Picture Book Giveaway Extravaganza!!!

Amanda over at A Patchwork of Books is having a picture book giveaway extravaganza!!!! There are some super cute books that you and your kids are sure to enjoy! To find out the details on how to enter, click here. And, be sure to do it soon . . . Deadline is Monday night!!

Good luck!!

Literary Locals: February 2009

It's time to highlight and support our local authors again!! Have you read or discovered any of your local authors this month? If so, share your treasures here!!

As for me, I have only read and reviewed one local author this month. I find this man's biography to be an very intriguing one! You do not get to experience the life of a real life Dr. Alan Grant (from Jurassic Park for those that are not familiar with this name) very often!! His name is Jack Horner and you can read his bio by clicking here. As for the book that I reviewed, it's called Digging Up Dinosaurs. The book is written for ages 9-12, but I believe that it is one that can be enjoyed by all ages!!

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Support your local authors and post a review through the comment section (either via a link or directly embedded). As reviews are posted, I will update this post to reflect your local author highlights as well!

Digging Up Dinosaurs by Jack Horner

**Young Reader Challenge**

Do you know a child that is fascinated with dinosaurs? One that can share with you all the complicated names of these reptiles but you cannot even imagine how to begin to pronounce? Digging Up Dinosaurs is the great next step for just this audience! It describes the basics of the lives of dinosaurs and goes into greater detail about how the paleontologists go about finding and excavating the bones and fossils from the prehistoric eras. And, who better to ask than the author Jack Horner . . . the Curator of Paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana and professor at Montana State University. Oh, and did I mention that he was the man behind the character of Alan Grant in Jurassic Park?!?!

Last fall, I took my kids to the Museum of the Rockies, but before going a family member gave my son this book as a gift. I was intrigued by all the random facts that I found when browsing through it and decided to take a more in-depth look at it. For me, I read it in one sitting before heading to the museum the next day. As for my son, who is a pre-reader, he likes to just look through all the pages, taking in the information that the visuals provide. For an older reader, it is one that s/he can absorb through multiple sittings and readings. We have picked up additional facts along the way each time we read it!! A couple of examples . . .

• Did you know that Montana is one of two states (the other being Utah) that one can find the largest number of the different kinds of dinosaurs?
• Did you know that most of the dinosaur bones that you see displayed in the museums are actually not the bones themselves, but rather a duplicate molded in plaster of paris or plastic resin? Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, including one at the Museum of the Rockies!!
• Did you know that there are many programs located in the Rocky Mountains in which your own child can discover the digging of dinosaurs themselves?

This is just a peak into some of the information shared in this book! It's interesting. It's informative. And, of course, it's just plain fun!!

I also thought that I would share a few photos from our own visit to the Museum of the Rockies this last fall. If you have never been, I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

Book Signings

Earlier this week, My Friend Amy brought up the discussion of book signings. I was fascinated by this post and the responses that she was getting that I thought that I would post my thoughts on my own blog!!

Back in 2003-ish, a friend and I had heard that James Patterson was coming to a local independent bookstore for a reading and book signing. I had never been to a book event before and decided to give it a try. I wanted a chance to hear the author speak in person and to be honest, I thought it would be really cool to get a book signed by an author just to have it. Needless to say, I never realized how much I would fall in love with book events from this one experience!!

Since my first experience, I have had the opportunity to experience many more of these events and I am always up for another! Some of my personal favorites . . . Patrick McManus, Gregory Maguire, and Khaled Hosseini. Each of the events that I have been to have had different formats, so I love them for different reasons. It's really hard to compare them all when the authors are from different genres, the events are formatted differently, etc.

As for the signed books . . . I originally thought it would be cool just to have a signed book. Today, I treasure these books!! Some of them are my personal favorite reads, so it just adds to my own personal value of them. I could not tell you the monetary value, but it really does not matter to me. I have no intentions to rid myself of them anyways. I simply like the stories behind the books themselves, not just the ones that are within the pages (i.e., where I bought the book, the sentimental value behind it, etc.).

