Category Archives: Books

December 3, 2017 · 1:12 pm

Remind Girls They are Adored by God #AdoredByGod #FlyBy

The world can be a tough place.  The tween and teen years are especially hard. While it was no picnic when we were growing up, this generation has challenges and issues we could not even imagine, thanks to technology. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology, but it has brought about some darker things along with all the good.

Girls today have to deal with bullying, social media friendships as well as the awful social media “unfriending”, dating, changing bodies, awkward growth phases, mean girls and much more. Proper guidance and support is paramount to a healthy attitude and self-image as they navigate this stage of life.

Adored is a 365-day devotional that features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on that day’s special message. This book tackles those tough topics mentioned above, and shows readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight. This hardcover devotional is published by Zondervan, written for girls ages 13 and up and has a retail price of $14.99. You can purchase it HERE. Right now, you can get it on sale for just $8.49.

Having a book like this reminds girls they are not the only ones facing challenges, it helps them on the tough days and lifts them up every day. The journaling space is a wonderful way for girls to track their own growth and mindset through the year. This devotional makes a very meaningful gift this Christmas season. We have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  You can visit the publisher’s site to access a Free 7-Day Download.

 


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December 1, 2017 · 12:16 pm

“The Stable Cat’s Christmas” Book Tour & Review

Can you believe it is almost Christmas? I feel like the last part of this year is zooming so fast, I can barely keep up. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it is nice to just slow down, and sit together with my kids and read a book that brings us back to the true meaning of Christmas.

With all the commercialization, it can seem like everyone’s focus is on the latest sale or chasing after this year’s hottest toy. The Stable Cat’s Christmas  by Christina Vrba is a timeless picture book that celebrates the fact that everyone has a gift they can bring the newborn King, no matter their size or stature.

This message resonates so well with children, who sometimes feel their size or age limits them in contributing something that matters to our world.

The Stable Cat is worried that it has nothing to offer the newborn king. The cat has no jewels, riches or gold to bring this very special baby. However, when the cat notices the newborn king shivering in the stable, there is no doubt, this stable cat can help. Curling up with the newborn baby Jesus, the stable cat offers its warmth to our tiny king.

This is a heartwarming story and it will be one you will want to share with your children or grandchildren every season.

Giveaway:

Worthy Kids/Ideals  is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Stable Cat’s Christmas! Thank you to Worthy Kids/Ideals  for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

The Stable Cat’s Christmas Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!!!

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November 28, 2017 · 6:10 pm

Red & Lulu Book Is Sure To Be A New Christmas Classic #Giveaway

I want to share a very special book with you, that I find just amazing. It is a children’s book, one that is sure to become a traditional favorite in our home. One of my favorite books as a child was one about the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and where it came from.

Over the years, I have shared books with similar tones with my children. This year, we were introduced to Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares. From the first time I opened and read the large, hardcover book with my kids,we were hooked.

For me, it had much to do with the bonded pair of cardinals, Red and Lulu. Cardinals are very special to me and if you have been reading this blog for a while, you may remember my post about the significance of them in The Cardinals’ Kiss.

Beyond the cardinals, we live in Upstate NY where many of the trees that have graced Rockefeller Center have come from. Put the two together and add the magic of the Christmas season, and you have a recipe for a new holiday classic. I know we will read this book many times this season.

Red and Lulu lived happily in the tree that was going to be cut down and transported to New York City. The problem was not that they were going to lose their beloved home, it was bigger than that!

The morning the tree was cut and loaded on the truck, Lulu was in the inner branches. Lulu was in trouble because Red was not with her at the time and now she was on her way to The Big Apple.

Red caught sight of what had happened and  flew as fast as he could to catch up to Lulu, but before long, he lost sight of the truck. Red did not give up, he flew all the way to NYC and eventually found Lulu and their tree. Reunited, they happily explored this big, bustling city and made many friends in beautiful Central Park.

Red and Lulu were so happy to be together again. They would sit in the branches of their tree and admire the lights and the people who came from all over the world to see the majestic evergreen.

When the season was over, Red and Lulu made a new home with their new friends in Central Park. One of the perks of their new location, was that every year they could return to Rockefeller Center and sit on the branches of a new Christmas tree. The whole season long, they could happily enjoy, the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps, during the most wonderful time of the year. This book shows there is no distance too far to keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a new Christmas classic.

This book pulls at my heartstrings in so many ways. That is why I have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. 

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Red & Lulu! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Red & Lulu Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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November 20, 2017 · 12:41 am

The Splendid Baron Submarine #BizarreBaronInvention #Giveaway

With the days getting dark earlier and the temps getting colder, it is so nice to snuggle up on the couch by the fire and read with my kids. A book we have been diving into recently, is The Splendid Baron Submarine by Eric Bower. This is Eric’s second book in The Bizarre Baron Inventions series. This novel follows the Baron family as they set off for an underwater adventure with their steam-powered submarine. It is not all fun and games, their journey is filled with complications that the Baron family is not prepared for.

