Fish for a Free Book: March 16

Welcome to The St. Patrick's Day Edition of Fish for a Free Book!

If you are hosting a children's book giveaway, or if you found a giveaway somewhere on the net that you just have to share, I'd love to have you share your links with us here on our weekly giveaway linky so that we can all stop by and enter.

If you're looking for more children's book giveaways, be sure to visit
Brimful Curiosities' Full to the Brim,
Winning Readings (listings of adult and children's book giveaways),
and Got Great Giveaways? (linky of adult and children's book giveaways at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer)

Please post your links however you wish. Some like to include their blog name, some just want to leave the prize and the ending date. Post it whatever way you feel like, but make sure that the prize listing and the date the giveaway ends is listed. And make sure you post a link directly to your giveaway - not just to your main blog page.

Here's an example:
Your name: Lori Calabrese Writes--Two YA Novels--6/24
Your URL: http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-midsummers-eve-giveaway-hop.html

Now it's your turn. Leave your links here...
(If you're reading this in a reader, please click through to the original post)

The Ballpark Mysteries returns with The Astro Outlaw

Mike Walsh and his cousin Kate Hopkins are back in book 4 of THE BALLPARK MYSTERIES, THE ASTRO OUTLAW. I'm a huge fan of this series because it incorporates sports, crime-solving, and facts young readers will eat up.

In THE ASTRO OUTLAW, it's spring break and Mike and Kate are in Houston, Texas. Not only do they get a VIP tour of NASA's Johnson Space Center, but they're also headed for an Astros' game. Commander Rice, an astronaut who gives them a tour of the Space Center will also be at the game with a real moon rock on display. However, when it comes time for him to step on the field, he's missing. That's when Mike and Kate step in to figure out what happened.

Just like the other books in this series, young crime-solvers will eat up this mystery and enjoy solving the crime. Not only that, but they'll learn some history--for example, did you know Union Station was Houston's biggest train station and now it's the main entrance to the Astro's ballpark?  Dugout Notes in the back also provide some fun facts and again, the illustrations by Mark Meyers bring the story to life. Seems as though Kelly has hit it out of the park yet again!

Learn more about THE BALLPARK MYSTERIES at the official website, read my interview with David A. Kelly, and check out my reviews of:
Ballpark Mysteries #1: The Fenway Foul-up
Ballpark Mysteries #2: The Pinstripe Ghost

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 6 and up
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 28, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0375868836
ISBN-13: 978-0375868832
Source of review copy: author

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book.

A unique alphabet book

The ABC Book by Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite books to help kids learn their alphabet. But in the last few years, there has been a surge in alphabet books. Just name it, and chances are it's been done from sports to Christmas to animals and more. That's why when I received a copy of Z IS FOR MOOSE, I was hesitant, thinking, 'Oh great, another alphabet book.' However, as my kids and I read the story, I was pleasantly surprised.

This is an alphabet book unlike any other. Sure, it starts with the usual. A is for Apple, B is for Ball, C is for Cat. However, things get interesting as soon as you turn the page to D and it reads, 'D is for Moose.' It seems as though Moose is a little confused and anxious as he begins to appear on various pages asking, "Is it my turn yet?" Zebra, who is directing his friends to appear on the correct pages really causes problems when he decides to go with mouse for the letter M. Well, let's just say Moose doesn't take it lightly. Will Zebra regain control and save the ABCs?

Young readers will enjoy the humor of this book and how the illustrations interact with the text. Not only will they learn their alphabet, but they'll also get a good laugh.

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (February 28, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0060799846
ISBN-13: 978-0060799847
Source of review copy: Publisher

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book.

Fish for a Free Book: March 10th

Welcome to Fish for a Free Book!

If you are hosting a children's book giveaway, or if you found a giveaway somewhere on the net that you just have to share, I'd love to have you share your links with us here on our weekly giveaway linky so that we can all stop by and enter.

If you're looking for more children's book giveaways, be sure to visit
Brimful Curiosities' Full to the Brim,
Winning Readings (listings of adult and children's book giveaways),
and Got Great Giveaways? (linky of adult and children's book giveaways at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer)

Please post your links however you wish. Some like to include their blog name, some just want to leave the prize and the ending date. Post it whatever way you feel like, but make sure that the prize listing and the date the giveaway ends is listed. And make sure you post a link directly to your giveaway - not just to your main blog page.

