Tag Archives: Animals

Chicken Soup for the Soul Offers Free Ebooks for Students of All Ages

 

Parents and teachers are looking for ways to keep students engaged while they learn at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Chicken Soup for the Soul, in partnership with American Humane, has a line of free ebooks for kids of all ages, available on all popular ebook platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple Books, Google, and more.

These books offer students fascinating stories about zoo and aquarium animals, along with photos. There are even free activity pages and complete curriculums available for download—all at no charge. The three volumes in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Humane Heroes series are provided for all reading levels, with Volume I targeted at older elementary students, Volume II written for middle schoolers, and Volume III for high school students.

Here are just a few of the animals children will meet in the pages of these books:

  • Kasi the baby cheetah was orphaned and too young to be introduced into the adult cheetah community. The team at Busch Gardens didn’t want Kasi to grow up alone, so they found a special friend for him – a Labrador Retriever puppy. The two young animals lived together until Kasi was old enough to be integrated into the cheetah habitat. The two friends still see each other when the dog visits Kasi at the zoo.
  • A 23-year old penguin at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut also needed help. And some middle school students came to his rescue. They partnered with the aquarium’s staff to use the 3D printer at their school to make the penguin a boot that helped him regain mobility.
  • Magic, the baby dolphin abandoned by his mother who was miraculously saved by a dedicated team at The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

The three-book, eBook series can be read on any eBook app – Kindle, Nook, Apple books, or any other – on their computers, tablets, or phones. Each book contains 12 age-appropriate stories – and color photos as well. The Chicken Soup for the Soul website includes supplemental photos and videos, and even fun worksheets kids will love. Parents and teachers can find everything they need, including the links to Kindle, Nook and Apple to download the free eBooks at www.chickensoup.com/ah.

ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. With well over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, the phrase “chicken soup for the soul” is known worldwide and is regularly referenced in pop culture. Today, 27 years after it first began sharing happiness, inspiration and hope through its books, this socially conscious company continues to publish a new title a month. It has also evolved beyond the bookstore, with a podcast, education programs, dog and cat food, licensed products, and video, television and movies through its subsidiary, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

ABOUT AMERICAN HUMANE

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org and be sure to follow American Humane on Facebook and Twitter.


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Red Chair Press New Book Series Giveaways

Recently, I was contacted by Red Chair Press and they wanted me to check out 3 of their newest book series. I really liked the new series of books. Let’s take a look at these three new series in depth.

Animals That Help Us is a series of 6 books that show kids that animals are more than pets. It explains how some dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and more have important jobs to do. The series connects to primary social studies and reading curriculum with a human-interest focus. The books are written by Alice Boynton.

Books in this series are:

  • Animal Detectives
  • Therapy Animals
  • Horses On Patrol
  • Service Animals
  • Guide Dogs For The Blind
  • Military Animals

The next series is called, Nature Is All Around Me. These books are a colorful feast of the nature all around us. From the color of an apple, the shape of the moon to small ant hills and tall mountains, readers discover the amazing surprises nature has all around us.  The series helps with compare and contrast and basic concepts. These books are written by Jennifer Marino Walters.

 

Nature Books Red Chair Press

Books in this series are:

  • Sizes In Nature
  • Shapes In Nature
  • Numbers In Nature
  • Colors In Nature
The third series is called First Chapters: The Jupiter Twins. This set of four books are written by Jeff Dinardo and illustrated by Dave Clegg. Thes first chapter books are perfect for young readers transitioning to longer stories. The Jupiter Twins books range from 850 to 1,200 words with 4-5 chapters. Each page beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Dave Clegg. Trudy and Tina are best friends. They are also twins. Trudy loves adventure and Tina is happy to go along for the ride — as long as it’s a smooth ride!
Red Chair Press Book Giveaway
Books in this series are:
  • Field Trip To Mars
  • Lost On Earth
  • Party On Pluto
  • Scout Trip To Saturn

Check out our video review of the books below:

You can find these great book series on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway

Red Chair Press is sponsoring 3 Giveaways on Mommy Ramblings. Below there is a widget for you to enter one, two or all of the giveaways. Thank you to Red Chair Press for the review books and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents.

