Review: Lily Lemon Blossom Welcome to Lily’s Room by Barbara Miller

Title: Lily Lemon Blossom Welcome to Lily’s Room

Author: Barbara Miller

Publisher: Barbara Miller

Illustrator: Inga Shalvashvili

Release date:  28^th February 2012

Amazon – free from Amazon Australia
iBook Store - free at time of posting

Pages: 32

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Meet Lily Lemon Blossom, a delightful little girl who loves adventures and playing with her friends. Lily invites you to see her lovely room and meet her many friends, including Bunny Rabbit and Josephine her kitten who is always by her side. A quick peek into Lily's room will tell you quite a lot about her. The room comes alive with its vibrant colors and huggable plush toys. It's a happy place for a happy little girl and her friends.

Review: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

We were able to grab a kindle copy of Lily Lemon Blossom Welcome to Lily’s Room for free from Amazon Australia.

There is no real storyline in this book, it is more of an introduction to Lily and her possessions, although materialistic it is something my daughter absolutely loved to look at and explore. She especially loved her white cat named Josephine, her beautiful clean room and the wonderful dolls house.

The illustrations were vibrant, detailed and absolutely gorgeous; it is attractive to a young reader. At the end of the book, a list of other titles in the series was listed and my daughter instantly requested them. 

The text was easy for her to read and not overwhelming or overly difficult, she needed help with a few words but otherwise it was quite simplistic. It also rhymed which is always popular with Miss 7.

Miss 7’s final comment: My favourite part was when Josephine was hiding in the dolls house, she seems like a cheeky cat. The clown looked scary and I loved all of the colourful pages.

For a glimpse into the illustrations, there are some samples on Barbara Miller's beautiful website.

About the author: Barbara Miller began her writing career early in her teens writing short stories and poetry. In 2011, Barbara decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Her debut book, Lily Lemon Blossom-Welcome to Lily’s Room a children’s picture book was inspired by her love of storytelling. Barbara worked in collaboration with her mother who inspired her to write about an imaginative fun loving little girl that lived in a world of make believe and pretend. 

Review: My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrantz

Title: My Heart is Laughing

Series: Dunia #2

Author: Rose Lagercrantz

Publisher: Gecko Press Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC

Illustrator: Eva Eriksson

Release date:  8^th August 2014

Ages: 6+
Pages: 120

Amazon – The Book Depository

Synopsis (Goodreads) Dani's been trying her best to stay happy ever since her best friend Ella moved away. But when some girls in Dani's class start being cruel to her, it starts a chain of rather unhappy events... It would all be okay if only Ella would move back.

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

My Heart is Laughing is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that focuses on a young girl named Dani who hopes that one day her best friend Ella who has moved away will return home; she has a difficult time making friends and is picked on by two other girls in her class both verbally and physically.

Dani was a really sweet character and convincing in her actions; her feelings had been hurt, she missed her best friend and she also felt guilt over an incident at school, she was a character you could sympathise with but one I also admired for her positivity and upbeat attitude.

We have dealt with bullying most recently at school so it was interesting to see how this aspect was dealt with but unfortunately for us it was unrealistic; Dani’s father’s reaction was certainly believable but the events which followed not so much.

I didn’t realise this book was a part of a series but we are keen to read the first book to see how it all started. We liked Rose Lagercrantz simplistic writing which was quite easy for my 7 year old to read and to also comprehend.

The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and captured the text perfectly.

Overall, an enjoyable story of a sweet young girl and her best friend that ends on a positive note; the true to life story was written well despite it being very different to our experiences.

I received a copy of this via the publisher/Netgally, in exchange for an honest review.

About the author: Rose Lagercrantz is a popular Swedish author of books for children as well as for adults. Her first book was published in 1973. She has received many of the top Swedish literary awards, including the August Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize.

