Smarter Than a Monster: A Survival Guide by Brandon Mull & illustrated by Mike Walton -- Review
10/30/2019
 About the Book No monster wants you to read this book. The more you know about monsters, the more you will know how to defeat them. Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing "Monster Facts" can help kids outwit them. Want to avoid monsters? Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time. And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster. Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean. Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits. About the Author Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books. About the IllustratorMike Walton has been a professional illustrator for more than twenty years. He earned his B.A. in Illustration from art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He’s worked in animation, comic books, web comics, trading cards, and all manner of media throughout his career. Smarter Than a Monster is his debut children’s book. He currently resides in Southern California and considers himself a nerd who loves visiting Disneyland attending the San Diego Comic Con. ReviewA fabulous bedtime story, this book is funny and absolutely adorable. This book encourages children to do day-to-day activities such as brush their teeth, clean their room, take a bath, etc. all while keeping the scary monsters away. The pictures in this book are marvelous. They are bright, fun, colorful and entertaining bringing to life this delightful story. Author Brandon Mull and illustrator Mike Walton have created a fabulous book that young children will absolutely love!
Genre: children’s, fantasy, picture book Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publication date: October 1, 2019 Number of pages: 32 A review copy of this book was provided by Shadow Mountain. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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A Candle in the Window Film Review
10/23/2019
About the Film
John's family is struggling to face Christmas without his loving wife. However, six-year-old Emily is full of faith. Even though her older sisters try to gently lower her expectations, the young girl truly believes her mother will visit on Christmas Eve. In fact, she is so certain her mother will come that she puts a candle in the window to guide her mother on her journey home. Before she passed away, their mother made sure the most cherished holiday traditions would still be there—beautiful handmade dresses, new patent-leather shoes, and a lovingly crafted doll for little Emily. But on the way to a Christmas Eve celebration, the doll is lost, and Emily is heartbroken. Emily—and her grieving sisters—need their mother more than ever. Inspired by true events, A Candle in the Window is a beautiful reminder that our loved ones never leave us and prayers really do get answered—especially when you have the faith of a child.
The Cast
Darin Southam
Isabella, Ava & Sophia Jarque – play the daughters The film A Candle in the Window is based of a true story written by Michele Ashman Bell. Review
The faith of a young child is extremely powerful and miracles are just a prayer away.
This move is a reminder that some of our family and loved ones may be on the other side of the veil, but they are watching over and protecting us and are closer than we think. This movie is a reminder that the faith of a child is powerful and that our family on the other side of the veil are closer than we realize, always there watching over and protecting us. Genre: holiday, family A review copy of this film was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayThe Knight in Battered Armor by Brianna Tibbetts & illustrated by Liz Stockton -- Reviewer Tour
4/29/2019
 About the Book Lord Tempesto is a snake in every sense. As a human, he is slimy, deceitful, and manipulative, but when he’s denied what he wants, he transforms into a gigantic, powerful snake. He wants nothing more than to rule the kingdom for himself, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Princess Melina dreams of marrying a knight in shining armor so she can rule her father’s kingdom someday. But when monster Lord Tempesto captures her and threatens to destroy her beloved kingdom if she doesn’t marry him, she has no choice but to submit to the hideous monster’s demands. James, the son of a knight, hears about Princess Melina’s plight and sets out on the long journey to rescue her. But his own skills aren’t enough to win the fight against such a ruthless monster with strong, sinewy arms, and it takes teamwork between the captive and her rescuer to save the kingdom from the monster for good. The Knight in Battered Armor shows children of all ages the importance of doing what is right no matter what and not being afraid to protect what is most important. About the Author Raised on a steady diet of rich fiction, novelist Brianna Tibbetts has been writing exciting, speculative worlds as long as she can remember. Currently based in the Pacific Northwest, she reads voraciously and writes extensively. In everything from short stories to series, Brianna demonstrates her passion for lively stories infused with faith. In addition to writing, her other superpowers include being ginger and yarn crafting. When she isn’t spending time in her own creations, she loves indulging in the fictional worlds of others. ReviewThe Knight in Battered Armor by Brianna Tibbetts and illustrated by Liz Stockton is a fun and fairytale-like story that young readers will thoroughly enjoy. The pictures are simple, but bright and colorful, bringing to life the story of a knight on a quest to save a princess. This story teaches children about always doing what is right now matter what in an entertaining and fun format. This is an excellent books for parents to use as a teaching tool too. Young readers will be sure to enjoy the turn of every page in this delightful story.
