Free ebook for Kindle: Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure by MJA Ware limited time only on Amazon.com Save $2.99 ~Children's ebook

Just in time for back to school MJ Ware is releasing a new graphic e-book for kids.  Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure is sure to get the attention of young readers.  I haven't read it yet but I've downloaded a copy and have added it to my list, if Funsmart doesn't beat me too it.  I really like that the author is dedicated to writing stories to draw in even the most reluctant of readers.  As a parent, I also appreciate that the author creates fun and appealing stories without the use of cursing or strong language.  Thank you!  Make sure to download your copy and show your support for the author.  Free Downloads are available August 15 & 16, 2012.  Regular price: $ 2.99

Check back as I'll be having a giveaway coming soon with some of this author's works.


From the Author:
When hungry aliens begin their 'rain' of terror, break out the umbrellas—the aliens can't eat you with an umbrella shoved in their huge mouths.Looking for yummy human tenders, Admiral Nact-bauk invades the local school. Zack and Zoey lead the counterattack armed with rulers, protractors, and dodge balls.They might have a chance, if Nact-bauk didn't gulp down the only teacher brave enough to stand up to him. Even worse, he forces Zoey onboard the alien vessel for dinner — along with a bucket of honey-mustard sauce.Zack will do just about anything to save her. If Principal Blathers won't help, Zack sees no choice but to 'borrow' the principal's car. Chasing the alien saucers, he meets up with a wrinkly WWII hero who thinks he knows the alien's weakness: electric toothbrushes.\Wielding only umbrellas and battery-powered dental weapons, things look grim. Even if the pair manage to rescue Zoey, there's the small matter of escaping a spacecraft flying at over two hundred miles an hour.Can you say, Jetpacks?
Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse is 17,000 words (about the same length as The Wimpy Kid series). It's a kid safe book with no cursing or strong language and features over 50 full-color images.

The Sara Chronicles by L. Hughes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sara Chronicles is a debut book series by L. Hughes.  This is the first book in the series and introduces you to Sara and sets the scenes for future books.  Sara is a great teen with a not so great life.  Despite being mistreated at home she is able to feel deep inside that she is special.  Sara later finds out how special she is and about her gift and connection to others with similar gifts.  She learns that she and two other children are connected and hold the power to help in a battle between good and evil. The author eloquently weaves the story of good vs. evil while including very important lessons about self esteem and other issues such as family dynamics.  This is a great read for middle grade and teen readers.  I am an adult reader and really enjoyed Sara Chronicles.  This story is very well written without strong language, violence or questionable subject matter.  I look forward to following the series through.

Disclosure: As a member of Reader's Spoils, I was given a copy of The Sara Chronicles in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.


View all my reviews

Goodreads Star Rating System:

  It was amazing

      Really liked it

          liked it

              it was ok

                 didn't like it

Available in paperback and e-book:

I Used to Think I Was Normal But Now I Take Pills for That by J.L. Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars ( See Goodreads ★ Rating System below)

The title I Used to Think I Was Normal But Now I Take Pills for That had me laughing but I had no idea the amount of laughs that were tucked into the pages of this book. If we are honest I think we can all relate to the chapters in J.L. Black's book. We either know someone or have experienced first hand the topics that she brings to light using humor. Laughter is the best medicine. I can tell you I laughed out loud several times throughout this book. This is a quick read for those who are on the go and may not have a lot of time for reading.
I will warn that I typically review Children's and Christian books and this is neither. This book does include foul language and adult subject matter.
Support a self published author and pick up this book for some laughs.
Available in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463762...
Available for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005V5K...

View all my reviews

Review imported from Goodreads.com.
Goodreads Rating System

★ Didn't like it
★★ It was OK
★★★ Liked it
★★★ Really liked it
★★★★ It was amazing

*Disclaimer:  I received a copy of I Used to Think I was Normal but Now I Take Pills for That by J.L. Black for the purpose of this review.  The review is in my own words and honest opinion.  No compensation was received for this post.

How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant?: A Munch-and-Sip Pop-Up Book by Caitlin Friedman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


How Do You Feed A Hungry Giant is a large pop-up and lift a flap book. I liked this book. The story line, illustrations and activities were fun. I shared it with my five year old niece who loved opening the little flaps and extras. I found a larger story inside this book as we need to be aware to the "Giant" called hunger and help to feed it. Even one person can make a difference.

My only concern is for durability as with the first reading my niece split one of the lift a flap layers with her finger nail in effort to open it. A tab for the lift a flaps would have been helpful.  With that being said, I would still recommend this book!

View all my reviews

*Disclosure:  I was provided with a copy of this book free of charge for review purposes.  The review itself is my own words and honest opinion.
**Review was linked from Goodreads.com

Looking to purchase this book?  Check it out on Amazon.com.

