Bingo's Big Adventure

What will Bingo see and do on his first day out on the farm? 

Like any cat, Bingo longs to breathe the fresh country air, roll in the dirt, and get mud on his paws.  But will his adventurous nature lead him into some prickly situations?  Find out in, Bingo's Big Adventure a Cat's Tale by Julia King.

This book is based on real-life feline, Bingo, and his move from a shelter to the farm.  It's loaded with actual photos - they're big, bold and beautiful and will captivate your young reader.

I loved how Bingo found his way around the farm and met some interesting "friends" along the way.  I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, and cats.

For more information, check out Bingo's web site at; http://www.bingoadventures.com/ and take a look at the sneak peek trailer below.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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.

Salty Seas & His Heroic Friends

Christmas is just around the corner and what better gift is there than the gift of a wonderful story?

Salty Seas & His Heroic Friends by Lynda Wurster Deniger is an adventurous tale that will make the perfect addition to your home library.

Salty Seas is a little shrimp boat that sails around the "bottom of Louisiana, where the Gulf of Mexico kisses Grand Isle..."  Salty loves the life he shares with his friends, Sammy Seagull, Dottie Dolphin and Pattie Pelican.  Salty especially cares for Captain Charley who mends his big, green nets before they head out once again to catch shrimp.

Every year the people of Grand Isle hold a huge festival called The Blessing of  the Fleet where the priest gives a special blessing over all the boats to ensure a safe and lucrative journey.  This year Salty leads procession decorated with brightly coloured flags and balloons. 

The next morning Salty is excited as he and all his friends head out to sea.  However, it's not all smooth sailing and Salty must come to one of his friends rescue.  Find out whose in trouble and how Salty can save the day in Salty Sea & His Heroic Friends.

This book isn't only a wonderful look at a shrimp boating way of life, but it also demonstrates the value of good friends.  The soft, subtle illustrations by Paulette Ferguson only add to the depth and feel of this sea-tale come to life.

For more information, please visit Salty Seas website at; http://www.saltyseasandfriends.com/

I Am Me and You Are You - Review

Does a toad have silky hair or a centipede a chin?

I Am Me and You Are You is a delightful book about why it's great to be ourselves.

This book is simple, yet delivers a powerful message on self-esteem.  The Author, Eva Marie Cote uses animals to demonstrate how silly it would be if squirrels had feathers and a beak or a kangaroo had puffy cheeks.

The cute illustrations by Tom Myers will draw your children into the story and reinforce the idea of being yourself.

This book is a "must have" for your home library.

I Am Me and You Are You is available here

First Pet - Review

Even though they're the head of the United States, doesn't mean there isn't time and room for a beloved pet.

First Pet - The Presidents amd Their Beloved Canines, Felines and Other Four-Legged Creatures Who Made Their Home at the White House by Associated Press is a wonderful peek into the lives of these pampered pets and the presidents who love(d) them.

From George Washington's dogs, horses and parrot to President Obama's Portuguese water Dog, Bo (Diddley), First Pets explores the vast collection of Presidential companions.  Packed with more than 150 images and photographs and the stories of 400 "first pets," this book is a delightful, fun look into the lives of our forty-four presidents.

First Pets is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

Nito Meets Chloe - Review

Nito's day has finally come and all his training about to be put to good use when he meets Chloe - a disabled child in a wheelchair.

Nito helps Chloe find her clothes in the morning, goes to school and swimming therapy with her, as well as the grocery store and restaurant.  Nito even gets to ride on the ferris wheel.

Nito Meets Chloe written by Judith M. Newton is the second book in the three part series.  These books are based on actual assistance dogs and shows children how they are an important part of a disabled person's life.

Nito Meets Chloe is available at  Amazon.com or at; http://www.assistancedogsofthewest.org/

It's Pet Week

To kick off pet week I have a 3 part review of some very special and long overdue books. Nito's books (Nito's Tale, Nito Meets Chloe and Nito and Chloe Get an Invitation) are based on a true story of an assistance dog living in the west.

Nito is the smallest puppy in his litter, but despite his tiny size he's choosen over his brothers and sisters.  But little does Nito know, he's being taken in for a very special purpose - Nito will be an assistance dog and soon learns all that entails.

Nito's Tale is a wonderful little book that's written in verse and from Nito's point of view.  A great addition to any child's library.  I give it 5 paws up!

Did you know...?

According to national statistics, 19 percent of the U.S. population is defined as disabled?  This includes the;

• aging
• ill
• vision and hearing impaired
• physically disabled
• mentally disabled

For these individuals, service dogs offer both championship and support throughout their lives.  For more information check out; http://www.assistancedogsofthewest.org/

Nito's Tale is available at Amazon.com

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.

Randy Kazandy - Where Are Your Glasses?

Randy Kazandy doesn’t want to wear his new glasses, so he does what any kid would do – he finds ways to get rid of them. However, Mom is one step ahead of Randy, and has armed herself with several spare-pairs.