Young, clumsy and terribly unscientific Waldo “W.B.” Baron is really excited for a deep-sea diving adventure when his clever, inventor parents are hired to go on a secret treasure hunt. This top-secret mission ends up being filled with very unexpected shark attacks, diving mishaps and even a pirate’s curse. Follow as W.B. discovers these complications one stumble, trip and fall at a time.

My boys love this book, and I am enjoying it with them. It is one of those books that we need to read just one more chapter of before calling it a night. If this sounds like something your kids would like, you are probably right! You can purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and IndieBound.

About Eric Bower

Eric Bower is the author of The Bizarre Baron Inventions series. He was born in Denville, New Jersey, an event of which he has little recollection, yet the people who were there have repeatedly assured him that it happened. He currently lives in Pasadena, California. His favorite type of pasta is cavatappi, his favorite movie is The Palm Beach Story, and he is the proud recipient of a “Beanology Degree” from Jelly Belly University in Fairfield, California. His wife and family have told him that the degree is nothing to be proud of, since “It’s not a real degree. You know that . . . Right?” and “Eric, they literally give them to everyone who visits the Jelly Belly factory,” but he knows that they’re all just jealous.

Giveaway:

Enter to win a The Splendid Baron Submarine themed prize pack!

One (1) winner receives:

  • A copy of The Splendid Baron Submarine, by Eric Bower
  • A The Splendid Baron Submarine themed gift pack. Includes some pirate-themed goodies, Go Fish, and ghostly treats as well.

Giveaway ends December 15, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.

Prizes provided by Amberjack Publishing

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November 19, 2017 · 10:26 pm

Discover, “The Girl Who Saved Christmas” Today! #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Oh my, Christmas is definitely in the air! I know we still need to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday, but the excitement is surely palpable. I was out shopping yesterday, and certainly felt that Christmas magic!

It is so fun to share Christmas themed books with my children. If that is something you like to do, I cannot wait to share a new book with you.

If you are a fan of Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, you will fall in love with this hilarious and heartwarming holiday tale that is destined to become a Christmas Classic. Author Matt Haig  previously explored the origin story of Santa Claus in his highly praised bestseller, A Boy Called Christmas which is now being adapted for film.

Haig’s new book, The Girl Who Saved Christmas serves as a stand-alone sequel that imagines the story of the first child to ever receive a Christmas present. 

About The Book:

Amelia Wishart was the first child ever to receive a Christmas present. It was her Christmas spirit that gave Santa the extra boost of magic he needed to make his first trip around the world. But now Amelia is in trouble.

When her mother falls ill, she is sent to the workhouse to toil under cruel Mr. Creeper. For a whole year, Amelia scrubs the floors and eats watery gruel, without a whiff of kindness to keep her going. It’s not long before her hope begins to drain away.

Meanwhile, up at the North Pole, magic levels dip dangerously low as Christmas approaches, and Santa knows that something is gravely wrong. With the help of his trusty reindeer, a curious cat, and Charles Dickens, he sets out to find Amelia, the only girl who might be able to save Christmas. But first Amelia must learn to believe again. . . .

Sparkling with wit and warmth, A Girl Called Christmas is a cheeky new Christmas classic-in-the-making from acclaimed author Matt Haig and illustrator Chris Mould.

Praise for the Book:

“Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories.” —Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author of The Graveyard Book

 “The story is fast-paced and playful, peopled with interesting characters and unique details . . . but what sets this story apart are the genuine emotions exhibited by all—loss, fear, sadness, and, ultimately, love.” —School Library Journal

“With a little bit of naughty and a lot of nice, this Christmastime yarn is a veritable sugarplum.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Like stockings hung by the fire, this spellbinding opus may well become a yuletide tradition.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

“Father Christmas’s backstory is revealed in British author Matt Haig’s fantastic tale of magic, treachery, disgruntled elves, Truth Pixies and a land where “impossible” is a swear word.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred

“A heartwarming holiday adventure.” —Booklist

We love this book so much, we have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  As an early gift to you, we are also holding a giveaway for one copy of this magical book. 

Giveaway:

Random House Children’s Books is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of, The Girl Who Saved Christmas! Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

 

 

 

The Girl Who Saved Christmas Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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November 18, 2017 · 1:59 am

Discover The Nocturnals Books & Plush #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

I am so thrilled that all of my children enjoy reading. More than enjoy reading, we are the kind  of people who think, one can never have too many books. Anyone that even hints that we may have too many books, is not our kind of people. We just need more bookshelves is all, never too many books! Speaking of which did you ever see the bookshelves we made out of plastic rain gutters?