Genre: children’s, historical, fairytale Publisher: Redemption Press Publication date: March 19, 2019 Number of pages: 58 A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book A unique, Christian, read aloud book designed to enable parents and grandparents to easily share Biblical wisdom with the children in their lives. Don't read it once and put it on the shelf. Take the book further. Each purchase comes with the ability to download free resources, which will enable you to impress God's word into the minds and hearts of the children you love. About the Book At some point in time, we all have the thought, “if only” float through our mind. In a story format, teach the children you love how to combat these thoughts. If Only is a unique, Christian, read aloud book designed to enable parents and grandparents to easily share Biblical truth with the children in their lives. Don't read it once and put it on the shelf. Take the book further. Each purchase comes with the ability to download free resources, which will enable you to impress God's word into the minds and hearts of the children you love. About the Author L.A. James graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in English. She has written for diverse businesses and non-profit organizations, published in various print media, and taught English to domestic and foreign students. In the end, she has looped back to what she has always wanted to do - write her own books. You can visit L.A. James at www.jameswritinganddesign.com Author InterviewCheck out the author interview HERE.
 About the Book Title: Kelly's Search for Family (Searchers #2) Author: Bertha Schwartz Publisher: Ambassador International Release Date: December 1, 2018 Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction It's 1880 and Kelly lives alone with her Papa, a lighthouse-keeper in Massachusetts. She longs to know more about her Mama, and Papa has finally promised to tell her the truth on her fourteenth birthday. Before Kelly can learn much though, dangerous men the notorious Blackburn Brothers arrive unannounced and take Papa away. Kelly is left alone and responsible for the lighthouse. Granny, a former slave and family friend, learns of Kelly's plight and decides to help find the answers to her questions. Mysterious letters, snow storms, and violence threaten Kelly's safe haven as new friends help unearth old secrets in Kelly's lighthouse home. How can she bring her papa back? Who is her true family? Books in the Series
About the AuthorBertha Schwartz is a Swiss Amish transplant to the beautiful farmland of Nappanee, Indiana. She loves spending time with family and friends, including fifty-two nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, sewing, and reading. Raised near the lovely Swiss city of Berne, Indiana, Swiss is her mother-language. Languages and different dialects are a special interest of hers. ExcerptKELLY CRAWLED BACK INTO BED and pulled the covers tightly around her shoulders. She was almost afraid to move, afraid the dangerous men would come back and hear her moving around. As lightning lit up the room, Kelly noticed the baby quilt, and she hugged it tightly to herself as the thunder crashed again. It was a fierce storm. As long as Kelly could remember, whenever there was a bad storm, she and Papa would wait it out together in the living room. But now Papa was outside in the storm with those awful men, and Kelly was afraid to leave her bed. She prayed for Papa’s safety. Kelly’s thoughts went back to the evening before. Papa had finally told her about Mama, but now as Kelly hugged the quilt closer to herself, she wished Papa had never told her. Now she felt so alone. Papa had told her repeatedly she would never be alone because she had Jesus by her side. Kelly closed her eyes to pray, but no words came. Only tears. Giveaway 1) winner will receive:
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 9, 2019 and lasts through 11:59pm February 4, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops - and remember to visit the tour each week for more posts.
