Category Archives: Books

May 31, 2018 · 2:18 pm

Discover “MASTERPIECE ROBOT” A New Graphic Novel-Picture Book #Giveaway

I am so excited to share a really fun & inventive new picture book with you. The book is, MASTERPIECE ROBOT, by Frank Tra and illustrated by Rebecca Evans. Tilbury House is the publisher and it is marketed to children ages 7-10.

MASTERPIECE ROBOT AND THE FEROCIOUS VALERIE KNICK-KNACK is a graphic novel-picture book that pays tribute to the power of a child’s imagination. That special power is what transforms a suburban backyard into a futuristic battleground. This battleground is populated by Laura who is Masterpiece Robot and her sisters Molly and Amber.

Adults reading to or with their kids, will be taken back to the days of their own childhood, when a cardboard box could become anything, the ground could turn into hot lava, fences are invisible and so much more! If you are ready for a fun, rollicking read, one that kids can relate to, this book is where it’s at!

About the Author:

Frank Tra, lives in Kansas and is the child of Vietnamese immigrants. He’s written several graphic novels & comic books, though this is his first (triumphant!) foray into children’s books.

Giveaway:

Tilbury House Publishers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky reader will win their own hardcover copy of MASTERPIECE ROBOT! Thank you to Tilbury House Publishers for the review book and for sponsoring this exciting giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

MASTERPIECE ROBOT AND THE FEROCIOUS VALERIE KNICK-KNACK Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, kids

Tagged as Frank Tra, giveaway, Graphic Novel, Masterpiece Robot, Picture Book, Rebecca Evans, Sweeps, Tilbury House

May 15, 2018 · 12:40 am

“One Pedal at a Time” Book Blog Tour & Giveaway

When you get married, you vow to love your spouse in sickness and in health. The reality of standing by a spouse who needs a caregiver can be overwhelming. CJ Golden found out just how much she had to learn about being a caregiver as she watched her husband, Joe go from crossing the country on his bike, to trying to navigate his wheelchair around their kitchen.

Most people would feel overwhelmed if faced with such a situation. CJ Golden rose to the challenge of becoming her husband’s caregiver! Through her characteristic determination, boundless love, quest for knowledge and relentless optimism she learned how to be a caregiver.

On the pages of, One Pedal at a Time, CJ Golden shares somber reflections and moments of levity that highlight the very real passage in the lives of a husband and a wife who love each other unconditionally. CJ shares the lessons she learned, the emotional and physical strain upon her heavily burdened shoulders, and the realization that, through it all, their connection and love have grown stronger.

The title of the book is a tribute to Joe’s motto for getting through life’s most trying times. It refers to the days he was traversing the country for months at a time on the seat of his road bike. The same philosophy can be applied to carry others through their own caregiving struggles whether for a spouse, parent, child, other relative or friend.

One Pedal at a Time is a book caregivers can go to for information, inspiration and hope and is also a good read for anyone that appreciates a good love story.

One Pedal at a Time speaks to caregivers who need a place to turn to for information, inspiration, and hope, and for anyone who enjoys a good love story.

You can visit the author’s website and the book can be purchased on Amazon. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a copy in our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

PR By The Book is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of One Pedal at a Time! Thank you to PR By The Book for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

One Pedal at a Time Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Tagged as #onepedalatatime, Blog Tour, book, Caregiver, giveaway, Love Story, One Pedal at a Time

April 24, 2018 · 11:19 am

“I Walk With Vanessa” is An Empowering Story with No Words

As the old saying goes, ” a picture is worth a thousand words”, and that sentiment is true in the new children’s picture book, I Walk With Vanessa. This relevant, wordless book speaks volumes about how a simple act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help.

Written by New York Times bestselling husband and wife team Kerascoët, I Walk With Vanessa, explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly. Based on true events, it is the empowering story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

The story is inspired by a Baylor University student who was escorted to class by 300 of her classmates after she was bullied the day before, this timeless, profound, feel-good story addresses themes of kindness and acceptance, acting as a call to action to even the youngest of children to stand up for what they know is right.

PRAISE FOR I WALK WITH VANESSA

“A wonderfully illustrated, hopeful book that can help caregivers tackle an emotionally fraught subject with even very young children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A simple, beautiful story with an empowering lesson and call to action.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“The wordless pages and small, toylike figures make this a good choice for young children who can work out for themselves what has happened, what Vanessa’s new friend does, and why it works.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Drawn with loose lines and plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Giveaway

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of, I Walk With Vanessa! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this inspiring giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

I Walk With Vanessa Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Tagged as Bullying, Children's Books, I Walk With Vanessa, Kindness, Random House Kids

April 23, 2018 · 6:14 pm

“A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean” Book Tour & Giveaway

I am here to tell you about a great new middle age novel, A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean. When Davy’s fifth grade class uncovers the secrets of their peculiar town in a series of linked tales that pair the whimsy of Sideways Stories from Wayside School with the delightful eeriness of Welcome to Night Vale.

Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. There’s a high tide and a low tide… and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. And seaweed is the main ingredient in every meal—watch out, it might just start chewing you back!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town—it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s Davy!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

This is such fun book for your middle school child or to read aloud. It is a book both kids and parents will thoroughly enjoy.

Giveaway:

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky reader will win a hardcover copy of, A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Blog Tour, Books, Disney, Giveaway, Review

Tagged as A Friendly Town Almost Always By The Ocean, Book Tour, Disney, giveaway, Hyperion, review

April 16, 2018 · 8:58 pm

“Burning Magic” -Final Book in Shadow Magic Trilogy Blog Tour & #Giveaway

Are you ready for the third and final installment in the Shadow Magic trilogy? Burning Magic, by Joshua Khan is available now, so your wait is over! In this sizzling adventure, Lily the sorcerer queen and Thorn the giant-bat-whisperer journey to the Sultanate of Fire to help their friend K’leef in a no-holds-barred contest for the throne.

When Lily, aka the “witch queen” and bat-rider extraordinaire Thorn travel to Sultanate of Fire, things go terribly wrong. Instead of celebrating a reunion with their old friend K’leef, they are thrust into royal murder, an epic quest, and a deadly battle for the throne.

While investigating the murder, Lily learns shocking truths about her life that could destroy all she has achieved. Yet, among the ruins of her old life, she has the opportunity to become someone greater . . . and more terrifying.

Thorn and the magnificent bat, Hades, join the timid K’leef and the idiotic Gabriel Solar in a quest to find a phoenix. These fire birds are the key to saving the sultanate, but they nest within the Shardlands. The boys must defeat not only the monsters of that magical wilderness, but also rivals eager to claim the throne for themselves. Rivals that include a renegade from House Shadow.

Giveaway

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Burning Magic! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this magical giveaway! Open to US residents.

Burning Magic Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Blog Tour, Books, Disney, Giveaway

Tagged as Book Tour, Disney, Disney Hyperion, giveaway, Shadow Magic

· 1:42 pm

“Charlie & Frog: A Mystery” Book Blog Tour & #Giveaway

Are you looking for a page-turning, contemporary middle grade mystery novel filled with humor, intrigue and heartwarming friendships? If so, Charlie & Frog: A Mystery is a brand new book by debut author Karen Kane. My kids love the story of Frog AKA Francine Castle, who is deaf and shines as a tenacious, crime-solving protagonist who introduces Charlie to the world of sign language and teaches it throughout.

Charlie Tickler is feeling frustrated, all he wants is for his parents to listen, but they have left him once again. This time his parents are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. Where does that leave Charlie? They dumped him off with his TV-obsessed grandparents.

Feeling lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message—in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.

Charlie walks into a cafe looking for help. He finds Francine who would much rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. This is her chance to be the world’s greatest detective that she has been dreaming about. She leaps at the chance to tackle a real-life case.

Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman’s mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it’s too late.

Giveaway:

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Charlie & Frog: A Mystery! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this thrilling giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Charlie & Frog: A Mystery Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Tagged as Blog Tour, book, Charlie & Frog : A Mystery, Disney, Disney Hyperion

April 9, 2018 · 11:41 am

“Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans” #Giveaway

I have been meaning to tell you all about this great new book, Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans, but life has been crazy. However, I did not want to miss the chance to let you know about this first book in a brand-new series full of humor, riddles, adventure, annoying little brothers and rain that is perfect for middle-school readers.

The book is written by debut author Russell Ginn and is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Samantha is a heroine that readers will want to befriend and the book is a perfect choice for fans of Chris Grabenstein and Louis Sachar.

Samantha Spinner’s uncle Paul has disappeared, and here’s what he left:

• Samantha’s sister got a check for $2,400,000,000.
• Samantha’s brother got the New York Yankees.
• And Samantha got a rusty-red umbrella with a tag hanging off its worn handle. The tag says “Watch out for the RAIN.”
Thanks a lot, Uncle Paul.

After all the strawberry waffles, stories, and puzzles they’ve shared, how could he just leave without saying goodbye? And what is the meaning of that mysterious message?

The answer is simple. Sam knows in her heart that Uncle Paul is in danger. And if he taught her anything, it’s that not everything is exactly what it seems. Which is why we should pay close attention to that rusty-red umbrella, and never trust a monkey at a hula-hoop contest.

What does a little girl do with the gift of a rusty-red umbrella? She embarks on a journey like no other in this major series launch that already has kids singing its praises.

“A winning mix of fast-paced action, fascinating facts, bathroom humor, and hidden puzzles… sure to please action-loving middle-grade readers.” —Kirkus Reviews

The RAIN is coming, and Samantha Spinner is about to find herself mixed up in some super-important, super-dangerous, super-secret plans.

