothing short of breathtaking. Let others know about Elly MacKay and her tour @Twitter: #ButterflyTrail

“Once there was a girl who loved butterflies. And when she moved to a new town, she felt lucky to find a place nearby called Butterfly Park! But when she opened the gate, there were no butterflies to be found.

“The girl tried to catch some butterflies and asked neighborhood children to help bring them to Butterfly Park. But to their disappointment, the butterflies didn’t stay. As the entire town got involved, they finally realized what they needed to do. Together, the girl and her community planted flowers in Butterfly Park, and in time, the butterflies came.” [publisher]

Running Press Kids has put together a special illustration tour, each Tuesday, leading up to the late May release date of Butterfly Park. Why an illustration tour, and not a “normal” book tour? MacKay used her acclaimed paper-cut artwork, giving each spread a 3-dimensional look. While knocking on neighbors’ doors, looking for help, the kids look like they could dance right off the page. Paper-cut art must be a tedious labor of love. The result is a magnificent picture book, with a final 4-page spread worthy of framing. The book jacket is also a poster of flowers that entice butterflies. To WIN YOUR OWN COPY of Butterfly Park, all it takes is a comment. Winner announced on Monday, May 11th.

Well, this is an image reveal, so here it is, the left half of spread number ten:

It took them up and down through the town.
Curiosity grew. Windows and doors began to open.

“Centered on the park’s elaborate art nouveau gateway, MacKay’s lyrical paper collage and diorama constructs feature layered details and out-of-focus backgrounds for a sense of depth. Brightly patterned butterflies, delicate flowers, and human figures pose like gracefully off-balance dancers…. Worthy of theme and equally pleasing to the eye and the spirit.”
~~Kirkus Reviews

“MacKay’s artwork recreates the feel and pleasure of Edwardian-era illustration, and lovers of picture book fantasy will embrace it.”
~~Publishers Weekly

Butterfly Park
Written and Illustrated by Elly MacKay
Published by Running Press Kids
978-0-7624-5339-9
May 26, 2015
38 pages             Age 3 +

Also by Elly MacKay

If You Hold a Seed

Shadow Chasers

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..AWARDS

If You Hold a Seed

2014 Blue Spruce™ Award Nominee – Ontario Library Association
2013 Best Bets Top 10 Picture Books – Ontario Library Association
2013 Best Books List (preschool—early elementary) – Atlanta Parent Magazine

Shadow Chasers

2014 Best Books of the Year (children—teens) – Amazon Canada

About Elly MacKay
Elly MacKay is the author and illustrator of If You Hold a Seed and Shadow Chasers. She attends Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and now her artwork is sold around the world, including her Etsy.com shop, Theater Clouds.

Website: http://ellymackay.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/theaterclouds
Twitter: @TheaterClouds

Here is the schedule for Ms. MacKay’s tour:

Butterfly Trail Blog Tour Page

4/07  The Unconventional Librarian  http://bit.ly/TheUnconventionalLibrarian

4/14  The Geo Librarian   http://bit.ly/TheGeoLibrarian

4/21  Mom Read It   http://bit.ly/MomReadIt

4/28  Mother Daughter Book Reviews  http://bit.ly/MotherDaughterBookReviews

5/05  Kid Lit Reviews   ♥ YOU ARE HERE

5/12  Unleashing Readers     http://bit.ly/UnleashingReaders

5/19  The Childrens Book Review  http://bit.ly/TheChildrensBookReview

5/26  RELEASE DAY!  Click to purchase Butterfly Park early 

Pass this post on. Help Award-Winning-Author Elly MacKay get the word out about Butterfly Park:  TWEET:  #ButterflyTrail

Running Press is a member of the Perseus Books Group.

Twitter:  @rp_kids

Here is a new book animal lovers will adore. The Cat Who Lost His Meow by Angela Muse (terrific lat name for an author) and Helen H. Wu. I have read the book and it is adorable. It will be reviewed here very soon. Until then, take a look at this cute picture book for children ages 3 and up. There is a giveaway for $50 either by an Amazon card or by Paypal for those who prefer cash. Enter below using the Rafflecopter link after the wonderful author biography.

About the Book

Title: The Cat Who Lost His Meow | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Helen H. Wu | Publication Date: June 1, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3+

Summary: Chester the lazy calico cat has suddenly lost his meow. He’s looking everywhere, but can’t seem to find his voice. When Chester puts himself in a frightening situation he not only finds his voice return, but he also finds his courage. This experience makes Chester appreciate things a little bit more than he had before.