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Red Chair Press 3 Book Series Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules

Enter for your chance to win on the Rafflecopter widgets below. Good Luck!

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Safari Tales-Kids Learn Reading, Vocabulary & Reasoning Skills Through Games!

Earlier this month we went on a family safari. My kids loved it and so did my husband and I. It was all our younger kids talked about in the following days. They are still bringing it up and asking all kinds of questions about the animals. They are so curious about the lions, tigers, bears, rhinos and more!  In keeping with the safari theme, I want to introduce you to a great learning game. One that parents won’t mind their kids playing, because they are learning reading, vocabulary and reasoning skills through highly engaging games.

SAFARI TALES™, is an enchanting animal adventure game which encourages exploration in reading and vocabulary skills by casting the player as both adventurer and storyteller. Following in the fossilized footsteps of award-winning DINO TALES™, children join five baby animal friends as they explore a vast African Savannah bursting at the seams with wildlife, mini games to master and artifacts and relics to discover and collect. Throughout their in-game adventures, kids learn countless facts and figures about the various environments, their inhabitants and items they encounter on their way, building knowledge and enhancing reading skills.

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I downloaded this app on iTunes to try it out. My husband and I were both amazed at how much there was to do and how interactive and fun it was. You start out with an adorable baby elephant named Eshe.  You can change Eshe’s appearance with fun textures and colors, teach her tricks and walk with her to find other animals and go on quests together. The graphics are so much fun and there are lots of surprises to discover at every turn. screen640x640

You also learn about what your animal can eat and what is not an appropriate food or drink for them. All along  the way you can stop and ask questions to your adorable Meerkat host, Darwin. The game has great music and realistic sounds that make it even more fun. I have only just started discovering all there is to do and I can see why Kuato Studios, is the world-leading developer in learning-through-games.

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SAFARI TALES further feeds inquisitive minds through an adaptive gaming engine built around Apple’s SIRI technology. Curious kids are encouraged to construct over a thousand different questions to ask their in-game guide, Darwin, who will supply intelligent and fact-filled answers, aiding literacy skills in sentence structure, reading and creative thought.

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At the end of each play session, SAFARI TALES uses patented technology to convert children’s adventures, discoveries and achievements into an incredible interactive storybook. Each new tale can be saved and stored to be read over and again with parents and loved ones, strengthening literacy, reasoning and inquiry skills.

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I was happy to see this game encourages parents  to participate in their child’s SAFARI TALES playtime through ‘Parent Corner’, selected from the home screen. From here, access to the game can be PIN-restricted, parents can set their child’s reading age and can control game length from a variety of session times, ensuring playtime fits the family routine. Additionally, notifications can be received each time a new creative artwork is produced in the game, allowing parents to monitor their child’s learning and share in their creativity.

Aimed at children aged between four and ten, SAFARI TALES has been developed in conjunction with pupils and teachers, to ensure that content is age-appropriate and game play fun. “Feedback from both kids and adults is invaluable for us as a studio,” said David Miller, award-winning teacher and now Director of Learning at Kuato Studios. “This participation in the development allows us to pinpoint particular opportunities where the child’s engagement with the game play, their creativity and performance peak, producing the perfect learning experience.”

Safari Tales is avail able now on iOS and Android platforms on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Just click the links and check it out yourself. You can join the adventure at Safari Tales and follow Kuato Studios on Facebook, TwitterYouTube and Instagram. Get a Safari Tales Coloring Book HERE!

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About Kuato Studios

Kuato Studios is a learning company building fun and interactive products that inspire kids to learn the new skills of the future. Kuato Studios was founded in 2012 by the creators and investors behind Siri, to disrupt, innovate and lead the education market, and is working on integrating the latest cutting edge technology, like next generation conversation AI from SRI International, into a smart tutoring platform. Beginning in March 2013 with the release of Hakitzu, a game that teaches coding skills and problem solving, Kuato Studios has pioneered the next generation of educational video games. Through the recent release of Dino Tales and Safari Tales, Kuato Studios continues to be at the forefront of educational technology.