And, for the technical aspects of book signings, I really think that there are some unwritten rules that all participants should follow! First and foremost, don't bring a whole bag of books to be signed! This is not only disrespectful to all the others waiting patiently in line as well as to those hosting the event (that do not want to waiting around for hours!), but I also am curious to know what the author thinks of it! (Maybe an author or two can weigh in on their thoughts? Do they find it flattering or annoying?) Secondly, I also believe that it is a nice way for you as a participant to show your thanks to the bookstore or organizer to purchase a book and support them in return. More than likely, it is your purchases that allows them to bring the author to you in the first place . . . especially if it is a local independent bookstore! And, thirdly, please turn off your cell phones or put them on vibrate during the event. This not only shows respect to the author for taking his/her time to speak with the group, but it is also respectful of your fellow listeners as well!!

Now that I've weighed in, what do you think?

Free Book Fridays!!

So, do you like FREE books? I sure do!! I just discovered this website through another blog (sorry, I cannot remember which one!!) and I knew that I had to spread the news here as well!!

Free Book Friday, or FBF, is a site in which FREE books are given away every Friday. I guess the name really says it all!! To top it off, the authors are interviewed and the books given away are signed!! How awesome is that?!?! Oh, and did I mention that there is also a YA/Teen version as well?!?!

For more information, check out the websites! Maybe it will be you who receives one of the next FREE & SIGNED books!!!

Free Book Friday

Free Book Friday Teens

Poe Fridays: Hop-Frog

Hop-Frog (click here for an online version) is yet another Poe tale of revenge and murder. The title character is a dwarf and jester for the king's court. Poe writes of Hop-Frog's sadistic revenge when the king makes him drink, and ultimately, throws the wine contents on the dwarf's beloved when he hesitates to drink more. Truly, the revenge seems a bit overboard for this act; however, when this story is taken in context with Poe's life, it makes much more sense. The parallelism can be explained by a passage written by Philip Van Doren Stern, editor of The Portable Poe . . .

"This story was written in February 1849, just eight months before its author's death. It was written after Poe's wife had died of poverty and starvation, after a lifetime of rejection and failure, and immediately after the humuliating experience Poe had gone through with Mrs. Whitman and her family and friends. Unable to take physical revenge upon those who had made him suffer, he struck back at them in his daydreams and - symbolically - in his writing."

Wondering what the experience was with Mrs. Whitman? In a nutshell, Poe tried to court Mrs. Sarah Helen Whitman. Among many protestations from family and friends, Whitman finally agreed to become his wife under the condition that he would quit drinking. Prior to the ceremony, Poe showed up drunk and Whitman was pressured to live up to her earlier agreement. Melodrama resulted and Whitman's mother called off the wedding.

I still think a bit overboard, but can we really expect any less from the wonderful Poe?!?!

For Kristen's response (from We Be Reading), click here. Next week . . . Never Bet the Devil Your Head: A Tale With a Moral . . . I actually don't think that I have read this one, but the title is intriguing enough!! Until next time . . .

Playing Catch Up!

For those that check my blog regularly, I'm sorry that I have not posted in a while! I've actually started a few reviews, but never get them finished. Apparently, my children seem to think that they are more important than my blogging!! Ha, ha, ha!! Well, today is the day that I plan to get caught up . . . or at least somewhat!! I've got a huge stack of books sitting next to me that I've been meaning to review and at least one of them is already past its due date at the library!! (You would think that with all the time I spend online that I would have a second to renew my books!) So, that is my goal today . . . to play catch up!! I guess we will see how it goes! Oh, and for those reviews that I've started, I plan to publish them under the date that I had originally started them . . . so, be checking below this post for more updated reviews!!

Oh, and I can't forget to post my GREAT news!! I was one of the lucky winners over at Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic of The Terror by Dan Simmons!! I can't wait to get the book and start reading it!!

February: These Books Were Made For Walking!

These Books Were Made For Walking is hosted by Strumpet's Life. Here's the post from this month . . .

Just to refresh our memories ... I am inviting you on the 3rd Wednesday of every month to think about a topic that has to do with books and travel. So, here is the topic for this month:

Is there a place that you have always dreamed of visiting specifically because of a book you read? It can be any kind of book: fiction, non-fiction, travelogue, you name it. If you have been to the place, did it live up to your expectations? If you haven't been, do you think you'll ever make it there?