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse

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Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the “new kid” in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children’s book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children’s picture books and released her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2012.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: July 29, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter + Son Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

ENTER RIGHT HERE ~> a Rafflecopter giveaway   

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Children’s Book Week giveaways. Those who Farfaria subscriptions will be hearing from that site to start your subscription. Those who won a book will receive n email from me. Please respond with your full home address within 72 hours. If not received within 72 hours a new winner will be declared. Books are sent to the winner from the sponsoring publisher. Congratulations to all!

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Farfaria

Winners of a 3-month subscription to Farfaria

Jennifer Hughes

C. L. Murphy

Elliot Waugh

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Winner of The Shark Whisperer, from Scarletta Junior Readers, by Dr. Ellen Prager

Melody Peugh

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Winner of Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super-Secret from Melissa Productions, Inc., by Melissa Perry Moraja

Ashley Christine Renn

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Winner of Lately Lily, from Chronicle Books, by Micah Player

Donna Taylor

Winners of Bear’s Big Bottom, from Capstone, by Steve Smallman & Emma Yarlett

KT Amanda

Sherry Butcher

Rita Monette

Winners of Lost Little Penguin, from Capstone, by Tracey Corderoy & Gavin Scott

Esperanza Garcia Gailliard

Genevieve Petrillo

Cassie Hayes

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Winner of The Monster Needs His Sleep from Scarletta Kids, by Paul Czajak, illustrated by Wendy Grieb

Stephanie Shipley

Welcome to day 7. For this last day of Children’s Book Week 2014, Kid Lit Reviews presents Capstone, a dynamic publisher well-known for their children’s books. Yesterday, Chronicle Books sponsored Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl. There is still time to win Lately Lily, or any of the other prizes showcased this week.. Today, Capstone presents Bear’s Big Bottom by Steve Smallman & Emma Yarlett. To WIN this hilarious new picture book LEAVE A COMMENT! Then, CLICK HERE for EXTRA ENTRIES!   And as an extra bonus, Capstone is offering Lost Little Penguin to three winners! Kidlit is such a generous genre. 

Now, KLR present’s Bear’s Big Bottom!

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Bear’s Big Bottom

by Steve Stallman & Emma Yarlett

Capstone Young Readers           2/1/2014

978-1-62370-119-2

Age 4 to 8          32 pages

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“Bear was friendly / Bear was sweet / The nicest bear you’d ever meet! / With little paws and little feet / And a very BIG bear bottom!

Poor Bear! His bottom is causing chaos…Bump! Crash! Splat! Soon Bear is in great big trouble! Can he ever make it up to his friends? A hilarious story of bottoms, bears, and animal friends that will have children giggling at Bear’s bottom-based mishaps. From children’s favourite Steve Smallman, author of Smelly Peter, the Great Pea Eater and The Monkey with A Bright Blue Bottom.”

The Story

Bear was your average bear. He was big and his friends could find him most anywhere. The only thing unusual about Bear was the size of his bottom. Bear’s bottom was so BIG . . . he completely filed the couch, squishing his friends. Bear’s bottom was so BIG . . . he jumped into the pool and the water all flew out. Then one day, Bear’s bottom was so BIG . . . it smashed a birthday cake and ruined the day. Bear felt so sad he ran away. Bear wouldn’t ruin anything else. Bear’s friends tried to find him, but all they found was a very hungry fox. If they didn’t find Bear soon, the fox would eat all of their bottoms.

Review

I like Bear’s Big Bottom. Bear is a nice bear and has some nice friends who are tolerant of his big bottom, until his big bottom breaks the camel’s birthday cake. It was actually squirrel’s cake, but the point is, they couldn’t take Bear’s big bottom anymore and told his just that. Not exactly nice of Bear’s friends to say what they said, but sometimes patience runs thin. Any kid who is different, for any reason, understands Bear’s plight. Good friends will tolerate your differences, but even good friends have a breaking point, not usually all at the same time, which is what helps keep a group of friends together.

I like that the group conscious got the better of Bear’s friends and they went looking for him. Conflict must ensue in a good story and so enters the fox, ready to eat their bottoms. The group of friends need Bear’s help. Do you think bear went to help? Bear is a good friend. Good friends stick up for each other, especially if picked on by someone outside of their group.

Originally published in Great Britain by Little Tiger Press (2013), Bear’s Big Bottom came to America and Capstone written in English. I was surprised to learn that an entire verse was changed. In the U.S. the verse reads:

In fact, Bear’s bottom was so wide

it filled the couch from side to side!