Mom tries her best to keep up with Randy’s antics…who will prevail?

Randy Kazandy – Where Are Your Glasses? by Rhonda Fischer is a fun, fast-paced story. Written is rhyme, Randy Kazandy will be a delight to any child facing the same dilemma or give a better understanding to children whose friends or classmates may wear glasses.

The bright, playful illustrations by Kim Sponaugle only add to the stories appeal. I would highly recommend this picture book. It’s a must have!

Randy Kazandy – Where Are Your Glasses? is available at bookstores nationwide and online. For more information visit their web site at; http://www.randykazandy.com/

The Zoopendous Surprise

Mary and Ellen over hear whisperings from the zoo keepers – A BIG surprise is in store for them and they can’t wait to find out what it is.

The Asian elephants visit each of their fellow zoo companions, but not one will reveal what’s in store for the lovable pair.

Mary and Ellen soon give up – they can’t even enjoy their daily bath. But just when they think they’ll never find out, the zookeepers open a huge box and everyone yells…"SURPRISE!!"

The Zoopendous Surprise by Boots Hensel, is a delightful picture book based on a true event that took place in the Arkansas Zoo. Mary and Ellen are indeed two elephants that are dear to the author’s heart – her daughter took care of them until she passed away from cancer in 2004.

I would highly recommend this book for any 4-8 year old. The story is sweet and the illustrations by Andrea Gabriel are bright and playful.

Check out Boots Hensel’s web site at; http://www.bootshensel.com/.

The Zoopendous Surprise is available on Amazon.com or check you local bookstore.

The Mouse the Monster and Me

Are you a monster, a mouse, or yourself?

This is the question that author, Dr. Pat Palmer, asks in ‘The Monster, the Mouse and Me,’ a unique and wonderful approach to teaching children how to be assertive.

This book is written for ages 8 and up. Its relaxed font and simple drawings help your child feel at ease and ready to learn the difference between a bully (monster) or acting more timid (mouse).

This book has many self-help exercises that are designed for group and self-reflection. The exercises are specifically designed to help your child identify the differences in character and demonstrate the proper and acceptable behaviour we all need to possess.

I would highly recommend, The Mouse the Monster and Me, to any family. I wish this book would have been around when I was growing up – wonderful.

Visit Uplift Press at; http://www.upliftpress.com/

About the Author;

Dr. Pat Palmer, author of many books for children, teens, and adults, offers compassionate, positive ways to handle and express feelings, be assertive, and be confident. A therapist and former Director of Assertiveness Training Institute in Denver, she continues to write at her home in Hawaii.

My Sister, Alicia May

Kid-Lit week continues with a review of this wonderful picture book that no family should be without. Check it out!

Nobody, especially kids want to be different. And even though Alicia May is different, one thing remains the same – her love for her big sister.

My Sister, Alicia May by Nancy Tupper Ling is a wonderful story of two very special sisters, one with Downs Syndrome. Written from the point of view of big sister Rachael, this picture book delivers a touching story of family, love, and the bonds that tie, regardless of circumstances.

I would recommend this book to any family. The illustrations are so realistic you feel like you’re looking at photographs and only add to the charm of this wonderful book.

My Sister, Alicia May is available anywhere books are sold.

Kids + Pets = ACTIVE

A new study reveals that owning a pet dog has a significant impact on the health and well-being of children.

“Keeping children physically active is vital to their health and there is no better way to do it than running around with a pet dog,” says Nicole-Moschetti, the author of new children’s book Little Dog Rusty.

According to Deakin University researchers, young children who own dogs are less likely to be overweight or obese compared with those who do not have dogs in their families’ homes.

“A dog is a wonderful addition to your family and can go far beyond its ability to entertain and amuse,” says Jaclyn Brada, the illustrator of Little Dog Rusty.

Little Dog Rusty is an illustrated, comical tale about a young puppy who could easily win the title “the messiest dog in the world.” Unfortunately for the kids in the house, Rusty becomes the picture of innocence when Mom comes home to find the house in shambles and looks for someone to take the blame.

For parents who are trying to get their kids away from the computer or TV and out to play, having a dog is a really good strategy.

Owning a dog can help children in many ways, including:

~ Improving fitness by playing with and walking the dog
~ Learning responsibility through the care and feeding of the dog
~ Developing sensitivity by meeting the dog’s needs such as buying treats and toys
~ Overcoming loneliness and shyness, especially in a single-child household
~ Increasing organizational skills by taking care of the pet’s property and maintaining its feeding and walking schedule

Both Ms. Moschetti and Ms. Brada are graduates of the University of Colorado and both reside in the Centennial State.

Little Dog Rusty, the first in a children’s book series, is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com, PriceGrabber.com and Ecampus.com.

(Little Dog Rusty by Nicole DelVecchio-Moschetti; ISBN: 0-615-2962-7-0;
$12.99; 32 pages; 8½” x 8 ½”; hardcover; Permanent Ink Press)