Okay, back to books. I recently discovered The Nocturnals. These books feature three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint-sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

The books are entertaining to both parents and kids alike, since I like to read aloud to my kids, they are perfect. The stories follow these three as they work together to find solutions for problems or mysteries.

The Moonlight Meeting is a banter-filled early reader (level 2) that describes the first meeting between shy Tobin, brash Bismark and kindhearted Dawn. This book works well to set the stage for continuing adventures between this brigade of friends.

After a random encounter with a blood-thirsty snake, the three animals form a brigade of the night. Alarmed that animals are disappearing without a trace, the brigade gets help from a band of coyotes and many others to solve a high stakes game that will determine all of their survival. Read all about it in The Mysterious Abductions.

Moving on to The Fallen Star where Dawn, Tobin and Bismark awaken one night to a disaster: all of the forest’s pomelos have been mysteriously poisoned. The Nocturnal Brigade sets out ot investigate and find answers and the cure before pomelo blight hurts them all.

The Ominous Eye has the Nocturnal Brigade investigating the source of a violent jolt that fractured the Earth. In their search for answers they come across an unfamiliar reptile named Polyphema, who tells them the cause was a giant beast who will soon strike again. Polyphema also states that she is the only one that can stop the fearsome predator…but can she be trusted?

On The Nocturnals website you can even find and download educational resources and activity kits that you can use with the books. You can also read or listen to  a chapter of each book, join reading programs and much more.

We love these books so much we are adding them to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  You can enter for your chance to win all four books and the plush Dawn fox below! You can check out our video below to see even more about everything you can win.

 

Giveaway:

Fabled Films is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win all four books and a plush Dawn fox! Thank you to Fabled Films for the review items and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

 

 

 

The Nocturnals Books and Plush Prize Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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November 9, 2017 · 6:14 pm

Ancient Myths Made Modern in “Greek Gods” #squadgoals #BlogBookTour

Can you imagine if Mount Olympus had WiFi and Apollo and Athena had smartphones? If you think that would be fun, you will love GREEK GODS #squadgoals,  the new book by Courtney Carbone that went on sale this week. In this book, you will find the classic myths you know and love with a new life in irreverent and hilarious texts and posts!

 

If you have trouble telling Perseus from Theseus (#Greek2Me) or have ever wondered about Oedipus’s tragic dating profile or why Medusa’s Instagram never got traction—this satirical book of Greek myths retold for the Internet Age is for you! What a great way to make these ancient myths more appealing and relevant!

This book is the perfect gift for any ready-young or old-with a sense of humor.  They are sure to get a kick out of seeing D’Aulaires’ and Homer’s Greek myths told through characters texting with emojis, posting photos, checking in at locations, and updating their relationship statuses. A glossary and cast of characters are included for those who need it.

About the Author:

Courtney Carbone studied English and creative writing in the United States and Australia before becoming a children’s book writer and editor in New York City. Her favorite things include Brit lit, trivia nights, board games, stand-up comedy, improv, bookstores, libraries, brick-oven pizza, salted-caramel macarons, theme parties, sharks, puns, portmanteaus, and ’90s pop culture. She is the author of more OMG Classics, such as srsly Hamlet, Macbeth #killingit, and Darcy Swipes Left. Visit her at CourtneyCarbone.com, and follow her on Twitter at @CBCarbone.

So what do you think? Do you know someone who would love to get their hands on this book?

 


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October 29, 2017 · 1:36 pm

Overwhelmed? Discover, “Why Motherhood Matters” #Giveaway

Tomorrow, I have to go for two ultrasound scans. To say the least, the last few weeks have been a rollercoaster. Already dealing with having our lives torn apart for the last year, as we have had to undergo a near total renovation of our house. This required moving out, having all our belongings packed by a less than careful mold remediation company and now dealing with a less than ethical contractor who took a large deposit on work he never even started.

So, now on top of everything, we are starting the litigation process to bring this contractor and his partner (wife) to justice and get our money back. They have caused us weeks of delays and much angst. I ended up being rushed to the hospital one night thinking I was having a heart attack. They found out that, thankfully, I was not having a heart attack but tomorrow I need to have an echocardiogram to rule out mitral valve prolapse and my thyroid levels (I am hypothyroid) were very low. This could be the reason for the chest pain etc. I had my levels tested again and they are normal but the doctor felt an enlargement in my thyroid, and that is the other scan I am going for. I would love your prayers and good thoughts because I am feeling a big weary.

