Tag Archives: Children’s Books

“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:

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

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“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