I Love to Swim - A Review

As we approach the summer months kids and parents alike will want to dive into that sparkling, cool water of lakes, streams and pools, but before you do make sure your children know the basics of swimming.

I Love to Swim by Rita Goldberg is a wonderful first book for kids ages 1 to 4.  In this book Goldberg demonstrates the basics of swimming lessons in a rhyming, rhythmic manner that will keep the kids tuned in.  She also cleverly compares the nature of swimming with being in Mommy's tummy...

"Rolling, spinning, up and down
Tumble over, twist around.
Swooshing, whooshing, warm and comfy.
I'm swimming in my Mommy's tummy..."

The simple illustrations are bright and bold and only add to the likability of the story.

I Love to Swim could be used as a regular read to introduce your child to the pleasure and safety of water play and swimming.

For more information, check out Launch Pad Publishing

Dream Big Little Pig - A Review

You loved her figure skating now enjoy her newest adventure, Dream Big Little Pig.

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic athlete, artist, wife, mom and philantropist has now added author to her many accomplishments with this darling picture book.

Poppy the pig has many dreams, (singer, dancer, model) but when her attempts all fail will her family and friends support be enough for her to try once more?

Dream Big Little Pig is a wonderful tale of persistence and determination.  Come take the journey with Poppy as she learns (on a pig's day out) that having fun doing something can sometimes lead to your one true love.

Dream Big Little Pig is illustrated by Tim Bowers.  The artwork is lively and funny (do I see an American Idol reference?).  His pictures will keep your kids engaged and drawn into the story.

If you didn't already know, Kristi started the Always Dream Foundation in 1996 and has been an active fundraiser and supporter of children's charities in the San Francisco Bay Area, sponsoring many events.  Check it out at; http://www.alwaysdream.org/

For more information on Dream Big Little Pig please visit Sourcebooks

This book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold.

You read the review now check out the sneak peek trailer!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Monster on Top of the Bed - a Review

Kids' late-night frights is nothing new and an imagined monster under the bed can be scary.  But what would happen if the roles were reversed and the monster wasn't under the bed but on top of it?

Karrit a cute, fuzzy, red monster isn't hiding under the bed to scare Suzy, he's hiding because Suzy scares him.  With all her jumping and stomping, plus her eating habits of pan-cakes, Toma-Toes and hot-dogs, Karrit is sure Suzy's a monster.

The Monster on Top of the Bed is written by Alan H. Jordan and is sure to delight.  The illustrations by Manuela Pentangelo are lively and full of detail - they virtually jump off the page!   This book is one of the best I've read. 

In addition, this book also comes as an audio book, that plays on an iPod, .mp3 player or CD as well as being translated into Spanish and Italian.

Are you looking for a fun, unique way to raise money for your school?  The Monster On Top of the Bed has that covered too and we'll bring you those details on Wednesday of this week, plus we'll be GIVING AWAY a starter fun-raising package, so check back!

Check out The Monster on Top of the Bed at; http://www.MonBed.com/ or to order your copy click here

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hannah and the Talking Tree

Hannah's ears are exceptionally big.  So big that she could hear the grass growing, the birds chirping far away and the ants marching.  Hannah could also hear everyone making fun of her.  Hannah's feelings are hurt and see runs away where she meets a solitary tree.  Hannah listens as the tree tells his lonely tale.

Can Hannah help the tree?  Will she stop the terrible plight that's in store before it's too late?  Find out in, Hannah and the Talking Tree by Elke Weiss.

This book is a delightful story with a powerful message.  It not only shows how being different is a good thing, but it showcases our ability to save the planet and care for the environment.

Bond in hard-cover format, the unique, big, bold illustrations will draw your child into the story and hold them captive until the very end.

Hannah and the Talking Tree is a GOLD MEDAL WINNER of the 2010 Moonbeam Children's Book Award.

Check out Hannah and the Talking Tree at; http://www.freefocuspublishing.com/

The Grumpy Frog

Are you grumpy in the morning?  Are your kids?  Then I have the perfect book for you.

Rana frog is sleeping peacefully by a big oak tree when suddenly...

"...They whistled and sang, all of nature they woke..."

Startled, Rana frog awoke and was grumpy.  Soon a beautiful bird named Lulu points out Rana's mistake.  However, is it possible that Lulu may learn a lesson as well?  Find out in The Grumpy Frog by Dana L. Perri, part of the Think...Then Jump Series.

This book is a sweet and delightful read.  It demonstrates valuable life-lessons that are sure to stick with your little ones.  The big, bright, bold illustrations are a perfect accompaniment.

The Grumpy Frog is a celebrated winner of the iParenting Media Award, received an Honourable Mention from the New York Book Festival, has received approval and recommendation from The Family Review Center, and most recently was named 2010 Preferred Choice from Creative Child Magazine.

Check out The Grumpy Frog at; http://thinkthenjump.com/

Also available on Amazon

Samuel Learns to Yell & Tell

I remember "back in the day" we didn't have to learn about sexual predators, unfortunately, today they lurk everywhere.  So what's a parent to do?  We can't be with our kids 24/7. 

Samuel Learns to Yell & Tell by Debi Pearl is a fantastic book written to teach young children about what to do if someone approaches them with evil intentions on their mind.

This book is written in rhyme and features Samuel's mother telling him of the different and sometimes (perceived as innocent) fun ways a predator will try to lure him.  Samuel also learns that not all predators are strangers - only 10% of reported sexual assaults on children are by unknown individuals.

Pearl has also illustrated this book with bright, bold pictures that are tastefully done.  In addition, she also includes a "Mom & Dad" section at the back with helpful tips and facts.

This book is a must have for all parents of young children.  To learn more about, Samuel Learns to Yell & Tell, check out the web site at; http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/

The Boy Who Changed the World

Everything little thing we do matters...

Just think about that for a moment. Awe-inspiring, isn't it? 

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a wonderful picture book that will show children that their life matters - even in the little things.

Andrews demonstrates the "Butterfly Effect" using historical figures (George Washington Carver, Norman Borlaug and a host of others) and how simple decisions changed our world forever.

The Boy Who Changed the World is an inspiring and uplifting book that every child should possess.  The beautiful illustrations by Philip Hurst draws you into this wonderful history lesson, bringing the story to life.

Check out Andy Andrews web site at; http://www.andyandrews.com/

The Boy Who Changed the World is available in all major retailers.