Because I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, I'm going to have to go with a fictional location here . . . Hogwarts!! I know, I know . . . the true nerd in me is coming out now!! I am not afraid to admit it though!! I would love to be able to walk through the halls of the infamous wizarding school, to talk to the paintings, to be graced with a visit from Myrtle, to maybe step foot into The Forbidden Forest . . . really, there is adventure around every corner in that place!! Obviously, I have never been there, but the good news is that I hope to someday. I hope to use my kids as an excuse to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort once it opens sometime next year!

Now, don't be shy . . . where would you like to visit?

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann

**Young Readers Challenge**

Have you ever heard of Robert Smalls? Prior to reading this nonfiction children's picture book, I had not. However, after reading, I have to wonder why. Smalls was a man of such bravery and courage. A man that made his mark in our history. A man that was born a slave, saw and experienced the injustices brought upon his race, and not only sailed himself and his family to safety and freedom, but his entire crew as well.

Seven Miles to Freedom is the perfect book to discuss history and to honor the many that have sacrificed their lives for the cause of equality. It is a book that is particularly of importance and relevance this month, Black History Month.

In addition to the "big picture" topics, details arise from this book that create even further conversations with your child(ren). I have included a couple of examples below:

• When Elizabeth was born (Robert and Hannah's first-born child), she was considered to be the property of Hannah's master. During that time in our history, African-American children technically did not belong to their parents. There were not even really considered to be individuals themselves; merely a piece of property, just like a home, a piece of land, or even something as simple as a pair of shoes. What do you think that would have been like? Do you feel like you are a piece of property? (Additional history can also be outlined here in regards to additional children's rights in the 1900's.)
• As a slave, Smalls was required to fight for a cause he did not believe in . . . slavery and the superiority of one race. He made the choice to change this and fight for the cause that he did believe in . . . equality and justice for ALL. How do you think this affects you today? What is important to you when making your personal choices?

Obviously, this book and my personal questions above are targeted for an older crowd. The recommended age group is actually 6-11 years. Some questions and additional discussion topics I've addressed may be for the later recommended years.

Overall, Halfmann has brought us another great educational book! Small's story is an amazing and inspiring one. It is stories, real-life documentaries, just like this one that can help us all to better understand the struggles and the sacrifices that have been made, and ultimately, will help us to be able to truly recognize the greatness of ALL individuals, despite the differences that may exist. Afterall, President Barack Obama stated it beautifully in his inauguration address, "Our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness."

For additional information on this book and other titles focusing on diversity, please visit Lee & Low Books.

Review copy provided by author

Poe Fridays: The Black Cat

The short story, The Black Cat, may not be as well known as such Poe tales as Annabel Lee or The Tell-Tale Heart, but it is one that is just as well-written. Poe does not disappoint. He continues with another story filled with terror (once again beginning with an evil eye!). The main character again is truly believed to be a good, kind, and gentle man, but a force beyond his control brings out the worst in him. The force this time . . . alcohol. I do not deny that alcohol can bring out the evil in some individuals (we have probably all seen evidence in this), but I do find it interesting that once again Poe's characters and their evil doings all are rooted in outside sources . . . sickness, alcohol, black cats, evil eyes, etc. I was glad to see, however, that the main character was caught in the act; that he would suffer the consequences of his actions.

Before I say too much, I had better stop there. If you would like to read this short story in its entirety, click here.

Poe Fridays is hosted by We Be Reading. You can read Kristen's response to this short story here. Next week: Hop-Frog

The Conspiracy Club by Jonathan Kellerman

**A to Z Challenge**

Kellerman does it again! He never ceases to disappoint me! Granted, it is usually his books that I pick up when I need a lighter read, ones that I often will use the term "brain candy" for. However, he is always one that I can rely on for something I can get lost in without having to do too much thinking! I can just give myself away to the story!

The Conspiracy Club introduces a new main character of Kellerman's . . . Dr. Jeremy Carrier, a somewhat inexperienced young psychologist thrust into the world of violent crime when he loses his romance to a grisly murder. Due to the circumstances, not only does Carrier get questioned by the local authorities, but he also begins to question himself . . . is he an imposter in his own shoes? I found it intriguing and very realistic to bring about Carrier doubting himself. Afterall, don't we all often have our doubts, question our self-esteem, and wonder if we are an imposter at what we do?