About the Author:

RUSSELL GINNS is a writer and game designer who specializes in puzzles, songs, and smart fun. He has worked on projects for Sesame Street, Nintendo, NASA, UNICEF, Hooked on Phonics, and the Girl Scouts of America. He once had a poem published on the back of an Alpha-Bits cereal box. Russell lives and writes in Washington, DC. Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans is his debut novel. To learn more about him, visit samanthaspinner.com and follow Russell on Twitter at @rginns

Giveaway:

Random House Children’s Books is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a hardcover copy of Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans! Thank you to Random House Children’s Books for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Penguin Randomhouse

Tagged as Book Giveaway, Children's Books, giveaway, Random House, review, Russel Ginns, Samantha Spinner, Super Secret Plans

March 26, 2018 · 2:44 am

Celebrate Spring with the Hippy-Hoppy Toad” Book #Giveaway

While we still have snow here in New York State, it is starting to melt. In fact, big chunks of snow and ice were sliding down our roof today. We are going to be seeing signs of spring very soon. A spring theme book about a little Hippy-Hoppy Toad is perfect for sharing with your child, grandchild or class.

A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer and illustrated by Anne Wisdorf goes on sale March 27th. Written for children ages 3-7, who will love this irresistible new rhyming book. A HIPPY-HOPPY TOAD features a very tiny toad who gets displaced as animals and humans brush past him on the road. With fun sounds and clever rhythms, this story is sure become a new favorite read-aloud.

You can hear me read it below:

About the Author:

Peggy Archer is the author of Name that Dog: Puppy Poems from A to Z and From Dawn to Dreams: Poems for Busy Babies, among other books. A Hippy-Hoppy Toad won the 2015 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Award.

Giveaway

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog winner will receive their own hardcover copy of, A Hippy-Hoppy Toad! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

A Hippy-Hoppy Frog Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Tagged as "A Hippy Hoppy Frog", book, children's book, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, Penguin Random House, review, Rhyming

March 22, 2018 · 7:36 pm

“The Ostrich and Other Lost Things” Book #Giveaway

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a new book by Beth Hautala, author of Waiting for Unicorns. The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Olivia Grant who, despite being extraordinarily good at finding lost things, can’t find her brother’s toy ostrich—a comfort item she believes helps manage his autism.

So, when summer break begins, and the local community theater announces auditions for an all children’s production of her favorite show, Peter Pan, Olivia jumps at the chance to claim something for herself. But what begins as a promising opportunity and a wonderful escape quickly becomes pure chaos.

The visiting zoo with an odd assortment of animals–including an ostrich that causes even more trouble than Jacob’s missing toy–only make matters worse, as Olivia’s summer is shaping up to be just as consumed by Jacob’s needs as the rest of her life has been. In time, and with the help of some unlikely alliances, Olivia must learn what it means to be separate from her brother and still love him, how to love herself in spite of her own flaws, and that not all lost things are meant to be found.

Olivia has feelings that will be very relatable to anyone growing up with a special needs sibling. Sometimes the stress is almost too much and Olivia wonders why can’t things be more normal. Dealing with Jacob’s meltdowns, doctor’s appointments, rituals and more can wear on a tween trying to find her own way. If Olivia could just find her brother’s Ostrich, things might get better instead of worse.

Vetted by healthcare professionals and inspired by the author’s experiences, Beth Hautala writes with sensitivity and authority as she explores the larger impact of autism on the family of the individual diagnosed. The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a timely, universal message of understanding and tolerance. The bonds and challenges of caring for a sibling with autism are bravely explored, along with the pain and power that comes from self-discovery in this beautifully written novel.

Listen to me read the prologue and chapter 1 of the this great book:

Praise for The Ostrich and Other Lost Things:

Giveaway

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a hardcover copy of , The Ostrich and Other Lost Things! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Health, Review

Tagged as Acceptance, Autism, Books, Chapter Books, giveaway, Middle School, Penguin Random House, The Ostrich and Other Lost Things, Tolerance

March 14, 2018 · 12:39 am

“Guess How Much I Love You” Baby Milestones Gift Set #Giveaway

I don’t believe it is a secret that we are a book loving family. I love reading aloud to my kids. I love it so much, I even read to them in utero. There are some books that have never lost their appeal from my oldest to my youngest, they are timeless classics like, Guess How Much I Love You.

The love expressed between Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, is one that parents know well. The book is so sweet, and I have loved sharing it with my children over the years.

I think it makes the perfect baby shower gift and this time of year it is a great pick for baby’s first Easter. What could be better?

Believe it or not, it does get better, because it is available in an adorable gift set called Baby Milestone Moments. This super sweet gift set pairs a Guess How Much I Love You board book with a set of beautifully designed milestone cards!

How cute is this set? Reading Guess How Much I Love You with a little one is always a memory in the making. Now, the enchanting art of this perennial family classic can play a unique part in remembering baby’s first months and years. Parents and caregivers can capture special moments by taking photos of their child with the appropriate milestone cards.

Giveaway

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Two lucky blog readers will win their own Guess How Much I Love You, Baby Milestone Moments Board Book & Card Set! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review set and for sponsoring this special giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.