Here's an example:
Your name: Lori Calabrese Writes--Two YA Novels--6/24
Your URL: http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-midsummers-eve-giveaway-hop.html

Now it's your turn. Leave your links here...
(If you're reading this in a reader, please click through to the original post)

Have you built your leprechaun trap?

St. Patrick's Day is near, so have you set your leprechaun traps? Let me just say that there's nothing more fun than having your kids construct traps to set around the house or classroom in hopes of luring and catching a leprechaun.

I will say, our house is ready and we built a trap that we found on Disney's Family Fun. Here's to catching one of those little green guys!

Irritating Coworker

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

I have this annoying coworker who will not ever shut up. She is always blabbing about her personal life, and other stuff that no one cares about. She is really nice, so I feel bad when I get sick of her, but some days I just have too much work to do and I can’t spend 45 minutes listening to her. The other day she came up to my cubicle and started going on and on about clear internet deals and how much she is saving. It was a very busy day and I had to get back to work, so I tried to tell he politely that I didn’t have time to chat. She didn’t get the point and just kept going on and on until the subject changed to her grandchildren. I finally turned my back to her and got back to work because I thought that might be the only way she would understand how busy I was. I know she is upset with me because she hasn’t spoken to me since, but I did what I had to do. I feel bad but at least my problem is solved.

Celebrate Teen Tech Week and Help Share a Story, Shape a Future

Teen Tech Week™ is happening all this week (March 4–10), and YALSA invites you to Geek Out @ your library! This year’s theme encourages libraries to throw open their physical and virtual doors to teens and showcase the outstanding technology they offer, from services such as online homework help and digital literacy-focused programs to resources like e-books, movies, music, audiobooks, databases and more.

Here are a few extra ways you can participate this week:

*Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ttw12. Your post could be featured on YALSA's homepage
*Check out YALSA's Pinterest board on Teen Tech Week
*Be part of Thursday's Hunger Games tweetup (3:30-5 p.m. Eastern on March 8, using hashtag #THGyalsa)

As if Teen Tech week isn't enough, you can also take part in Share a Story- Shape a Future, an annual blog tour for literacy. Share a Story ~ Shape a Future is, as the name suggests, an opportunity to share ideas, encourage each other, and spread the word about children's literacy. For 5 days in March, they harness the power of the Worldwide web to share ideas about ways to engage kids as readers. Their site states, "You won't find statistics, academic analysis, or judgments that tell you why you should read. You'll hear about favorite books, but you won't see any self-promotion or pitches. This is not an author or book tour. Share a Story-Shape a Future aims to build a community of readers, one person at a time."

The theme this year is the Culture of Reading, and Donalyn Miller kick-starts the event by talking about Creating a Reading Culture. She and her guests will explain what a "reading culture" is, and offer ways to encourage kids to read more at home and school, as well as across age groups.

Kick-Start Your Class with Icebreakers

I'm not a teacher, which is why it's very rare for me to review educational material, but I recently had the chance to read KICK-START YOUR CLASS: 120 ICEBREAKERS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS OF ALL AGES and I have to say, this book is an amazing resource for any educator. It's jam-packed with "icebreakers" or activities that can be used effectively to enhance and support any curriculum. And as an author who conducts school visits, I found it very helpful in coming up with ideas to engage students.

For example, have you ever considered kicking off your class with a chant? The author suggests that chants can be great motivators and if you think teenagers won't like them, think again. How about a beanbag topic toss or birthday circle where classmates must see how quickly they can form a circle with everybody in chronological order by their birthdays?

What I love about this book is that most of the activities can spark other ideas, can be tweaked and adapted to suit a wide variety of ages and will definitely make learning fun. It's difficult to get students to be mentally present in the classroom and this book is just what a teacher needs to engage students, make them feel welcome and allow them to mingle and interact in a fun environment.

Additional Information:
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1118104560
ISBN-13: 978-1118104569
Source of review copy: Amazon Vine Program

Fish for a Free Book: March 2nd

Welcome to Fish for a Free Book and Happy Read Across America Day! What better way to celebrate than to pick up a free children's book or two?

If you are hosting a children's book giveaway, or if you found a giveaway somewhere on the net that you just have to share, I'd love to have you share your links with us here on our weekly giveaway linky so that we can all stop by and enter.