“We’re getting squished!” Bear’s friends all cried.

“Because of Bear’s big bottom!”

The original verse, as written by Steve Smallman, the author, reads:

“But when they tried to watch TV

Bear’s bottom filled the whole settee

And no one could sit comfortably

Because of Bear’s big bottom!”

I’m guessing the problem word is “settee,” meaning a sofa. It’s too bad those who made this decision where shortsighted in thinking no one would understand a settee is a sofa, upon which one sets their bottom. What happened to looking up unknown words, expanding one’s vocabulary, using a dictionary? Do kids no longer do any of those things? Beside the change for settee’s sake, the verse went from an original rhyme scheme (TV, settee, comfortably), to an easy scheme (wide, side, cried). Personally, I much prefer the original verse. The words are punchy (“pop-pop-pop-pop!”), like all the other verses.

Bear’s Big Bottom is a terrific book for anyone who is different or has a “different” friend. Some differences, like a big bottom, should not make friends go away. Everyone is different in some way; just not all are as obvious, or as intrusive, as Bear’s BIG bottom. Most people like being around others like themselves, not someone who is different. The animals show that being with someone different may, one day, save your bottom. This hilarious, brightly illustrations show wide-eyed animals often in spreads running full width. The cockeyed ending will tickle funny bones. Your little one may want you to reread Bear’s Big Bottom from the top. Let the author help. His reading of Bear’s Big Bottom is hilariously entertaining, but then, these are his characters.

BEAR’S BIG BOTTOM. Tex copyright © 2013 by Steve Smallman. Illustrations copyright © 2013 by Emma Yarlett. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Capstone Young Readers, North Mankato, MN.

Buy Bear’s Big Bottom at Amazon—B&N—Capstone—your local bookstore.

Learn more about Bear’s Big Bottom HERE

Meet the author, Steve Smallman, at his website:

Meet the illustrator, Emma Yarlett, at her website:   http://www.emmayarlett.com/

Find more books at the Capstone website:   http://www.capstoneyoungreaders.com/

Capstone Young Readers is an imprint of Capstone.

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Also by Steve Smallman

Big, Bad Owl

Dr Duck

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Also by Emma Yarlett

Orion and the Dark

My Daddy’s Going Away

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This is it. The LAST DAY you can ENTER TO WIN Bear’s Big Bottom or any of the other prizes seen this week, by LEAVING A COMMENT. In addition to all the those prizes, Capstone is also giving away Lost Little Penguin by Tracey Corderoy –

“When Plip the penguin loses his favorite toy, it seems like the end of the world! As the sky grows dark, Plip runs off to find it, all on his own. What will become of poor little Plip, out in the snowy storm?”

 So let’s recap one final time. Here is what YOU CAN WIN! — How to Enter? LEAVE A COMMENT and then  CLICK HERE for EXTRA  ENTRIES!

• A 3-month subscription to Farfaria – online library of children’s books.
• The Monster Needs His Sleep – from Scarletta Kids, by Paul Czajak, illustrated by Wendy Grieb
• Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super-Secret – from Melissa Productions, by Melissa Perry Moraja
• Lately Lily, the Adventures of a Traveling Girl – from Chronicle Books, by Micah Player
• Bear’s Big Bottom – from Capstone Books, by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Emma Yarlett
• The Shark Whisperer – from Scarletta Junior Readers, by Dr. Ellen Prager, illustrations by Antonio Javier Caparo

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Lost Little Penguin – from Capstone Books, by Tracey Corderoy.

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WIN Bear’s Big Bottom by LEAVING A COMMENT below this review. For additional entries, and MORE CHANCES TO WIN Lost Little Penguin, and other wonderful children’s books, CLICK HERE TO WIN!
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Terms and Conditions HERE

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Welcome to day 6 of Children’s Book Week. These last two days of Children’s Book Week 2014 Kid Lit Reviews presents two publishers well-known for their children’s books, in particular, picture books. Tomorrow Capstone will present two books you could win. Today Chronicle Books is sponsoring Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl. To WIN this picture book LEAVE A COMMENT! For additional entries, CLICK HERE TO WIN!

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Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl

by Micah Player

Chronicle Books        3/25/2014

978-2-4521-1525-2

Age 4 to 8      32 pages

.“Meet Lily the Travelling Girl! Where has Lily been lately? EVERYWHERE! Lily takes her trips by plane, train, bike, boat, and even by camel, and her best friend,, Zeborah, is always along for the ride. Whether venturing far away or staying close to home, Lily knows that the joy of discovery is the best way to travel each and every day. Join the jet-setting Lily on a world tour, and experience the surprises of ravel through her eyes.”