Speaking of being weary, motherhood itself can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Add to that health issues, and it can sap our energy as we worry about something happening to us, and what that would mean to our family. As much as we try to stay positive, those negative thoughts creep in. Since I was told there was an enlargement on one side of my thyroid, it feels that the fullness I felt from time to time in my throat, is now constant. It also feels like something is pulling from my collarbone when I turn my neck. As much as I try to push it from my thoughts, they find a way of creeping in. This morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn, and could not lie there because of the thoughts that kept coming into my mind. I had to get up and do something to try and take my mind off tomorrow.

As mothers, our lives are so full and no matter how much we get accomplished, we tend to focus on all the things we did not get done. We are so critical on ourselves. It can easily leave us feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you have even wondered if you were succeeding at motherhood. We tend to berate ourselves about everything we did not complete or do.  Worse yet, social media has introduced us to hoards of  “supermoms” who only make us feel worse about ourselves. We have to understand everything is not what it seems on social media, and the “supermom” you see, is probably hanging by a thread just like you are many days.

I understand that many mothers feel overwhelmed and have at least fleeting thoughts of inadequacy. That is why I want to introduce you to, Why Motherhood Matters by September McCarthy. The author has been a mom for 25 years (close to how long I have been a mother but, I have a few years more on the job, lol), like myself ,she continues to raise young children and loves her young adults.

September imparts words of wisdom and grace in key areas of Christian parenting, including faith (getting honest with your family about your need for Jesus), wellness (learning to take care of your kids and yourself), education (raising a new generation with creativity and character), and relationships (speaking to the heart of your children in unique ways). On the pages of the book, you’ll find sweet anecdotes and gentle guidance for those moments you need both a breather and a lifeline.

More About September:

September McCarthy is a writer, speaker, blogger (One September Day at www.septembermccarthy.com), wife, and a home-educating mother to ten beautiful children. Today, she juggles motherhood and being a grandmother as her older children are married with families of their own.  She is also the founder and director of Raising Generations Today, a nonprofit ministry designed to equip and inspire moms to reach the hearts of their children for God’s glory.

Giveaway:

We are happy to run a giveaway for our readers. One lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own copy of, Why Motherhood Matters. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Open to residents of the USA.

Why Motherhood Matters Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules

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October 28, 2017 · 12:55 am

“We’re Amazing 1,2,3!” is Sesame Street’s Newest Big Golden Book! #Giveaway

You might remember several months ago, I posted about Sesame Street’s newest character Julia, a sweet, curious four-year-old girl with autism. Now I want to introduce you to Sesame Street’s newest Big Golden Book, We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3! by Leslie Kimmelman. Just like, The Monster at the End of this Book, We’re Amazing 1,2,3! is destined to become a Sesame Street Classic.

This book contains subject matter that is both relevant and important. It does a great job introducing children to autism in an age-appropriate way that will help them understand why some children may act differently. It teaches kids the valuable lesson that our difference are what make us special. 

The book’s autism storyline was carefully research by Sesame Workshop’s early childhood experts as part of Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children. 

Author Leslie Kimmelman has personal experience as the mother of a child with autism and it helped her create the character of Julia. This book is perfect to use in the classroom and at home. We really enjoyed it and it opens up a springboard for conversation. Books that provide natural conversation about important issues such as autism are such valuable teaching tools.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring this giveaway. One lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own copy of We’re Amazing 1,2,3! Thank you  Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

We’re Amazing 1,2,3! Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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October 25, 2017 · 3:14 pm

Discover “The Action Storybook Bible” Today!

I would like to introduce you to, The Action Storybook Bible, by Catherine DeVries and Illustrated by Sergio Cariello. This book is a great way for parents to explore God’s redemptive story together with their children.
The Action Storybook Bible tells the amazing creation story, the powerful kinds who reigned over ancient Israel, God’s miraculous gift of eternal life through his son, Jesus and more! On every page you will find God’s promise for the world.
This book has illustrations that are very different, more like a comic book, making it more relatable to kids  I believe that this is very beneficial in helping kids engage with the stories and people they are reading about. If you are looking for something a bit different to share God’s incredible story with your kids, you should really check The Action Storybook Bible out. 
Interactive features include:
  • Fifteen key episodes from God’s Word-each one loaded with several stories along with more than 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.
  • Short and easy readings—for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.
  • Life, Faith, Action! features-conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.
  • Hall of Fame visual index—the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.

About the Author:

Catherine DeVries has written more than twenty-five books for children, including the bestselling Adventure Bible Storybook. She lives with her family in the Colorado forest.
About the Illustrator:
Sergio Cariello is a master illustrator. He drew his first regular comic strip for his city’s newspaper at age eleven. Born in Brazil, he spent many childhood hours poring over the Portuguese edition of The Picture Bible. Sergio has worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, illustrating Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Fantastic Four, and dozens more comic book characters.
What do you think of this Adventure Bible Storybook? I would love to know.
I received a copy of this Bible to facilitate my review. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.

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