Books to the Rescue' Apple iPad 2 Giveaway

I was so excited to work with Shana at  The Writer's Lair Books again and to promote this fabulous giveaway in order to promote reading and to be able to donate a book to our local school library.  Many of you may remember my review of The Flightless Goose a while back which is a fabulous book published by The Writer's Lair Books. I have always loved to read and have felt that reading is an essential part of childhood.  My daughter inherited my love of books multiplied many times over.  She was always a child that preferred books to toys.  People were amazed that even as a toddler she would bring you book after book to read and listen for as long as you would read to her.  When she learned how to read she was unstoppable!  She read everything from billboards, food packages, even her grandparents senior citizens magazines!  I love to see children reading and to encourage their love of books.  While I know most of you won't read past "ipad 2 giveaway" I hope that I'm wrong and the true message to promote literacy is heard.

'Books to the Rescue' iPad 2 Giveaway.

This giveaway is so fabulous and extrememly important. Why?

Because each blogger that is participating in this giveaway is donating a book to either a school, library, or youth organization.

Flightless Goose by Eric D. Goodman and Red Rain by Tim Wendel are two fantastic books that are appropriate for elementary and high school aged students respectively. I was so excited that so many bloggers wanted to be a part of this idea. Over 30 bloggers are participating in this event! Their fabulous blogs are listed below. AND one lucky person will win an Apple iPad 2! What do you have to do to get that? Well, it’s simple and easy to do. Below is our Rafflecopter entry form. In bold are the mandatory entries you have to complete in order to enter this giveaway. There are thirty-one (it's really not that many). You just go down the list and 'like' each Facebook page. You must like the facebook pages with your PERSONAL profile in order for your entry to be counted. You will click on “Click Here” and it will reveal a link. You must do them all to have officially entered the giveaway. You will earn 31 entries. It’s so easy (and fast). Below the mandatory 31, there are additional actions that you may do to earn extra entries (like bonuses). Some you can do everyday until the giveaway is over. Who doesn’t like extra credit? There is no need to re-enter on each blog. If you enter on one blog it will register on the other 30 blogs participating in this giveaway. You MUST be 18+ to enter. The contest begins at 12:01 a.m. EST, September 12, 2011, and the contest is over 11:59 p.m. EST, September 28, 2011 and is open worldwide. So, you got it? Sure? If you have any questions, you can leave us a reply and we will follow up. So, ON YOUR MARK…GET READY…GET SET…GO!   Our Cool Bloggers: Prowling Books In the Lair /Crazy for Books/voiceBoks /Misadventures with Andi/ The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug/ Our Family World/ At Home Moma/ Our Way to Learn/ Celebration Ideas Online/ Quality Baskets/ Counting My Kisses/ The Write To Make A Living/ Pawsitive Living/ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer/ Insights By April/ My Devotional Thoughts/ Enjoy Life, Enjoy Now/ChicnSavvy Reviews/Lori's Reading Corner/ 7 On a Shoestring/ Rants~N~Scribbles/ Bubba and Mack/ Simply Stacie/ Makobi Scribe/ Sassy Mama In LA/ Deals 4 Dummies/ Your Child Will Read/ Books Are Wonderful/ Centsible Savings/ Mummy Deals/StuffSmart

The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond

I was given the opportunity to review a sweet little book for bedtime reading.  The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond is a board book for you to read to your infant and to read with your toddler.  This is a sturdy book and is sized well for toddler's little hands.  In this book we follow a child on their way to bed saying Night Night to things that filled their busy day before finally reaching the bed to lay down to go Night Night.  It is written in a way that helps your child wind down before laying down to sleep.

The cover is only a sample of the artwork that is contained in this book.  While I would describe the illustrations as bright and entertaining they are also masterfully done in tones that are soothing.

I would recommend The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond.  The book is available at most bookstores as well as at Amazon.com.  This book also qualifies for Amazon's 4-for- 3 promotion meaning that you can mix it with other promotional items to buy 3 and get a fourth one free!  Books make great gifts for children.  Keep this book in mind when shopping for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas and other Holidays.

*Disclosure:  I was provided with a copy of The Night Night Book for review.  The review posted is my honest opinion.  I was not compensated for this review.

Here, Home, Hope by author Kaira Rouda ~ Book Review

I enjoy reading but rarely allow myself enough time to enjoy a good book.  I am so glad that I participated in the One 2 One network book review of Kaira Rouda's book Here, Home, Hope.   I really had trouble putting this book down.  The main character Kelly was so easy to relate too.  Kelly lives in "Grandville" which ironically we find is not always grand.  We are taken on Kelly's midlife journey to change the direction of her life now that her children are getting older and that she is facing her 40th birthday.  Kelly introduces us to several of her friends and through her journey she gains insight that things aren't always what they seem.  Those she has been envious of are actually envying her life.  This book is a quick read.  I would say it is a must read for this summer.  I was also very excited to see that this is only the first of several novels Kaira Rouda has planned taking place in Grandville.  I've included the book's video trailer but honestly it doesn't do the book justice.