Opening

“BONJOUR! CIAO! HOLA! HELLO! I’m Lily, the Travelling Girl.”

The Story

Lily’s parents work all over the world and take Lily with them. Lily takes Zeborah, her stuffed zebra doll and best friend. As the story progresses, you will learn where Lily has been—lately, meet her friends, and discover what she does.

Review

The author/illustrator, Micah Player, is the Creative Director of a company that makes kids apparel. That company, called Lately Lily, “the international teeshirt brand for thoughtful little girls,” specializes in clothes for young girls age 2 to 10, all based on Lily and her travels. Lily’s parents are a journalist and a photographer for the International Exposition (the Definitive Journal of Global Curiosity), working around the world. According to Lily’s website, the International Exposition is the world’s greatest magazine.

Lily travels carrying her yellow suitcase—her home away from home—and Zeborah, a stuffed zebra-doll. Lily writes notes in her journal describing her travels. These notes are what inspire the fashions at the store. In addition to this book, Lately Lily also has flashcards and a yellow suitcase, both available at Chronicle Books. I think this could be a series, or rather, I hope this is a series. If not, and maybe still, the book is another product placement to induce kids—and parents—to shop at the Lately Lily store. Still, Lily said a few  things that are encouraging signs that she can be a role model for young girls.

“Every day is an adventure.”

             “The world is full of possibilities”

“Sharing stories keeps us [friends] close.”    

“New places lead to unexpected discoveries.”

Joining her working parents, Lily travels from the U. S. to China, England, and France. Lily makes even the mundane parts of travel exciting. Her energy is boundless and will have kids enthusiastic about travel. I like that Lily records her travels, what she’s seen and learned. Even Lily says her journal makes it easy to remember her travels. Lily is an intelligent, curious, well-dressed girl who has no trouble entertaining herself when not with her worldly friends.

I like that she writes—with paper and pen—to her friends when they are not together. Letters are personal and tangible. Writing a letter seems to be a lost art, replaced by emails and instant messaging. Lily appears much older than her age, which is not stated but is no more than ten based on her backstory.

The illustrations are bright and cheery, giving Lily a sophisticated look. Young girls will like Lily and Lately Lily, though the book is more a travel log or a “This is my life,” than a story. Regardless, girls who love wearing Lately Lily will enjoy the picture book. Young girls new to Lately Lily will love the girl and her Zeborah. Many of them will want to transition into wearing Lately Lily clothes.

LATELY LILY: THE ADVENTURES OF A TRAVELLING GIRL. Text and illustrations copyright © 2014 by Micah Player. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA. .

Buy Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl at Amazon—B&N—Chronicle Books—your local bookstore.

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Learn more about Lately Lily HERE    http://latelylily.com/

Meet the author/illustrator Micah Player, at his website:  http://paperrifle.com/

Check out the Lately Lily store at the website:   http://latelylily.com/shop/

Find other books at Chronicle Books’ website: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ 

Also  by Micah Player

The Around the World Puzzle

Chloe, Instead

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WIN Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl by LEAVING A COMMENT below this review. For additional entries, and MORE CHANCES TO WIN Lately Lily, and other wonderful children’s books, CLICK HERE TO WIN!
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Welcome to day 5 of Children’s Book Week. There are only two days left in this year’s Children’s Book Week and two wonderful companies sponsoring giveaways: Chronicle Books and Capstone. The featured books are all new this year, coming direct from the publisher.

No review today, just a recap of all you can win this week.

Here are the prizes you can win CLICK HERE TO ENTER

** 3-month subscription to Farfaria, unlimited stories for your child.

** The Shark Whisperer #1: Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians, the new series from Scarletta Press by Dr. Ellen Prager,

** Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: the Super-Secret , the new addition to The Wunderkind Family Series by Melissa Perry Moraja,  

** Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl, the new book from Chronicle Books by Micah Player

** Bear’s Big Bottom, an hilarious new picture book from Capstone by Steve Smallman & Emma Yarlett,

** Lost Little Penguin, a cute picture book from Capstone by Tracey Corderoy & Gavin Scott

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The best and easiest way to enter is by leaving a comment below. You can earn one entry each day with a comment.

