A Bundle of Books: Holiday Give-away!

Posted on 12/12/2013

Here are not one but three perfect picture books that will make wonderful gifts for that special child, educator, or librarian in your life!

No Monkeys, No Chocolate written by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young, illustrated by Nicole Wong (Charlesbridge, 2013) unravels the scientific mystery of where chocolate comes from in two layered levels of text with humor and rich details! To read our interview with author Melissa Stewart, click HERE.

The Cat With Seven Names by Tony Johnston

The Cat with Seven Names by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Charlesbridge, 2013) introduces you to a handsome tomcat who romps through the neighborhood meeting new friends and brings the urban community together when he’s reunited with his owner.

In Volcano Rising by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Susan Swan (Charlesbridge, 2013) readers will discover how volcanos, like craftsman builders, create mountains and islands. They may erupt with a Wham! Pow! Kaboom! But they also create with a Gurgle! Spurt! Scrape! View our past review by clicking HERE.

Diane Greenseid is the winner of the “Book Bundle!” Thanks to all who participated in this giveaway! For a chance to win these copies email readerkidz (at) readerkidz (dot) com. Please put “Bundle of Books Give-Away” in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email.

A middle grade stocking stuffer

Posted on 12/10/2013

SOPHIE HARTLEY AND THE FACTS OF LIFE, by Stephanie Greene (Clarion Books 2013)

There comes a time in every young girl’s life … well … Sophie Hartley calls it “P-U-berty” and doesn’t want anything to do with it. What with curious friends and competitive fifth graders all vying to know what’s in the movie, however, Sophie has to call upon her considerable strength of character to grow into it her way.

“This wryly amusing, perceptive story … a solid addition to the consistently entertaining Sophie Hartley series.” Booklist review.

Thanks for entering! Winners have been chosen and books are on the way! For the chance to win a copy for a middle grade reader you know, email ReaderKidZ and put “Sophie Hartley and the Facts of Life” in the subject line. Please include your name and mailing address in the email.

BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON

Posted on 12/08/2013

BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON: Canticle of the Creatures, reimagined by Katherine Paterson and illustrated by Pamela Dalton (Chronicle Books, 2011)

This book is a gift to anyone who reads one page, pauses to take in the wonder of the illustrations, or continues through the book from start to finish…and begins again.

Saint Francis of Assisi wrote the original words praising the wonder of nature in 1224.  Katherine Paterson’s adaptation sings out with timely meaning to young and old.  The illustrations by cut-paper artist, Pamela Dalton, are simply stunning.  What a trio – a saint, an award-winning artist (her first children’s book!), and a children’s author whose work has been recognized with Newbery and National Book Awards and who was chosen as our 2010-11 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

“Each of Dalton’s amazingly intricate illustrations is cut from one continuous piece of paper. They are so complex that they stand alone, and they work perfectly in concert with Paterson’s text.”

This beautiful book is a treasure to share with any-age child.

Congratulations to Lois B . of Missisippi. Your copy of Brother Sun, Sister Moon is on its way! We’re giving away one free copy! Leave a comment or email us at readerkidz (at) readerkidz (dot) com to enter and put “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” in the subject line. Please also include your name and mailing address.

Snowflakes Fall

Posted on 12/05/2013

SNOWFLAKES FALL By Patricia MacLachlan, Illustrated by Steven Kellogg (Random House, 2013)

In memory of the children who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, CT, December 2012

“After the Flowers are gone, snowflakes fall… no two the same,” during the first snow of winter.  Then a storm comes where “wailing winds may blow,” and “frantic icy snowflakes scratch the widow glass.” The next morning “the world shines” with snow blanketing everything. Children waste no time in playing and exploring.  The snow melts and the rains come and the flowers bloom again.  We can almost hear children’s voices and laughter in the colorful and vibrant illustrations by Steven Kellogg, a long time Newtown, CT resident. This is a readable, lyrical picture book perfect for the season. It doesn’t reference  the tragedy at all, but gently and abstractly remembers it with it’s small town setting,  the innocence and optimism of playing children, and fields of snow angels.

 

Thanks so much to everyone who entered! A winner has been randomly chosen and notified. Happy snow days to all of our readers.

We’re giving away one free copy! Email us at readerkidz (at) readerkidz (dot) com to enter and put “Snowflakes Fall” in the subject line. Please also include your name and mailing address.

The Christmas Cat – An Author-signed Holiday Giveaway!

Posted on 12/03/2013

As an infant, Jesus was no different than other babies his age. When he was unhappy, he cried. And cried. And cried! Every animal in the stable tried to soothe him: the pigeons, the cows, and even the donkey! Sadly, none were able to do so – none except a curious little kitten.

“Jesus’s tiny hand touched the kitten, and his crying grew softer and softer. Soon it stopped. The purring faded away too.”

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s renditions of La Madonna del Gatto, or “Madonna of the Cat,”  author Maryann McDonald’s The Christmas Cat is a timeless and tender holiday story. Illustrated by Amy June Bates, the legend of the kitten who purred Jesus to sleep on the night that he was born comes alive in a soft and unforgettable way.

Happy Holidays and thank you for the number of responses to win the author-signed giveaway copy of The Christmas Cat. A lucky winner has been chosen!

NOTE: For a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Cat signed by author Maryann Macdonald, email readerkidz at readerkidz dot com. Please put “The Christmas Cat Give-away” in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body of the email.

It’s book give-away month at ReaderKidZ!

Posted on 12/01/2013

The countdown is on! Time to find the perfect book for the children in your life, your classroom, or your school. We’ll be giving away books all this month, so stay tuned.

Kicking off the month is Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson. In the 7th book in this early chapter book series, Posey asks Santa for a magic wand that really works. She’s sure he’ll bring it to her, too, until she hurts her baby brother and tells a white lie to her Mom. What if Santa saw and doesn’t come to her house? When Posey discovers that Mrs. Romero needs some magic, she finds the courage to tell the truth to her mom with the help of her pink tutu. “… a powerful moment that is free of any emotional manipulation … no wand needed – pure magic for emerging readers.” Starred Kirkus review.

Thanks to all those who entered the Princess Posey Giveaway. Please check your email! All winners have been notified and your new book will arrive shortly. For a chance to win a copy of Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic, email readerkidz at readerkidz dot com. Please put “Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic” give-away in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body of the email.

Volcano Rising

Posted on 11/28/2013

VOLCANO RISING by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Susan Swan (Charlesbridge, 2013).

Most people think volcanoes lay dormant or destroy villages with their fiery eruptions, but in this engaging story, Rusch shows readers another powerful side to volcanoes. In a simple layer of text, she reveals how volcanoes create majestic mountains and form new land masses and islands like craftsman builders. How they slowly build under the earth’s crust, under water, and even under glaciers. How volcanic gas determines whether a volcano destroys or creates. And another more complex text delves deeper into the science of volcanoes and introduces us to eight volcanoes from around the world. Swan’s mixed media illustrations are gorgeous and play a pivotal part in the storytelling. A volcanic glossary and extensive bibliography in the back matter round out this book. For ages 6+

As a young girl, Rusch watched the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens on television and ever since, she’s been fascinated with volcanoes. Here are two more books she’s written for young readers on the topic of volcanoes: Will it Blow? Become a Volcano Detective at Mount St. Helens, illustrated by K.E. Lewis (Sasquatch Books, 2007), and Eruption! Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives, photographs by Tom Uhlman (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers, 2013).