Oh, and I cannot forget to mention the added dimension of Dr. Arthur Chess, a pathologist that befriends Carrier that adds even more mystery and puzzlement to his life and the story as a whole! Chess is one enigmatic character that kept me guessing the majority of the story, until I finally connected all the clues!

Overall, a good, quick, and easy read!

Animals of the Bible, A Picture Book by Dorothy Lathrop

**Young Readers Challenge**

Animals of the Bible, A Picture Book illustrated by Dorothy P. Lathrop was the first ever recipient of the Caldecott Medal in 1938. Lathrop's black-and-white illustrations beautifully depict many stories of the Bible associated with animals, from their creation to those saved on Noah's Ark and finally closing with "The Peaceable Kingdom." I personally was impressed with the detail of the artwork, with every last piece of fur noted on the bears and the lions, every little line on the leaves, and every scale on the reptiles. I was impressed with many of the illustrations, but my personal favorites include "The Story of the Creation of the Animals" and "The Story of the Animals Saved in the Ark."

As for the text, I feel that I am not one to comment on it! Afterall, it is text taken directly from the Bible, selected by Helen Dean Fish from the King James Version.

Poe Fridays: The Tell-Tale Heart

Ahhh . . . The Tell-Tale Heart . . . another one of my favorites by Poe! If you have not yet read this short story (and it is short!) or need a quick refresher, click here for a full online version. I highly recommend that you read it before reading any further because I will give away some of the major details below. In other words, SPOILER ALERT!!!

Kristen over at We Be Reading (and the host of this wonderful event!) says of this latest tale, "Poe has the ability to pack so much emotion and suspense into a few short pages that his stories are always compelling." I cannot agree with her more, particularly in regards to The Tell-Tale Heart. As the reader, you are kept on the edge of your seat with this story, wondering if this madman is going to be caught or literally get away with murder.

The narrator murders a man, simply because of his evil eye. An eye that I personally imagine to be a fake one; otherwise, why would it only be one evil eye? Maybe I'm wrong on this one, but that is how I have always imagined it while reading this story. The murderer goes to such lengths to hide the murder by dismembering the man and hiding him under the planks. A beating heart, the "tell-tale heart" is ultimately what gives the guilty man away. Though he believes the heart to be the victim buried under his very feet, does it not make more sense that the heart it truly his guilty conscience? At least this Poe character has a conscience!

Next week: The Black Cat

King Says Meyer Can't Write!

Anyone fans of Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, and/or Stephanie Meyer? If so, have you read the latest on King's opinions of the latter two? If you have not read the latest, here's a link over at the USA Weekend blog.

In a nutshell, King believes that Rowling and Meyer serve their purpose in writing for the younger crowd. The difference between the two is that Rowling is a "terrific writer" and Meyer "can't write worth a darn." He also shares his opinions on other popular writers, including Jodi Picoult, James Patterson, and Dean Koontz.

Since originally reading this article, I have come across a few other sites in which readers share their opinions on the matter. I have noticed that many have very strong reactions to his views. Many criticize him for his comments and retaliate with comments bashing his own writing. Others agree with King that Meyer is rather weak in her writing.

As for me . . . Stephen King is one of my all-time favorite authors. I remember admitting this to a friend years ago who was pursuing her doctoral degree in Linguistics at the time. She said that if the academic elite (at least in her circle) read King, they never admitted to it! Well, my opinion . . . he is a brilliant writer!! He has his books that are better than others, but most authors do. I think that he is one of the best modern authors and much of his work will not be completely appreciated until many, many years from now. He is often known as the "king" of horror, but his writing is so much more beyond the macabre. As for Meyer . . . her stories are popular. I've enjoyed them. They are definitely not the most literary or best written of the many that I have read, but they are fun nonetheless. In the end, it does not really matter to me because I personally enjoy reading books from both the literary sense as well as just for fun, all depending on my mood. But, if I had to choose between King and Meyer or even Rowling and Meyer, Meyer would lose out every time!!

What do you think about this hottest debate?

Little Skink's Tail by Janet Halfmann

While Little Skink hunts yummy ants for her breakfast, she is suddenly attacked by a crow! But she has a trick to escape - she snaps off her tail, and it keeps on wiggling! Little Skink is happy to be alive, but she misses her bright blue tail. Readers will enjoy pretending with her, trying on tail after tail. The first is too puffy-fluffy, and another too stinky! Then one day Little Skink gets a big surprise . . . and she doesn't have to dream of tails anymore.