To earn more entries, CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Terms and Conditions HERE

Lost Little Penguin

Bear’s Big Bottom

Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl

Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: the Super-Secret

The Shark Whisperer #1: Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians

Farfaria

Welcome to day 2 of Children’s Book Week and another great book is up for grabs.Today is also a Boo Blog Tour date here at KLR for Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super-Secret by Melissa Moraja, who is also the publisher.The Wunderkind Family Series is a wonderful chapter book series for kids becoming more confident in their solo-reading and ready for longer books.

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The Wunderkind Family Series: Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: the Super-Secret

by Melissa Perry Moraja

Melissa Productions, Inc.          5/5/2014

978-0-9898293-2-8

Age  6+        156 pages

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“Up until a few days ago, nothing extraordinary had ever happened in ten-year-old Josh Wunderkind’s life—except eating a whole pot of pasta by himself. But that all changed after a mammoth-sized raptor hit him smack on the face with a glob of neon green bird poop, triggering his superhuman Wunderkind ability and leaving him with the responsibility of caring for a baby raptor he named Max. But what Josh didn’t realize was that being super extraordinary wasn’t all fun and games. Especially because he was still living in the shadows of his older brother Jake’s greatness.

“And things only got more complex in Josh’s life when his two siblings and a couple of neighborhood friends persuaded him to lead a super crime-solving, neighborhood news teams—the Gumshoe News Crew. But not before they agree on the Super-Secret and complete Gumshoe Boot Camp. Find out what the Super-Secret is. Will the Gumshoe News Crew complete boot camp? Or will Josh let his team down?”

Opening

“My name is Josh Wunderkind. I’m ten-years-old and up until a few days ago, nothing in my life had been super.”

The Story

Josh Wunderkind finally receives his superhuman powers when a raptor dropped glob of neon-colored poop in his eye. Having finally received his superpower, Josh is overly excited, wanting to it show off in school—until big brother Jake sets him straight about the importance of keeping superpowers a secret. Instead, the three siblings and two friends—and Max—make up the Gumshoe News Crew. Their goal is to keep the neighborhood safe under the guise of a newspaper crew, with Josh as leader, but not until they all passed the Gumshoe Boot Camp Jake set up.

Review

I enjoyed the newest story of the Wunderkind kids. The kids make a good group and tell a great story. The arrival of Josh’s super-powers will have kids laughing—a good laugh. The real star of the story is little Max, the baby raptor left behind after Josh receives his powers. The series is a great set for boys.

Max initially sticks by Josh out of fear but then stays there out of a growing partnership that works. Max is cute, resourceful, and quick to understand English and body signals making him a much-needed member of the Gumshoe News Crew. Like the Wunderkind kids, Max is super-powered but not super-perfect. I hope the little raptor grows up slowly and sticks around.

The only problem with Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super-Secret. The title story does not begin until a bit past mid-story, when it should begin early, if not the first chapter. Though many may not notice, or even care, this is a long time to expect readers to wait for the title story. Change the title or rearrange the chapters. The later would be easiest.

Overall, Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super-Secret will delight readers. The story is good—really good—and flows nicely from page to page and chapter to chapter. The characters are terrific and you find yourself rooting for all six of them. Kids will enjoy the humor, baby Max, and even dad, who will not tolerate any more animals in the house, and then does. Surprises at every turn will keep kids turning the pages. They will keep reading because the writing will not let them go. Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew adds one more engaging chapter book to the Wunderkind Family Series.

THE WUNDERKIND SERIES:  JOSH AND THE GUMSHOE NEWS CREW:  THE SUPER-SECRET. Text and illustrations copyright © 2014 by Melissa Moraja. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Melissa Productions, Inc., Matthews, NC.

Learn more about The Wunderkind Series HERE.

Buy Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew at Amazon—B&N—iTunes—your local bookstore.

Meet the author/illustrator, Melissa Moraja at her website:   http://www.notyourordinarypsychicmom.blogspot.com/

Find the publisher, Melissa Productions,at companny website:  http://melissaproductions.com/

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Mother Daughter & Son Book Promotion Services Book Blog Tour

The Wunderkind Family Series: Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: the Super-Secret

Today WS Momma Readers Nook (Review) ~~ The Ninja Librarian (Review) ~~ Kid Lit Reviews (Review)

May 13 Mel’s Shelves (Review) ~~ Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)

May 14 Once Upon a Time (Review) ~~ We Are the DinoFamily (Review) ~~ 4 The Love of Books (Review)

May 15 Dawn’s Disaster (Review) ~~ Purple Monster Coupons (Review)

May 16 Nanna of 3 and Counting (Review) ~~ Musings by Jay Faulkner (Review) ~~ Lisa Cresswell (Interview)