Review: Super Red Riding Hood by Claudia Davila

Title: Super Red Riding Hood

Author: Claudia Davilla

Publisher: Kids Can Press http://www.kidscanpress.com

Release date:  1^st August 2014

Ages: 3-7 (Pre-school to 2)

Pages: 32

Synopsis (Goodreads) Ruby loves to play superhero, so when her mother gives her a "mission" that takes her into the deep, dark woods, Ruby throws on her red cloak to become? Super Red Riding Hood! Nothing can scare her -- except maybe coming face-to-face with a big bad wolf. What would a superhero do? A story of guts and girl power, this is a fun update on a familiar tale.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Super Red Riding Hood is a beautifully illustrated vibrant book and was also a lot of fun for Miss 7 to read; at only 36 pages she breezed through this with ease.

The original Little Red Riding Hood is a big favourite in this household, we have read a few variations and I have to say this was written wonderfully and was appealing to not only my daughter but I also found it a lot of fun.

Little Ruby has been asked by her mother to enter the woods and pick some raspberries, she is always after an adventure so willingly puts on her superhero red cloak and goes in search of the berries but runs into a big bad wolf and ends up befriending him! Much to our surprise but we welcomed the twist to the original story.

Overall, a simple superhero story filled with enjoyable vibrant imagery and a sweet character in Ruby.

My daughter is still singing - Quote: Who's afraid of the deep dark woods, the deep dark woods, the deep dark woods, Who's afraid of the deep dark woods, na na na not me

I received a copy of Super Red Riding Hood via the publisher/Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

About the author: In a world that’s becoming ever more digitized, Claudia Dávila remains a believer and appreciator of books you can hold in your hand. She writes, illustrates and designs books for kids of all ages, with stories and themes that encourage children to be strong, thoughtful, compassionate and responsible people. Claudia is the former art director of Chirp and chickaDEE magazines, and is the author-illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel series The Future According To Luz and the picture book Super Red Riding Hood. Claudia was born in Santiago, Chile, and now makes her home in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

Recipe: Coconut and Apricot Oat Balls #Toddlersnacks

Coconut and Apricot Oat Balls

It’s winter school holidays here in Australia and quite chilly to do much outside with two sickly kids so we have spent a lot of time indoors doing craft and cooking.

I am thankful my kids love to cook, I just wish the fussy little people would eat it as well. Miss 7 will try anything; Mstr 9 on the other hand will look at something, squirm and run a mile.

With a bit of a sweet tooth, I’m also trying out recipes that are not only delicious but relatively healthy as well.

Looking through the pantry this morning we decided to try out Coconut and Apricot Oat Balls.

This was relatively easy although a little messy.

Ingredients

·         1 cup oats (we used Uncle Toby porridge Oats)

·         Handful chia seeds

·         1 ½ cups Apricots

·         ½ cup desiccated coconut

·         2 tbsp maple syrup

·         1 tbsp vanilla extract

Method

1.   We used a food processor although I’m sure a blender, mix master etc. can also be used and added the dried apricots, we pulsed it until the apricots were broken down.

2.   We then added the remaining ingredients until it was fully blended

3.   Master 9 & Miss 7 had a great time rolling the mixture into small sized balls and then the coconut to coat

4.   This mixture made 22 balls; we placed them in the fridge to harden and then a container to store.

Verdict! So delicious, they are going to make the perfect lunchbox snack.

This recipe was altered originally from this recipe I found on Vegangela’s wonderful blog page.

Up next: Date balls with cocoa dusting- mmmm..

Bloomsbury reveals new children’s jacket for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

IT’S TIME TO PASS THE MAGIC ON...

Bloomsbury reveals new children’s jacket for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

As part of the new look for the children’s hardback and paperback editions of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series, Bloomsbury Children’s Books today reveals the cover for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Illustrated by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, the jacket depicts Harry’s Patronus and the Dementors. All seven new editions will be published on 1st September 2014 and will also be exclusively available in eBook format at the Pottermore Shop.

Jonny Duddle is best known for his award-winning picture books, including The Pirate Cruncher and The Pirates Next Door (winner of the Waterstones Children’s Prize and shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize). He has a background in the computer games industry and is highly skilled at character development. His work has appeared in Aardman films and Terry Pratchett novels.

http://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com

About Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is lucky to reach the age of thirteen, since he has survived the murderous attacks of the feared Dark Lord on more than one occasion. His hopes for a quiet school term concentrating on Quidditch are dashed, though, when a maniacal mass-murderer escapes from Azkaban, pursued by the soul-sucking Dementors who guard the prison. It’s assumed that Hogwarts is the safest place for Harry to be. But is it his imagination that is making him feel eyes watching him in the dark, and should he be taking Professor Trelawney’s ghoulish predictions seriously?

