Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of my latest contest!

Two copies of Pale Demons - 

Spaz

Jess (The Cozy Reader)

Two copies of Graveminder - 

Denise (deniseway...)

Carol M.

I've sent you all emails, please respond with your mailing addresses.

Review: Cows Can't Jump by Dave Reisman

 

Is it really true that cows can't jump, gorillas can't swim and sloths can't leap? 

Yes, but discover what these and other animals can do, as they swing, scamper and glide through Cows Can't Jump! In this humorous and inspirational adventure, animals focus on what they do best, comfortably aware they can t do everything, but proud of their own special skills. Vibrantly illustrated, Cows Can't Jump will help young readers learn diverse and dynamic words, while absorbing a subtle yet powerful message that builds self-esteem and teaches respect and humility.
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Review
 This is a delightful children's book with a silly, simple story about animals. Did you know that cows can't jump but they can swim? And gorillas can't swim but can swing? The bright and playful illustrations are fun for everyone. Combined with the repetitive verse they offer teachable moments on every page. Little tots will enjoy learning to identify the animals and their special abilities. 

This is a book that is meant to be shared. My favorite three year-old loved it and we've read it again and again. She took home the boardbook to read herself and I kept paperback copy here for us to keep reading together. I recommend sharing it with the little people in your life!

I also received a nice note from the author on adorable cow stationary. And there was a matching cow return address label! I'll be keeping those forever along with my book.


Publisher

Thank you to the publisher for autographed paperback and boardbook editions to review.

Publisher: Jumping Cow Press
Release date: 10/19/08
Pages: 44
Price/format: $7.99/paperback & $11.99/boardbook
Type: children

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at The Bluestocking Guide this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Empty mailbox...again... I have to admit that's a little disappointing but I've intentionally cut back a bit. I'm trying to catch up on the books I already have. But we all know how that goes! There's just so much to read and not enough hours to do it. And I'm sure that my list is going to grow even more as soon as I visit your blogs and see what you got last week. Oh well, there are worse problems to have!

Contest reminder!

Tomorrow is the last day for my two giveaways. Sign up now for Graveminder by Melissa Marr and Pale Demon by Kim Harrison!

Review: Say Hello To Zorro! by Carter Goodrich

Mister Bud had it pretty good.

Mister Bud is a dog of routine. He has wake up time, nap time, rest time, dinner time, etc. And everyone knows to follow his schedule.

Then disaster strikes. A stranger comes home at "make a fuss time" and throws everything off! Zorro is little bit bossy and Mister Bud wants nothing to do with him. But when the dogs discover they like the same things (like chasing the cat and napping), everything becomes more fun. As long as everyone follows the schedule.

Review
You don't have to be a pet lover or a kid to enjoy this book! The story is told with few words on each page while the adorable, colorful illustrations tell the rest. Having two dogs of my own I can tell you that the actions and expressions of the main characters, Mister Bud and Zorro, are spot on! Whether it's lounging on the bed or snarling at the food dish their faces are priceless.

This is a touching story about sharing, compromise and friendship. Even the littlest readers will understand the message and enjoy the relationship that blossoms between these two pups. I read this to my favorite three year-old and she immediately demanded we read it again. I happily obliged her request and plan to enjoy this for a long time to come. We can't wait for the next Mister Bud and Zorro book!

Author Biography

Acclaimed artist Carter Goodrich has illustrated thirteen New Yorker covers and has worked as a character designer on many beloved animated films, including The Prince of Egypt; Shrek; Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; as well as the forthcoming Open Season. He is a two-time gold-medal recipient from the Society of Illustrators in New York and a graduate of the Rhose Island School of Design. His work has also appeared in Newsweek, Forbes, and Time. Mr. Goodrich resides in Los Angeles, California.

Publisher
Author *check out slide shows of his amazing artwork!*

Thank you to the author for an autographed copy to review.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release date: 3/22/11
Pages: 48
Price/format: $15.99/hardcover
Type: children ages 4-8

Cozy mystery giveaways

Who can resist this cute little guy? If you're looking for a good cozy mystery head over to Pudgy Penguin Perusals for a chance to win some goodies. Kaye always has great stuff!

A Parfait Murder by Wendy Lyn Watson ends 6/12/11
Lost And Fondue by Avery Aames ends 6/5/11
Blood Trust by Eric Van Lustbader ends 6/3/11

Our typical chaos

This is always a hectic time of year. School doesn't end until late June and the weather has been wet and miserable lately so now it's a mad rush to cram everything in. Baseball games have been cancelled or postponed all season long and now we are trying to get through the playoffs. Our youngest son is a senior in high school and that's keeping us busy too. This last month will be filled with ceremonies, picnics, dinners, banquets, exams, rehearsals, papers to sign, lost books to find, fees to pay, graduation to attend and lots and lots of parties. There will also be lots and lots of tears...mostly from the moms who are conflicted between the disbelief that their baby is graduating and moving on and relief that their baby is able to graduate and is finally moving on - and out!

Obviously I haven't been keeping up here lately but I have plenty to read and reviews to write. Last week it took me three days to read the last chapter of my book! My poor hammock has been waterlogged from all the rain but today the sun was shining and the hammock was calling my name. I'm going to squeeze in some quiet time and I'm determined to read more than 1/3 of a chapter. Now I just need to decide which book from the large pile I'll relax with...