May 17 Jemima Pett, Author (Review) ~~ Storytime Books (Review)

May 18 The Squishable Baby (Review) ~~ Stitch Says (Review)

Check out earlier tour dates

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)

BeachBoundBooks (Review) ~~ Bookworm for Kids (Review) ~~ A Leisure Moment (Review)

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys (Review) ~~ Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review) ~~ Brooke Blogs (Review)

Alwaysjoart (Review) ~~ Chris Weigand, Author (Review) ~~ The Hippie Bookworm (Review)

Let’s Talk About Books (Review) ~~ Sunshine, Bubbles & Books (Review) ~~ Adalinc to Life (Review)

The World of ContestPatti (Review) ~~ Oh My Bookness (Review) ~~ Unschooling Mama (Review)

* Global Blog Tour Giveaway *

$25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: June 3, 11:59 pm, 2014

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget:   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Melissa Perry Moraja and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

WE ARE NOT DONE YET!!

ENTER TO WIN a copy of Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: the Super-Secret  from Melissa Productions, Inc.!

1. Leave a comment.

2. Enter the Rafflecopter (enters you for all 5 giveaways) Click a Rafflecopter giveaway  (opens @ midnight)

3. Check out a blog or two from the CBW Giveaway Blog Hop, then return here and in this comment section, tell me what blog you left a comment and the blog number (A MUST for verification.)

Click HERE for blog list. Over 100 ways to win in this hop!

1. Return tomorrow for more giveaways!

*** For complete rules and Terms & Conditions, Click HERE.

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Monster & Me™

Book 2: Monster Needs His Sleep

written by Paul Czajak

illustrations by Wendy Grieb

Scarletta Kids         4/15/2014

978-1-938063-26-8

Age 4 to 8        32 pages

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“In this silly bedtime story, it’s time for bed, and Monster needs to go to sleep. But he just keeps finding more things to stay awake for! It isn’t until Monster admits he is afraid of the dark that he finds a glowing solution to his nightmare problem. In this playful, rhyming story, Monster shows kids that with a little help from a friend, the dark isn’t so scary after all. The Monster & Me™ series helps kids build character, social, and emotional learning skills through entertaining and memorable real life situations”

Opening

“Monster needs to get his sleep. It’s time to go to bed. But when I said it’s sleepy time, he roared, “Let’s play instead!”

Interview with Boy and Monster. If you have not read this, it is worth checking out! Click HERE.

Review

In the first book in the Monster & Me™ series, Monster Needs a Costume, it is Halloween and Monster cannot decide what to wear. He tries on several costumes, all of which are great for Monster, but none of which he wants. In the long awaited follow-up, Monster Needs His Sleep, Monster simply needs to go to sleep. Boy must be exhausted after caring for Monster all day, but he has one more thing to do before tomorrow can arrive: get Monster in bed and asleep.

Monster is stubborn and strong—not to mention large—and knows how to get his way. But Monster is also a kind-hearted soul who loves Boy. Monster is really not a monster at all. Just like most two-year-olds, Monster is a sweet creature that sometimes jumps into his monster disguise. Do these excuses sound familiar: I’m still playing; one more story; I need a snack; I need a drink? Yup, kids will identify with Monster. Boy does a good job of moving Monster along, in much the same way parent’s move their little ones to bed and sleep.

The illustrations are fantastic with oodles of details to delight your child—and you! The rhyming story is fun to read aloud. The words leave your tongue as if they were meant to slid off and amuse your child. The rhyming will help hold kids’ attention while they enjoy this silly story and time with you. Monster and Boy are a great team and Boy a wonderful monster-parent. Monster Needs His Sleep is the perfect bedtime story to help your child close his or her eyes and fall fast asleep dreaming of their own Monster.

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COMING SOON!  Monster Needs a Christmas Tree, September, 2014.

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MONSTER NEEDS HIS SLEEP. Text copyright © 2014 by Paul Czajak. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Wendy Grieb. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Scarletta Kids, Minneapolis, MN.

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Monster Needs His Sleep is now available from Amazon—B&N—iTunes—Scarletta Kids—your local bookstore.

Meet the author, Paul Czajak, at his website:   http://paulczajak.com/

Meet the illustrator, Wendy Grieb, at her website:   http://wendygrieb.tumblr.com/

Check out Scarletta Kids at the publisher’s website:   http://scarlettapress.com/scarletta-kids/

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Also by Paul Czajak and Wendy Grieb

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Monster Needs a Costume

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