These new editions of the classic and internationally bestselling, multi-award-winning series feature instantly pick-up-able new jackets by Jonny Duddle, with huge child appeal, to bring Harry Potter to the next generation of readers. It’s time to PASS THE MAGIC ON …

- See more at: http://bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban-9781408855676/#sthash.OG6i7UQW.dpuf

  

Review: Tika the Glass Jar by Tricia Chinn Campbell

Title: Tika the Glass Jar

Author: Tricia Chinn Campbell

Publisher: Blissful Thinking Publishing

Release date:  1^st September 2014

Synopsis (Goodreads)

The recycling world has discovered a new heroine. Introducing Tika The Glass Jar!

Tika is a glass jar (aka a "glassie") whose dream is to one day be recycled into a medicine bottle. In our world, that would be equivalent to becoming a nurse or doctor. Through her recycling adventures, she comes across interesting characters and situations that both challenge and develop her moral compass.

Tika the Glass Jar supports the sustainable living effort, and teaches kids to recycle and care for the earth - through the introduction of a fun set of characters that they will surely fall in love with.

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

Tika the Glass Jar was a quick, fun and easy read – a little too easy for my 7 year old but enjoyable none the less.

At the beginning of the book we meet Tika, a baby food jar of carrots waiting on a shelf to be chosen by a family to be taken home; she is excited about the possibility of being recycled or as she thinks of it going on an adventure with her biggest wish being recycled into a medicine bottle so she can help sick people.

The jars are known as Glassies and each have a purpose or a wish of what they want to be, it was a nice journey to see what would become of them and my daughter was eager to see if Tika would get her wish. Glassies with a positive attitude are happy and attract good things.

Quote: Be careful about what you wish for and the ideas you believe in. They might just come true.

I was unable to see any illustrations in my eBook copy of this book so unfortunately I can’t comment on this aspect but the front cover is vibrant and eye-catching.

The basic message is accept what you are and see the beauty in everything and what you have to offer; every product (or person) has a purpose which I think is a wonderful message for a child.

Thank you to Blissful Thinking Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Tika the Glass Jar.

www.tikatheglassjar.com

About the author: Tika The Glass Jar is Tricia's sophomore literary effort. Inspired by School House Rock's "I'm just a bill", Tricia breathed life into an inanimate object - Tika The Glass Jar - and created her to be a spirited character who puts some fun into recycling.

In a previous life, Tricia was a professional butt kisser in the advertising industry. Years later, she happily traded in her career to be a stay-at-home mom to two sprightly kids and focus on her literary career as a children's author. 

Review: Kai and the Magic Jacket by Tricia Chinn Campbell

Title: Kai and the Magic Jacket

Author: Tricia Chinn Campbell

Publisher: Blissful Thinking Publishing

Release date:  1^st August 2014

Pages: 36

Synopsis (Goodreads)

When Kai receives an anonymous gift, he is unexpectedly introduced to ancestors from another time. In this coming of age story, Kai is offered guidance (with a little humor) while confronted with choices and peer pressure. "Kai And The Magic Jacket" will encourage children to develop their instinct and confidence - when it comes to making the right decisions.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

My daughter’s first comment when reading this book was how amazing would it be to have a special magical jacket to help us know what is right or wrong; in this instance it was to help a little boy named Kai who received this special gift anonymously.

Kai and the Magic Jacket was written well and is an easy book to understand, both my 7 year and 9 year old read a page each and besides a few  names they needed help with, they found it relatively easy.

The illustrations are wonderful and we also enjoyed the small tidbits about the Chinese traditions, the wisdom of Kai’s ancestors and the small pieces of humour.

The underlying message of kindness, values and understanding was portrayed in an easy to understand manner and the bullying was written well and not over the top.

Quote: A brave man does what is right; not what someone else wants him to do.

Thank you to Blissful Thinking Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Kai and the Magic Jacket.