Showing posts with label Sourcebooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sourcebooks. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Bindi Wildlife Adventures Giveaway!

book_7_ARTWORK:Layout 1Recently, I had opportunity to review a book called Bindi Wildlife Adventures – Croc Capers.  This book is the 7th in a series of Juvenile Fiction books (recommended for ages 7 & up).  This series of books was inspired and co-created by Bindi Irwin, daughter of the iconic wildlife expert, Steve Irwin. Publishers Weekly applauds the series,  “young wildlife conservationist and media darling Bindi Irwin…is as exuberant on the pages of this peppy early reader as she is on-screen… briskly paced and delivers its message with Bindi-worthy verve.”

I started reading the book to Ian, but he seemed to lose interest pretty quickly.  He’s only 6, and some of the talk seemed a bit beyond him.  The books are definitely written from the perspective of a young person; which I think would be very appealing to kids in the 8-10 year old range.  The covers are bright and colorful and each one features a picture of Bindi (who is just too cute!) with an animal.  In addition the the actual story, there are several pages of “Animal Fact Files” in the back.  The book I read contained information about Crocodiles (obviously), the Palm Cockatoo, and the Goanna. 

The story I read was focused on Bindi and her brother Robert.  While preparing to help a team of researchers hunt down some crocs for tagging, they encounter a father and daughter who are camping in the area.  The father – Doug – is there to do some research into the possibility of mining in the area.  Bindi and her brother – and Doug’s daughter, Alice – are all opposed to this.  When one of the researchers gets hurt and can’t help with the mission, Doug is called in to help and soon discovers the real value of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.  Everyone is relieved when he announces that there will be no mining taking place there! 

Here’s a bit more about Bindi and the books:

About the Author:
Bindi Sue Irwin is only 14 years old and is already an international award-winning celebrity. Born to wildlife conservationists Steve and Terri Irwin, Bindi was just 3 years old when she made her television debut on The Crocodile Hunter. She and her brother Robert continue their dad's legacy at Australia Zoo in Queensland.
About the Series:
A unique blend of action, travel, and global conservation, the Bindi Wildlife Adventures series will charm and engage new readers as well as encourage budding young naturalists. Each book is a new adventure for Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin and a chance for children to experience new places and new ideas and to learn more about how to help animals all over the world.

Teachers and homeschool parents will be especially excited by the accompanying study guide that goes along with these books. 

Now is your chance to win this entire series!
(7 books total)

If you would like to win, simply follow the directions on the Rafflecopter widget below.  Entry is simple!  (Sorry, this giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

NOTE: I received the book mentioned above for free in exchange for my posting about it on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review.  I only share items that I think will be of interest and benefit to my readers.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Big World, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

Have you ever had a “brush with fame”?  We have – several times.  We’ve actually met several recording artists over the years.  And I even consider it exciting when I brush elbows with some of the top names in the homeschool community.  One time, while taking a relative to tour the Hershey Chocolate Factory, we were waiting in line for the 3-D show, and met up with some of Kristi Yamaguchi’s family (mother, husband, daughter, and I think sister).  It just so happened to be the same weekend that Stars on Ice was performing at the Giant Center.  We chatted with them for awhile – and thought it was pretty cool! 

Recently, I had the opportunity to review Kristi’s newest book, entitled It’s a Big World, Little Pig!  Unlike her previous two titles (Figure Skating for Dummies and Kristi Yamaguchi, Always Dream), this book is for children.  It was neat for me to be able to picture that little girl that we saw in Hershey years ago and imagine that Kristi probably wrote this book for her (and her younger sister). 