I was provided with a code to download this app for free and while compensated my words and views are always 100% my own.


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Rachael Hale So Sweet Kitten & Puppy Love Bedding Review & Giant Giveaway For 4 Winners!!!

rachael Hale Logo

This one if for all the animal lovers.  Have you ever seen the Rachael Hale line of bedding?  If not, think big, and I mean big puppies and kittens.  Oh and think pink, very pink!  Perfect for girls who love puppies and kittens.  As a world leader in animal photography, the Rachael Hale® brand has captured “the world’s most lovable animals” in images that can be seen on a wide range of products across more than 60 countries around the world.This includes Rachael Hale greeting cards, calendars, stationery, bedding, apparel, giftware and more.

Check out these adorable bedding sets featuring puppies and kittens. This Rachael Hale® sets are a dream in easy care minimum iron cotton rich percale.

 

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Rachael Hale So Sweet Kitten Duvet Set

Rachael Hale Puppy Love Duvet Set

Rachael Hale Puppy Love Duvet Set

Rachael Hale So Sweet Kitten Quilted Comforter Set and Duvet Set feature an adorable kitten that will melt your heart along with pink flower accents.  The comforter and duvet are reversible with kitten design on one side and pretty flowers on the other.  Girls will love the way they can switch things up whenever they want a change. The comforter and pillowcases are easy care 225 thread count percale (60% cotton and 40% polyester). 

Rachael Hale So Sweet Kitten Reversible Quilted Comforter Set

Rachael Hale So Sweet Kitten Reversible Quilted Comforter Set

The So Sweet Kitten Duvet Set features the same easy care percale and thread count as the comforter set.  The single bed set features the duvet and one pillowcase.

The perfect accent piece is the 18″ by 18″ So Sweet Kitten Cushion that is also made of the same easy care percale.

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Now for the puppy lovers, the Puppy Love bedding is golden as in adorned with adorable golden Labradors.  The sweet puppies are hard to resist and the comforter and duvet are reversible with the puppy design on one side and heart design on the back.

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Rachael Hale Puppy Love Twin Reversible Quilted Comforter Set

Accent the bedding with the 18″ by 18″ Puppy Love Cushion.

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Twin Duvet Set:

  • Set includes 1 twin reversible duvet cover and 2 pillowcases.
  • Duvet Cover – 69″ x 88″
  • Pillow Cover – 20″ x 28″
  • 225 percale thread count
  • Popper closure

Double/Queen Duvet Set:

  • Set includes 1 Double/Queen reversible duvet cover and 2 pillowcases.
  • Duvet Cover – 83″ x 83″
  • Pillow Cover – 20″ x 28″
  • 225 percale thread count
  • Popper closure

Twin Quilted Comforter Set:

  • Set includes reversible comforter and two pillowcases
  • Comforter – 69″ x 88″
  • Pillowcases – 20″ x 28″
  • 225 percale thread count

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We were very impressed with the quality of the fabrics and the cuteness factor in this bedding.  The comforters are a medium weight not too heavy not too light but good year round.  If you have fallen in love with these sets, you are in for a real treat!.  Dissero Brands is sponsoring and awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! 4 lucky blog readers are going to win:

Rachael Hale Puppy Love/So Sweet Kitten Bedding Prize Pack:

1 Twin Comforter Set (choice of Puppy Love or So Sweet Kitten)

1 Duvet Set (choice of Puppy Love or So Sweet Kitten in winner’s choice of single/twin or double/queen size)

1 Cushion (choice of So Sweet Kitten or Puppy Love)

Rachael Hale Puppy Love/So Sweet Kitten Bedding Bonanza Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway below using the Rafflecopter widget.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US residents.

