Category Archives: Books

October 20, 2017 · 10:19 pm

“God’s Big Plans for Me” Storybook Bible #Giveaway #RickWarren #FlyBy

You have probably heard of the New York Times Bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life.  Did you know there is a storybook Bible based on that book? There is, it is called, God’s Big Plans for Me and it is written by Rick Warren.

Pastor Rick Warren uses lyrical storytelling and engaging illustrations in his chronological approach to 40 Bible stories. Each story is introduced with a theme relatable to readers of all ages. God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible helps children grow closer to God and discover the purpose for their own lives.

If you are looking for a meaningful gift to give to any child in your life, this Storybook Bible would be perfect. I really like the format and how stories from the Bible like Noah and the Ark, Ruth and Naomi, An Angel Visits Mary, The Parable of the Lost Sheep and many others are arranged and written. Another thing I like is reading one story each night with my kids. It is a wonderful way to teach them about Jesus. There is a dedication page you can fill out, which makes the book even more special.

Giveaway:

We have a special treat for Mommy Ramblings’ readers, you can enter for your chance to win God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Open to US residents. Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway and for the review book. Good Luck!!!

God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!! Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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October 11, 2017 · 10:46 am

Discover Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race & Enter #Giveaway For The 3 Book Set!

If you have been patiently waiting for the third book in the bestselling, critically acclaimed Mr. Lemoncello’s adventure series, you are in luck! Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race by #1 NYT bestselling author Chris Grabenstein was released for sale yesterday! Three times is definitely a charm and this fantastically fun, puzzle-packed  book is the perfect addition to the other 2 books in Mr. Lemoncello’s adventures.

Everyone’s favorite game maker, Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, is testing out his new FABULOUS FACT-FINDING FRENZY game! If Kyle can make it through the first round, he and the other lucky finalists will go on a great race to find fascinating facts about famous Americans. The first team to bring their facts back to the library will win spectacular prizes! But when a few surprising “facts” about Mr. Lemoncello surface, it might be GO TO JAIL and LOSE A TURN all at once! Could Kyle’s hero be a fraud? Kyle and the other kids will have to dig deep to find out the truth before it’s GAME OVER for Mr. Lemoncello.

Filled with brand-new puzzles and games, this fast-paced read will have gamers and readers alike racing to the finish line because, as Mr. Lemoncello’s commercials say, IS IT FUN? . . . HELLO! IT’S A LEMONCELLO!

About the Author:

Chris Grabenstein’s novels with Random House Children’s Books have more than one million copies in print and hundreds of weeks combined on the New York Times bestseller list. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library has spent over 100 weeks on the bestseller list, received nominations for 42 state award lists, and been published in 19 countries and in 19 languages throughout the world. Nickelodeon premiered  a new original TV movie, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, based on the acclaimed children’s book on Monday, October 9, 2017.

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics, The Island of Dr. Libris, the Welcome to Wonderland series, and many other books, as well as the coauthor of numerous fun and funny page-turners with James Patterson, including the I Funny, House of Robots, Treasure Hunters, and Jacky Ha-Ha series. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, J.J., and two cats. You can visit Chris on his website.

We have an amazing giveaway below where one lucky blog reader will win all 3 books in the Mr. Lemoncello series. This series is perfect for readers 8-12 years old.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring this giveaway. One lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win all 3 books in the Mr. Lemoncello Series. Thank you  Penguin Random House for the review books and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Mr. Lemoncello’s Adventures 3 Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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October 3, 2017 · 2:08 pm

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump Tour #OhSusannahBooks #Giveaway

If you are a regular Mommy Ramblings’ reader, you know we have been fans of Carole P. Roman’s books since her very first children’s book came off the presses. That is why I am thrilled to be part of this blog tour for her new book, Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump. 

This is such a great book! As a mother who is a passionate reader, fostering that excitement and love of reading in my children, is very important to me. Finding books that captivate their interest is crucial to me. This book does exactly that!

Susannah Maya Logan is not having a good day. I think all kids can relate to that. She does not want to go to her best friend, Lola’s sleepover. Sounds strange doesn’t it? What kid does not want to go to her best friend’s sleepover? Well, the reason is,  Susannah thinks Lola’s house is big and spooky, not to mention, a ghost is said to live there! Beyond that Susannah’s big brother, Kai, loves to tease her with scary stories. What big brothers don’t? Scaring little sisters seems to come with the big brother job description. I should know, I have 3 older brothers.

As Susannah goes through the day, she sees people dealing with things that scare them. Her sight-impaired friend, Macy, is terrified of unicorns. Imagine that, I guess she doesn’t know how people are going crazy over unicorn everything. Another boy at a party is frightened by clowns. Who could blame him? With all the scary clowns around in the news and movies, I don’t think he is alone in that fear.  Susannah’s teacher is afraid of getting a cold. I can relate to that, I hate when people come to work or school sick.

All of this helps Susannah to see that everyone is afraid of something. Everyone except Lola. Susannah wishes she could be more like her best friend who is not afraid of anything. At least she thinks Lola is not afraid of anything.

Susannah learns that people all have different ideas of what is scary and what is not, they are the only ones that can determine the difference.

I really enjoyed reading this book with my kids, because my youngest son has some fears that can make him miss out on things. This story provided a springboard to discuss exactly that. It opened a dialogue, I think many parents will find useful. Best of all, it was natural to discuss my son’s feelings as they related to Susannah’s fears. This book is for kids 7-10 years old, but can be read aloud to younger children too! The book is illustrated by  Mateya Arkov

Stay in the loop with author Carole P. Roman on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, her website and Goodreads.

Giveaway:

Enter to win an autographed copy of Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag, Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump, and Oh Susannah: Color with Me, by award-winning author Carole P. Roman—plus a set of 48 colored pencils!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

Value: $52+

Four (4) winners receive:

  • A copy of Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag, autographed by Carole P. Roman
  • A copy of Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump, autographed by Carole P. Roman
  • A copy of Oh Susannah: Color with Me, autographed by Carole P. Roman

Value: $27+

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump Giveaway Rules:

Giveaway begins September 20, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 20, 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 Carole P. Roman

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September 27, 2017 · 7:57 pm

“Baby Chomper’s Bath Time” Blog Tour & Giveaway (Win a Dyson Hair Dryer)

Our dog Zoey is a West Highland White Terrier, but most of the time she is not white because she loves to dig in the dirt, chase critters and get dirty. When we give her a bath, if we don’t keep an eagle eye on her, she will run out into the yard and roll in the dirt.

Do you know what a wet Westie looks like after rolling in the dirt? If not, they look more like a Scottish Terrier. It is something we have grown to understand, we know she will need to be bathed a lot, and that we will have to deal with her terrier behaviors that make her white coat black.

I had to chuckle when I opened up the new book, Baby Chomper’s Bath Time by Jeff Minich. It is about a little puppy that just like my Zoey, who does not like baths. One day, baby Chomper escapes from his house and does what he does best, gets dirty. Chomper rolls in the mud, dives into trash and gets sprayed by a very smelly skunk. When he returns home, stinky as can be, there is no doubt that baby Chomper needs a bath.

With nowhere to run, Chomper realizes bath time can be one of the most fun times of all! He uses his imagination and finds out baths don’t have to be bad. In fact, they can be really fun. He can imagine he is on all kinds of adventures while in the tub. He can dive into the deep blue sea, be the captain of his own ship and surf to a faraway shore.

This picture book teaches children a valuable lesson of looking at the bright side of things. It shows them, if they change their attitude, things might not be as awful as they think. The story provides the perfect springboard for discussion with your own children or in a classroom setting.

I really enjoyed this book and so did my kids. If you, would like to purchase it, you can find it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble and stay in the loop on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

About The Author:

Jeff Minich is the author of the Nuggies illustrated children’s book series. Created in collaboration with illustrator Renan Garcia, the series includes Daddy Forgot My Dinner (Vol. 1); All the Other Nuggies (Vol. 2); A Very Scary Pumpkin (Vol. 3); Oui Oui, Gigi! (Vol. 4); and If I Could Climb Trees (Vol. 5). You can learn more about the Nuggies book series by visiting: GetNuggies.com

Giveaway:

Enter to win an autographed copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, by Jeff Minich—plus a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

  • A Dyson Supersonic hairdryer
  • A complete autographed set of the Nuggies series
    • A copy of If I Could Climb Trees: Nuggies: Vol. 5, signed by Jeff Minich
    • A copy of Oui Oui Gigi: Nuggies: Vol. 4, signed by Jeff Minich
    • A copy of  A Very Scary Pumpkin: Nuggies: Vol. 3, signed by Jeff Minich
    • A copy of  All the Other Nuggies: Nuggies: Vol. 2, signed by Jeff Minich
    • A copy of  Daddy Forgot My Dinner: Nuggies: Vol. 1, signed by Jeff Minich
    • A copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, signed by Jeff Minich

Value: $518+

Two (2) winners receive:

  • A copy of Baby Chomper’s Bath Time, signed by Jeff Minich

Value: $19.95

Giveaway begins September 26, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 26, 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 Jeff Minich

Good Luck!!!