 About the Book Title: Daisy's Search for Freedom (Searchers #1) Author: Bertha Schwartz Publisher: Ambassador International Release Date: December 1, 2018 Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction It’s the 1850s and Daisy, a slave girl from Alabama, is thrilled when her Mama is brought to her plantation to be the new cook. Six Oaks Plantation has been Daisy’s home for years, and the future looks bright now that she and her Mama have been reunited. The happiness doesn’t last, though, when a dangerous encounter with a notorious slave hunter endangers Daisy’s life. She has no choice but to run. Leaving behind everything she has ever known, Daisy strikes out alone on the Underground Railroad. Daisy’s search for freedom leads her deep into the woods. Along the way she is joined by Simon, a four-year-old boy and his pet kitten. Pursued by dogs, uncertainty, and a slave tracker determined to capture them by any means necessary, Daisy starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again. Does Jesus care about runaway slaves lost in the woods? Books in the Series
About the AuthorBertha Schwartz is a Swiss Amish transplant to the beautiful farmland of Nappanee, Indiana. She loves spending time with family and friends, including fifty-two nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, sewing, and reading. Raised near the lovely Swiss city of Berne, Indiana, Swiss is her mother-language. Languages and different dialects are a special interest of hers. ExcerptThe rest of the afternoon and evening, Cook stayed very close to Daisy. Daisy tried to pretend that all was normal, but she was afraid someone would notice her trembling hand or hear her beating heart. Inwardly, she continued praying, Sweet Jesus! Sweet Jesus! which seemed to be all the words she could form in her thoughts. When it was finally time for bed, Daisy remembered that Mama had once told her, ‘If you are ever in trouble an’ can’t find the words to pray, just call on Jesus’ Name. He’ll understand.’ The words brought Daisy comfort now. She sank on the cot. What if she just ignored the message? She knew instantly she couldn’t do that. Before she blew out the candle, she again noticed Cook’s apron. What if she never saw Cook . . . Mama again? She lovingly touched the apron, and then stopped. The pockets were bulging! She pulled out some biscuits and cheese! Mama knew about the message! Was she supposed to leave tonight? Daisy sank onto the cot, her legs weak with fear. She didn’t want to leave! She was safe here with Mama, wasn’t she? Daisy swallowed hard to tamp down the fear. She remembered all the stories of runaway slaves who were caught. No, Daisy decided. It would be much safer to stay here. She would stay in bed and pretend she never got the message. It was much safer—or was it? Giveaway (1) winner will receive:
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 9, 2019 and lasts through 11:59pm February 4, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops - and remember to visit the tour each week for more posts.
 About the Author It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, Saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel—the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong. Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own. And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone—as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as “Silt.” It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever. With both B.R.E.W. and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it’s up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it’s too late. The Books in the Series
About the Author Frank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 45,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. The Guardians of the Finisher's Fury is Frank’s 7th published book and will release this November, 2013. You can learn more about his writing at franklewiscole.blogspot.com. Upcoming EventsCheck out upcoming events HERE.
 About the Book Title: Sarah's Search for Treasure (Searchers #3) Author: Bertha Schwartz Publisher: Ambassador International Release Date: December 1, 2018 Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction It’s 1849, and when Sarah’s papa and brother strike out for gold, she is stuck at home to help take care of the family and farm. This task quickly turns dangerous as the Gold Rush rises in frenzy around them. Neighbors abandon their livestock and the family must fend off half-started miners ready to steal everything they have. Sarah decides to turn her circumstances into a business—feeding the miners in exchange for gold and labor. Sarah’s ingenuity and leadership are tested as she faces thieves, mysteries, and violent miners. Trouble closes in on all sides, and Sarah must make tough decisions on her own. Soon Sarah learns that true treasure is not always gold, and that the greatest adventures can happen without even leaving home. Books in the Series
About the AuthorBertha Schwartz is a Swiss Amish transplant to the beautiful farmland of Nappanee, Indiana. She loves spending time with family and friends, including fifty-two nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, sewing, and reading. Raised near the lovely Swiss city of Berne, Indiana, Swiss is her mother-language. Languages and different dialects are a special interest of hers. Excerpt“Something’s sure going on!” exclaimed David. As they neared Katy’s Junction, more riders and wagons passed them. Everyone seemed to be in a big hurry. “Sarah,” said Pa. “Let me see that list again.” Sarah quickly pulled out the list. She felt uneasy as three more riders passed. What would they find at Katy’s Junction? News of war? Pa handed the list back. “Let’s get double of everything. If war broke out, we might not be able to get supplies later.” A crowd had gathered in front of Stan’s Mercantile. Men were talking excitedly. Sarah felt another shiver of fear. What was going on? Soon, another rider caught up with them. “Hey, Bill!” David called to their neighbor as he was about to pass them. “What’s going on?” “Gold!” shouted Bill Martin, hardly slowing down. “They found gold just south of here. Huge nuggets of it!” Giveaway (1) winner will receive:
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 9, 2019 and lasts through 11:59pm February 4, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops - and remember to visit the tour each week for more posts.