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Filed under Dogs, Giveaway, Home, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Pets, Photography, Review

Safari Ltd® Educational Toys That Teach & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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My seven-year old is so interested in planets and the solar system and his little brother is full of questions about the size of the sun and which planets are hot or cold.  I think it’s wonderful when I can find toys that let us expand on those topics with tactile objects that will let them really see and understand the world around them.  Safari Ltd.  has been  a leader in producing “Toys that Teach” since 1982. Their mission is to teach children the importance of nature and conservation through the joy of imaginative play.

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Safari Ltd® TOOBS® are collections of hand painted figures.  There are so many collections to choose from like Ancient Rome, NYC, Sea Life, Babies, Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Around The World, Coral Reef, Deep Sea Creatures, Butterflies, Arctic, Trains and so much more.  TOOBS® are great to use for kids projects, for teaching, sharing, playing, collecting and so much more. TOOBS® are perfectly sized to make awesome stocking stuffers.   My kids loved the Trains and NYC TOOBS® and I thought the babies TOOBS® were perfect for using in miniature scenes and especially in doll houses.

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The Solar System Set from the Safariology® collection was a huge hit, my boys loved handling he planets and seeing where they were in relation to the sun and other planets.  The tray has a cover that holds the planets in place when they are done so that everything stays right where it belongs.
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This set includes 8 planets and the sun, all hand-painted for detail and accuracy using the latest information from astronomers. Also includes an acetate tray for display, and a blister card with educational information in English, Spanish, French, and German.

For when my guys go exploring the  Safariology® Luminoculars  have them covered.  Made of durable ABS plastic with 3.5x magnification, a light beam that shines up to 100 feet, and a built-in compass. Now explorers can discover more, see farther away, and still find their way home! Luminoculars are available in translucent red, translucent blue, and camouflage.

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You can find Safari Ltd® Toys on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

Safari Ltd® is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a regular  TOOBS® set or one figure (subject to availability)!  Thank you Safari Ltd® for the review products and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Safari Ltd® Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toys

anaMalz Wooden Creature Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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You might just get overloaded with cuteness in this post so fair warning given. anaMalz, are the cuddliest wooden creatures you will set your eyes and hands on!. Designed by Louise Causon-Scott and her partner Tim Scott in Australia, these little heartbreakers were first brought into the world in 2007.  anaMalz have legs you can move and fabric embellishments along with the cutest expressions.  They open up a world of imaginative, creative play for kids and as a parent I love that!

anaMalz has won more than 15 industry awards including the Australian International design award.  The poseable figures each have their own unique markings that make anaMalz unique, individual and fun to collect.  anaMalz wants to give everyone a chance to help make nature grow so a part of the proceeds of every anaMalz is donated to preserving nature forever

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When you enter your registration code found on your anaMalz hang tag and become an anaMalz Guardian, you will receive a real Guardian certificate. Help anaMalz protect nature!

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anaMalz are made from a wood known as schima superba or “needlewood” (also known as Chinese Maple) – a fast growing tree harvested in a forest plantation in China. All waste wood from the manufacturing process is given to a local farm to grow mushrooms.  All anaMalz are carefully hand painted using child friendly paint, tested under EN71, ASTM, CPSIA accreditation.  The glues used are formaldehyde free and pass all EN71, ASTM, CPSIA testing. Fabrics are tested and have passed EN71, ASTM, CPSIA standards and contain no AZO dyes.

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We have a lion, giraffe and alligator living with us and they are so much fun, we will definitely be expanding our family!!!  Mommy Ramblings thinks aniMalz are a marvelous gift choice this holiday season so you will find them on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

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Would you like to win some anaMalz?  I know you do, so enter our giveaway below to win 2 anaMalz cuties and good luck!!!  Thank you to anaMalz for sponsoring this giveaway and for the review animals they provided to Mommy Ramblings!!!  Good Luck!!!  Open to US Residents.

anaMalz Wooden animal giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Christmas, Collectibles, Dolls and Dollhouses, Education, Family Fun, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys