The Christmas Pups - a Review

Ruff, Tuff and Penny, three delightful puppies are abandoned on the side of the road and later picked up and brought to a shelter.  The pups are scared and tired, but soon meet an older dog named Brownie.  Brownie explains to them about Christmas...

"Christmas is ginger cookies under the table,

red glittery balls you're not suppose to play with,

and a stocking with your name on it..." 

Ruff and Tuff want a family all of their own, but more so, they want Penny to be chosen.  Will Ruff and Tuff's plan work?  Will Penny be in a home for Christmas? Find out in The Christmas Pups by Teresa Bateman.

This book is an endearing and a wonderful read, sending a subtle message about the indifference of mankind.  The ending is a happy one and will soon become a Christmas favorite.

The illustrations by John Kanzler are absolutely gorgeous.  The pups almost jump off the page!

For more information on, The Christmas Pups check out Albert Whitman & Company at; http://www.albertwhitman.com/

You Can Count on Monsters

Math can be daunting for kids and more than a bit frustrating.  If you're child is wrestling with the complications of multiplication, factors, prime numbers and all it entails, grab a copy of, You Can Count on Monsters by Richard Evan Schwartz - CRC Press.

This book lays the basics out in a fun and totally unique approach.  It teaches about numbers 1 through 100 and your kids only need know how to multiply whole numbers together to reap the benefits (and Schwartz even helps with this).

How is this book different?  Each number has it's own colorful monster that has something that relates to its number - you've got to really look, but it's there - which makes learning even more fun!  Schwartz has also incorporated the use of dots and factor trees to further simplify the process.

This is the most fun I've ever had doing math.  Your kids are going to love this book and want to do math over and over again.  I think every parent should grab a copy.  It's sure to pay off when your child whizzes through those math problems at school.

For more information on, You Can Count on Monsters click here.  Book is available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

Now check out the video montage below for a fun look at, You Can Count on Monsters!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker

He's on a mission of friendship and peace and helps your little ones learn what's right and fun.

Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker by Elana Ashley is a fantastic and orignal concept to an old favorite - helping your friends and forgiveness.  Ashley has used photographs of her marvelous characters to illustrate the story of a missing friendship bracelet.  Come join the fun as Splunkey, a rhyming, red, yellow and blue alien helps patch up a friendship, and teach a valuable lesson.

In addition to this hardback book, Splunkunio Splunkey comes with a narrative CD of Ashley reading her tale.  Also, be sure to check out Splunkey's web site for more information and games.  You can also sign up for Splunkey's newsletter or book a visit with Elana Ashley and, of course, Splunkey himself.

Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker is available at; http://dreamimagepress.com/ and would make a great Holiday gift.

If I Could Keep You Little...

"If I could keep you little, I'd hum you lullabies.  But then I'd miss you singing your concert's big surprise..."

If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond is a beautiful and emotionally driven story that is sure to be a favorite among children and adults alike.

Richmond captures the emotions every parent feels as their children steadily grow and become independent.  If I Could Keep You Little demonstrates to your little one that growing up is a part of life, even if Mommy and Daddy still yearn for the days when they could cuddle and snuggle.

Richmond's soft, subtle illustrations only add to the mood of this book and will draw the reader in, holding them throughout the journey of both parent and child.

If I Could Keep You Little is available at Amazon.com or through Sourcebooks Inc

About the Author

Marianne Richmond started as her own greeting card company (Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc) and has become recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestones in life, memorable journeys, and relationships.  Since her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, writer and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books.

The Adventures of the Traveling Boots

Where will the boots travel to next? With a spin of the wheel and a click of their heels they're on their way to historic USA.

The Adventures of the Traveling Boots by Kimberly Abbott Hill is a wonderful, educational book that will have kids reading over and over again. Written in rhyme, Kimberly has taken children on a historical adventure throughout the United States.

The journey starts at the Liberty Bell for an important lesson then continues on to Yellowstone National Park, New York's Statue of Liberty, Washington D.C. and finally to New Orleans. The traveling boots make learning fun and kids are sure to remember all the great locations and interesting facts.

In addition to being educational, the traveling boots also has bright, bold illustrations done by 12 year old, Madeline Norton. Kids are sure to relate to Madelines sweet illustrations that bring the boots to life.

The Adventures of the Travel Boots is the first in a soon-to-be series. Check out their web site at; http://www.thetravelingboots.com/ for more fun ideas and activities.

The Adventures of the Traveling Boots is avaialbe for sale on Amazon.com and at the web site.

Stop by tomorrow when I'll have my interview with the author of "The Traveling Boots" Kimberly Abbott Hill.