 About the Book It’s the 1850s and Daisy, a slave girl from Alabama, is thrilled when her Mama is brought to her plantation to be the new cook. Six Oaks Plantation has been Daisy’s home for years, and the future looks bright now that she and her Mama have been reunited. The happiness doesn’t last, though, when a dangerous encounter with a notorious slave hunter endangers Daisy’s life. She has no choice but to run. Leaving behind everything she has ever known, Daisy strikes out alone on the Underground Railroad. Daisy’s search for freedom leads her deep into the woods. Along the way she is joined by Simon, a four-year-old boy and his pet kitten. Pursued by dogs, uncertainty, and a slave tracker determined to capture them by any means necessary, Daisy starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again. Does Jesus care about runaway slaves lost in the woods? Daisy's Search for Freedom contains thought-provoking discussion questions for young readers. About the AuthorBertha Schwartz is a Swiss Amish transplant to the beautiful farmland of Nappanee, Indiana. She loves spending time with family and friends, including fifty-two nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, sewing, and reading. Raised near the lovely Swiss city of Berne, Indiana, Swiss is her mother-language. Languages and different dialects are a special interest of hers. ReviewDaisy’s Search for Freedom by Bertha Schwartz is a fun children’s historical fiction story following the Underground Railroad. This story follows a young girl and boy as they escape slavery with the help of several people, including their mother, as they work their way along the Underground Railroad, while being hunted by a brutal slave hunter. This story is full of excitement, adventure, danger, friendship and love. Young readers will delight in this excellent story.
Series: The Searchers Genre: children’s, historical, inspirational, middle grade Publisher: Ambassador International Publication date: June 17, 2018 Number of pages: 104 Other books in the series: 2-Kelly’s Search for Family 3-Sarah’s Search for Treasure A review copy of this book was provided by JustReat Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. 
About the Book
Help your children learn to love the scriptures with this fully illustrated storybook! From Lehi to Moroni condenses important stories from The Book of Mormon, so that children can get to know and love it. This storybook is perfect for bedtime, for reading during sacrament meeting, and as part of family scripture study. The engaging and detailed illustrations will ensure From Lehi to Moroni is picked up and read over and over again.
About the Author
Sandra Meaders studied English and minored in creative writing and history at Southern Virginia University and earned her master's degree in literature from the University of Akron. Currently, She is raising two children, managing a blog, and editing on the side. Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? is her debut children's book.
Review
Sandra Meaders’ book Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? is a fun, simple, and engaging book for children. With it’s easy to understand story of prophets from the scriptures and it’s brightly colored illustrations to go along with the easy-to-read test, young children will delight in this thrilling book. This is also a good teaching tool that parents can use to help young children learn about stories from the Book of Mormon. I would recommend this board book to parents with young children that are just beginning to teach their children about the gospel and the prophets in the scriptures.
Genre: children’s, religious, LDS Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: July 10, 2018 An e-review copy of this book was provided by the author via the publisher. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Event
Sandra also be doing a storytime/signing at Marissa's Books and Gifts in Utah in December. Check out the following graphic for more info.
GiveawayTour Schedule
November 26, 2018 - Rockin' Book Reviews
November 27, 2018 - Singing Librarian Books November 28, 2018 - My Book A Day November 28, 2018 - Bookworm Lisa November 29, 2018 - Life's Journey to Perfection November 30, 2018 - Making Life a Bliss Complete |
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