If you're looking for more children's book giveaways, be sure to visit
Brimful Curiosities' Full to the Brim,
Winning Readings (listings of adult and children's book giveaways),
and Got Great Giveaways? (linky of adult and children's book giveaways at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer)

Please post your links however you wish. Some like to include their blog name, some just want to leave the prize and the ending date. Post it whatever way you feel like, but make sure that the prize listing and the date the giveaway ends is listed. And make sure you post a link directly to your giveaway - not just to your main blog page.

Here's an example:
Your name: Lori Calabrese Writes--Two YA Novels--6/24
Your URL: http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-midsummers-eve-giveaway-hop.html

Now it's your turn. Leave your links here...
(If you're reading this in a reader, please click through to the original post)

Sylvan Dell Publishing offers ebooks for free on March 2nd

What better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday than reading to a child? March 2nd is Read Across America Day. Now in its 15th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. NEA’s national reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss and the 2012 theme is green with the debut of NBC/ Universal's The Lorax. But Random House and the National Education Association aren't the only ones urging you to participate and read to a child.

Sylvan Dell Publishing will be participating in Read Across America Day by offering all of its award-winning eBooks FREE to read at www.sylvandellpublishing.com on March 2.  Participants will have access to Sylvan Dell’s full eBook Site License including eBooks with auto-flip, auto-read, and selectable English and Spanish text and audio. This is in addition to the free activities available every day including a “For Creative Minds” educational section, 40-70 pages of free teaching activities, three quizzes, and a related websites page for each title.

Sylvan Dell co-owner and editor Donna German states, “We are proud to offer children a simple way to participate in Read Across America Day.  By offering our full eBook Site License we also make it easy not only for children to read and explore our great books, but we make it easy for parents and teachers to use each book as a stepping stone to learning with our “For Creative Minds” section and our free teaching activities.”

Sylvan Dell Publishing’s mission is to excite children’s imaginations with artistically spectacular science, math, and nature-themed stories.  Founded in November of 2004, Sylvan Dell has grown to include more than 75 authors and illustrators in the United States and Canada, and 70 titles—honored as finalists or winners of over 70 book awards.  Sylvan Dell’s Science and Math Through Literature Program integrates science, math, geography, character skills, and language learning through fun, cross-curricular activities. 

To participate in Sylvan Dell Publishing’s Read Across America eBook event, simply visit www.sylvandellpublishing.com on March 2 and click on the Read Across America icon in the upper right-hand corner of the website.

Fish for a Free Book: February 24

Welcome to Fish for a Free Book!

If you are hosting a children's book giveaway, or if you found a giveaway somewhere on the net that you just have to share, I'd love to have you share your links with us here on our weekly giveaway linky so that we can all stop by and enter.

If you're looking for more children's book giveaways, be sure to visit
Brimful Curiosities' Full to the Brim,
Winning Readings (listings of adult and children's book giveaways),
and Got Great Giveaways? (linky of adult and children's book giveaways at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer)

Please post your links however you wish. Some like to include their blog name, some just want to leave the prize and the ending date. Post it whatever way you feel like, but make sure that the prize listing and the date the giveaway ends is listed. And make sure you post a link directly to your giveaway - not just to your main blog page.

Here's an example:
Your name: Lori Calabrese Writes--Two YA Novels--6/24
Your URL: http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-midsummers-eve-giveaway-hop.html

Now it's your turn. Leave your links here...
(If you're reading this in a reader, please click through to the original post)

Isabella continues to fuel young readers' imaginations

Back in September, I reviewed the picture book MY NAME IS NOT ISABELLA and really enjoyed the antics of this little purple-haired girl. Well, Isabella is back and better than ever in ISABELLA: GIRL ON THE GO.

Just as before, Isabella likes to dream and dream big and in GIRL ON THE GO, Isabella has places to go. In the same vibe as MY NAME IS NOT ISABELLA, Isabella pretends to be different people--this time, she's not a little girl but an archeologist, artist, warrior, and more who travels the world to places like the Pyramids of Giza, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China and more.

ISABELLA ON THE GO fuels young readers' imaginations as Isabella never leaves her backyard, yet ventures into the world and creates her own adventures. Pages in the back of the book share interesting information about some of the places that changed the world and structures that amaze and inspire. Illustrator Mike Litwin's playful and zany illustrations add a unique flair to Isabella's imagination and will have your own young reader experiencing her own great wonders.

Visit Sourcebooks.com to check out Isabella's national tour as well as activity kits:  

http://www.sourcebooks.com/isabella-girl-on-the-go.html

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (February 21, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1402266480
ISBN-13: 978-1402266485

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book.