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September 9, 2017 · 8:26 pm

“There’s A Monster In Your Book” #Giveaway

We love picture books, we love all books to be honest. That’s right, one big, happy, book loving family is what we are. I want to share a brand new, hot off the presses picture book with you called, There’s A Monster In Your Book. This is a shake, wiggle and tickle the monster out of this book, read-aloud bedtime story, that is so fun to share with your kids. The book is written by Tom Fletcher, a YouTube star, musician and children’s book author.

With the irresistible pull of Hervé Tullet’s Press Here and the charm of The Monster at the End of This Book, Tom Fletcher’s inviting interactive read-aloud will have kids tilting, spinning, and shaking the book to get the adorable little monster out! That’s right! He’s out of the book . . . and in their room somewhere. Uh-oh!!

The co-author of the Dinosaur That Pooped series has created a monster that readers will fall in love with—and want to play with—again and again! It will get your own little monster tuckered out and snuggled in!

Tom Fletcher has a huge social-media presence, with over a million followers on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. His videos “Buzz and the Dandelions” and “My Wedding Speech” went viral and have been viewed tens of millions of times all over the world.

 If you would like a chance to win a copy of this almost-too-fun book, just enter our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House  is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of  There’s A Monster In Your Book! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.

There’s A Monster In Your Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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September 6, 2017 · 3:29 pm

God Our Maker Board Books Blog Tour & #Giveaway #BabyBibleBooks #WorthyKidsIdeals

I have always loved reading to my kids, I loved it so much, I read to them in utero. It is so much fun to share colorful board books with even our youngest babies. It really tunes them into the love of reading as well as being a special time to share together.

Author, Gary Bower, fell in love with picture books at an early age on his mother’s lap. As he grew, he entertained himself writing his own stories, jokes, poems and skits. As an adult, his years of professional and volunteer experience ministering to children and teens, combined with thousands of story nights with his twelve children, have helped him polish his storytelling skills.

Gary’s board books, “God Paints The World” and “God Loves The World” are delightful books to read with children and they are sturdy to hold up to little hands. These books introduce even the littlest ones to God’s love and the beauty in the world he created. They make a beautiful gift to give to a new baby, Christening gift or baby shower gift.

About the Books:

God Paints the World takes children on a tour of God’s colorful creation. Each spread groups nature’s animals and objects by color, such as yellow dandelions, a shining sun, and chirping finches; and brown squirrels, trees, and crunchy nuts. Parents will love this early concept board book that teaches little ones about colors and the God who created them.

God Loves the World teaches little ones that God’s children are very diverse, and very, very, loved. Regardless of their shapes and sizes, colors and ages, interests and abilities—God cares for and loves each of his wonderfully unique children. Parents and little ones will love the book’s bright illustrations and inclusive message: “God loves all so very much!”

Giveaway:

Worthy Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win both of these books! Thank you to Worthy Publishing for the review books and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.

God Paints The World and God Loves The World Board Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Enter below using the Rafflecopter Widget. Good Luck!!!

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· 1:52 am

“Pickles And Ice Cream” A Bizarre Pregnancy Cookbook #Giveaway

With all my pregnancies over the years, I have accumulated and read hundreds of pregnancy books. However, I have never before seen a pregnancy cookbook quite like Pickles and Ice Cream. This book features bizarre pregnancy craving recipes like Oreos and Toothpaste and Tomato Soup with M&Ms. All of the recipes are photographed like gourmet meals and accompanied by short stories about the women who craved them.

Below you can watch a video of brave souls tasting the creative recipes:

Written by award-winning copywriter Vicky Jacob-Ebbinghaus and RPA art director Juarez Rodrigues, the strangely unique book contains a collection of 70 of the most outlandish things moms-to-be have craved during their pregnancy. This book makes a fun gift for the expecting mom, you can enter to win a copy in our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

Running Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Two lucky blog readers will win their own hardcover copy of Pickles And Ice Cream  Cookbook! Thank you to Running Press for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.
Pickles And Ice Cream  Cookbook Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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August 22, 2017 · 2:14 pm

“A Short History Of The Girl Next Door” Blog Book Tour

Do you remember the feelings you had when you started high school? It can be a rough transition with everything in life changing, your friends, your school, even yourself.