book_big_worldPoppy, the adorable, persistent, dreaming-big pig, has a new adventure in store for her: the World Games ice-skating championship in Paris! Poppy is nervous about meeting so many new people, in a new place. But, ever courageous and supported by her family (Emma, too!), Poppy embarks upon this exciting adventure head-on! Poppy begins to realize that although these animals look different, act different, and are from different places, they are all the same at heart. We all smile in the same language! Krist Yamaguchi is a household name: New York Times bestseller, Gold Medalist, correspondent for the Today Show during the 2010 Olympics, 2008 Dancing with the Stars winner, etc. Dream Big, Little Pig has garnered rave reviews, tremendous media attention, sold more than 15,000 copies through bookscan and debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestsellers list Kristi's modern content coupled with positive message makes this more than just another celebrity picture book.

aboutKristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion whose motto, “Always Dream,” serves as her personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children. This philosophy has contributed to Kristi’s success on and off the ice, and she aspires to instill it in the hearts of children.

Following her figure skating victories in the 1992 Winter Olympics and World Championships, Kristi embarked on a successful professional career and went nonstop for more than a decade. In 2008, Kristi became the first woman since the debut season to claim the trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. For more information, visit www.KristiYamaguchi.com.

In so many ways, I felt myself relating to little Poppy the Pig – and cheering her on as she followed her dreams.  I look forward to seeing other books in this series.

It’s a Big World, Little Pig! has made the New York Times Bestseller List for Children’s Hardcover Picture Book 8 times! It’s also been the recipient of various other children’s literature awards.  It’s a Big World, Little Pig! is illustrated by Tim Bowers and published by Sourcebooks.  It is available direct from the publisher and in stores nationwide for a cover price of $16.99.  It’s also available from Amazon.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I do not share items on my blog that I do not personally use and appreciate.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

1001 Healthy Baby Answers by Gary C. Morchower, MD

9781402211782-m What parent hasn’t had the experience of leaving a pediatrician’s office more confused than when they came in? Or gotten home and thought of 10 questions they should have asked after the diagnosis was given?

Dr. Morchower understands. As a board-certified pediatrician and President of the Pediatric Society of Greater Dallas, he has helped thousands of parents by helping keep their child healthy.

1001 Healthy Baby Answers collects the most common questions parents have about a variety of different ailments, along with expert answers detailing everything the parent needs to know.

Perfect for parents to have on hand and in the home for quick reference, this essential guide will alleviate fears and give parents the right advice to help their child feel better . . . without another trip to the doctor’s.

Find authoritative answers to your questions about:
- Jaundice
- Asthma
- Seizures
- Chicken pox
- Anemia
- Rapid breathing
- Autism
- Croup
- Pneumonia
- Diabetes
- Heart murmurs
- Sleep disorders
And much, much more.

“A must for a parent or grandparent caring for a sick child.”
—Carden Johnston, MD, past president, American Academy of Pediatrics

Heidi Says . . . Though the title of this book recommends that it is for parents of babies only, that is not the case.  I like the byline of  this book - “pediatricians’ answers to all the questions you didn’t know to ask”.  I appreciate having this type of reference book on hand. Several years ago, we  chose to leave our pediatrician because their office was 45 minutes away and not always an ideal situation.  Since that time, we take our children to the family doctor and we’re normally pleased with the service and care that we receive there.  But, there are times when I’m simply not sure, as a parent, whether a trip to the doctor is in order, or if home treatment would be just as effective. 

This  book is set up alphabetically by ailment/situation.  Each ailment is set up in the same way -

  • Title (these are simple, every day things like ear infection, poison ivy, hay fever, etc. and more complex things such as special needs situations and serious illnesses/diseases)
  • Author’s Comment (these contain information such as frequency of occurences, updates in modern medicine, etc.)
  • Questions & Answers (this section is set up similar to a FAQ section – common questions, followed by the answers to them)
  • Doctor’s name and area of expertise

If you’re looking for a quick reference children’s health guide, this one is simple and easy to use and understand.  It sells for $16.99 in the US, and is well worth the price for parents’ peace of mind.

NOTE: I received this book free of charge from Sourcebooks in exchange for sharing my personal thoughts on my blog.  I was not compensated in any other way for the writing of this review.