Visit Kaira Rouda's official website here.  Check out the book tour here: http://www.kairarouda.com/events/ .   Follow Kaira Rouda on Twitter and Facebook.

If you are an Amazon shopper Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda is currently available for $10.20 (List $15).  This would make a great book for a book club or for you to read and share with your friends.  I'd love to hear your feedback after you've read Kaira Rouda's book Here, Home, Hope.  Please stop by and let us know what you think about this book.

*Disclosure:  As a member of One 2 One Network I received a copy of Kaira Rouda's Here, Home, Hope for review.  The review is my own work and honest opinion.
 

Shoes for Me! By Sue Fliess ~ Children's Book Review

I am always excited when I am approached to review a new book for children.  I think reading is one of the best ways that we can connect with our children and encourage a lifelong interest in reading. 
I was not disappointed when I received "Shoes for Me!" By Sue Fliess.  I immediately opened it and read it to my mom.  Yes, you read right.  I was with my mom at the time so flipped it open and read it with her.  She thought it was a really cute book.  I agree.  I love the Hippo's.  I also love that the author used an experience that we all have to go through (shoe shopping with toddlers) for  a subject of a lighthearted and fun book. 
Shoe's for me is a book about a little hippo who must find new shoes and travels to the shoe store with her mother.  The hippo faces the challenge of all of the choices the shoe store offers.   I loved the flow of this book and rhyming.  This is such a fun book to read with kids.  I am looking forward to future books in this series.  Check out the author's page: http://www.suefliess.com/
I  read "Shoe's for Me!" to my 4yr old niece who loved it.  She was pointing out items in the illustrations that I had missed.  She loved the book!  She even looked for it on her next visit (I had it put up for this review) and we read it again. 
I must also mention that the illustrator Mike Laughead created the perfect illustrations for this book.  I can't tell you how much we loved the hippos!


*Disclosure:  I was provided a copy of "Shoe's for Me!" by the author in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I received no other compensation for this post.  I am an Amazon affiliate. Purchasing this book through the Amazon link to the left helps support my blogging and is much appreciated.

FunSmartReviews



FunSmartReviews

My tween has started blogging as http://FunSmartReviews.blogspot.com .  She can also be found on Twitter  as http://twitter.com/funsmartreviews.  Her posts are a short, honest reviews of all things kid.  Her movie and book reviews are especially helpful for those of you looking for appropriate entertainment for your children.  Please stop by and support her in her endeavor.  Bloggers all know how hard it is to establish a following so lets give her a push.  If possible follow her on Google Friend Connect and Twitter.  She loves comments so if you have time please leave her a comment.
If you are a company or PR rep and would like for her to review your product, send me an email ( stuffsmartblog@gmail.com) and specify that the pitch is for FunSmart.

Thank you!  I have some of the best followers in cyberspace.

Please welcome Fun Smart!

Some of you may have noticed a new blog listed under my profile.  My tween has started her own blog giving reviews and posts from a tween perspective.  Please check it out and follow if you haven't already done so.  Welcome aboard Fun Smart!  http://funsmartreviews.blogspot.com/

Tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school

Twittermoms and Harper Collins Books challenged members to blog about "tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school".  I jumped at the opportunity since we LOVE Twittermoms & Harper Collins Books.

StuffSmart's Ten tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school

1. Keep reading through the summer.  Many retailers and local libraries offer summer reading programs.
2. Sneek in educational games to keep math, history and other subjects fresh in your child's mind.
3. Have you child make a memory box of the past school years' work and accomplishments.  This can be fun and serve as a review.
4. Check the school website and make sure to keep up with school supply lists, dress codes etc.
5. Involve your child in gathering supplies for back to school.
6. Make sure to fit your child's backpack and stock it with needed supplies.
7. Designate a place for your child's coat, backpack etc so there is no searching when the first day of school gets here or for the entire school year.
8. Go through clothing and decide what is needed to shop for school clothes meeting the dress code requirements.
9. Purchase needed supplies (see previous post)
10. Get your child back on schedule a few wks before school starts by resuming school bedtime, wake for school and eating breakfast/lunch at times that will be followed during the school year.

A little about Harper Collins from Twittermoms website:

About HarperCollins Children's Books:


HarperCollins Children’s Books is one of the leading publishers of children’s books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality books for children, HarperCollins is home to many of the classics of children's literature, including Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, The Giving Tree, Charlotte's Web, Ramona, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, the I Can Read! beginning reader series and countless award-winning titles. HarperCollins Children's Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, one of the leading English-language publishers in the world. Visit HarperCollins Children's Books at http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”