A long time has passed since I started high school and yet, those feelings come right back when I think of it.  Jared Reck’s,  A Short History Of The Girl Next Door , goes on sale September 26th and is for readers 12 and up published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers . This debut novel is perfect for readers who are stuck in that awkward limbo between childhood and adulthood (and those who just barely escaped).


About the Book:

Matt Wainwright is constantly sabotaged by the over dramatic movie director in his head. He can’t tell his best friend Tabby how he really feels about her, he implodes on the JV basketball team, and the only place he feels normal is in Mr. Ellis’s English class, discussing the greatest fart scenes in literature and writing poems about pissed-off candy-cane lumberjacks. If this were a movie, everything would work out perfectly. Tabby would discover that Matt’s madly in love with her, be overcome with emotion, and would fall into his arms. Maybe in the rain.

But that’s not how it works. Matt watches Tabby get swept away by senior basketball star and all-around great guy Liam Branson. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough, but screwing up and losing her as a friend is even worse. After a tragic accident, Matt finds himself left on the sidelines, on the verge of spiraling out of control and losing everything that matters to him.

The portrayal of adolescence will make you laugh out loud, break your heart, and maybe teach you a thing or two about basketball. Fiercely funny, undeniably honest and overflowing with heart, A Short History Of The Girl Next Door  is a poignant tale of falling in love, overcoming tragedy, and ultimately, redemption that you’ll be glad to have read.

About the Author:

Jared Reck (@reckj) is a debut author. He received a BA in English from Clemson University, a Masters in Educational Leadership, and recently earned a certification in Writing for Children & Young Adults. He lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where he’s an 8th grade Language Arts teacher.

So, can you relate to this book? Do you have a tween or teen or know one who would like to read this book? Let me know in the comments. Happy Reading.


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June 14, 2017 · 4:00 pm

Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey-Blog Book Tour & Giveaway

Just in time for summer reading, Welcome To Wonderland 2:Beach Party Surf Monkey  the second book in this new illustrated series by Chris Grabenstein, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics.

P.T. and Gloria are back with a diverse cast of characters in this entertaining middle grade paper over board series filled with madcap escapades that kids will not want to put down. 

There’s always something wacky happening when you live at a motel, and P. T. Wilkie has grown up at the world’s wackiest one yet! When word gets out that the hottest teen idols in Hollywood will be filming their next movie-BEACH PARTY SURF MONKEY-right in St. Pete’s Beach, P.T. and Gloria know that Wonderland would be the PERFECT location.

Now they just have to convince the producers! But when things start to go wrong (Crazed fans? Missing stars?!) it will take all of Gloria’s business genius and P.T.’s wild stories to save the movie before the movie AND the Wonderland are both all washed up!

Read an excerpt HERE!

We love this book and it is not one you will be begging your kids to pick up, more than likely, you will need to beg them to put it down when it is time for dinner or bed. Keep them reading and engaged over the summer with this exciting adventure.

We want to add some excitement to your summer with a great giveaway. You can enter for a chance to win your own paper over board copy of this book below.

Giveaway:

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 28, 2017 · 11:49 am

Discover “The Explorers: The Door in the Alley” Book & #Giveaway

If you are looking for a great summer read for your 8-12 year old, check out this great book that arrived, hot off the presses, on April 25th! The Explorers: The Door In The Alley features a mysterious society, a secretive past, and a pig in a teeny hat.

This book by Adrienne Kress is the first book in a new middle-grade series for fans of The Name of This Book Is Secret, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and Series of Unfortunate Events. It doesn’t take more than a few pages to see why film rights have already been optioned by Disney!

The Explorers: The Door In The Alley is filled with adventure and danger. There are missing persons, hired thugs, a hidden box, a lost map, famous explorers, a risk-averse boy, and a girl on a mission. Not to mention secrets not meant for the faint of heart. But if you are feeling bold, or maybe even a little italic, and if you enjoy derring-dos (and doing dares), this just might be the story for you.

Adrienne Kress is a writer and an actress born and raised in Toronto. She is the daughter of two high school English teachers and credits them with her love of both writing and performing. She also has a cat named Atticus, who unfortunately despises teeny hats. Look for her online at AdrienneKress.com, and follow her on Twitter at @AdrienneKress.

This book is available on Amazon but you can enter to win a copy below.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House Publishing  is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Explorers: A Door In The Alley ! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

The Explorers: A Door In the Alley Book  Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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