Halfmann's "tail" is a must-read for you and your family! My son has requested that we read about Little Skink over and over again! He loves the story and the games at the end of the book, particularly the tail matching game. As for me, there are so many things that I love that I don't even know where to begin! I guess I will just have to begin listing them as I think of them . . .

• The Artwork: Illustrator Laurie Allen Klein is brilliant in her depictions of the stories! As Little Skink tries on her tails, they really do look as if they should fit! And, all the animals were just plain adorable! I've included a sample picture that also happens to be one of my favorites as an example!!
• What's Next?: My son actually caught on to this feature before I did!! Within the story, the pictures predict what tail Little Skink will try next.
• Nature Theme: Sylvan Dell Publishing prides itself on its mission, "Science and Math through Literature." Not only does Halfmann's story provide animal facts, but the activities at the end of the book provide very interesting nature facts as well. In addition, there are additional teaching activities available for this title through the publisher's website. As a parent, I thought this was a great educational addition to the book. I even learned a few things myself!!
• Beyond Science: Having worked with elementary children as a school counselor, I believe this book moves beyond the themes of science and nature into the concept of self-esteem as well. I believe that this book affirms that we are always most comfortable in our own skin.
• Request After Request: Nothing is more resounding to a parent than to have a child ask for a book to be read over and over and over again! In my mind, this alone confirms the success of a book!

Halfmann has already earned many honors and awards for Little Skink's Tail, including Learning Magazine 2009 Teacher's Choice Award, Florida Publishers Association Best Picture Book and Best Overall Book for 2008, and 2009 Mom's Choice Award. As for our household, she will also be receiving the honor of knowing that her book will be treasured by my family for many years to come! If you have not yet picked up this title, it is one that you will want to add to your child's bookshelves, whether as a parent or an educator!

Review copy provided by author

Want another opinion?
Maw Books Blog

One Winner, Three Books

It's another contest!! I'm totally loving these and I feel that I am bound to win something sooner or later, right?!?!

Becky over at Becky's Book Reviews is giving away 3 books to one lucky winner! The books include: Model Masters: Dragons, Explore Within a Medieval Castle, and The Field Guide to Safari Animals. To enter, all you have to do is click here and leave a comment! Deadline is February 15th. Good luck!!

One Book . . .

I saw this over at We Be Reading and thought that it would be fun!

One book you’re currently reading: Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
One book that changed your life: Maus & Maus II by Art Spiegelman
One book you’d want on a deserted island: Harry Potter (I'd want the entire series!)
One book you’ve read more than once: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
One book you’ve never been able to finish: I have actually finished every book that I have ever read, but the one book that took me about 3-4 times before finally getting through it was Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
One book that made you laugh: Never Sniff a Gift Fish by Patrick McManus
One book that made you cry: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
One book you keep rereading: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
One book you’ve been meaning to read: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
One book you believe everyone should read: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Finally, grab the nearest book. Open it to page 56. Find the fifth sentence:
"I don't want it to fall on her." ~Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

If you decide to share your one book wonders, comment here so I can check your's out!!

Another Giveaway!!

Stephanie over at Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic is having a giveaway of the book, The Terror by Dan Simmons. All you have to do is post a comment! How easy is that?!?! For the direct link, click here. Winners will be announced on February 16th!!

Reading To Our Children

There has been some recent online conversation over at Jen Robinson's Book Page regarding the importance of reading aloud to our children. For the full discussion, click here. Being as how this has been a passion of mine for years, I could not help but eventually post something here!

First things first . . . do I read aloud to my children? I sure do!! I believe that I take a bit of a unique approach to it, however. When my children are infants, I read CHAPTER books to them as part of our nightly routine! I'm not necessarily talking little chapter books, I'm talking series and some big ol' fat ones!! With my son, I had read aloud the first five Harry Potter books to him by the time he was five months old. Other titles included The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, and so many more. My daughter is still an infant and I have once again continued on with this tradition, reading books from the Chronicles of Narnia, Beverly Cleary titles, and more! Many wonder how I can get them to sit still for so long . . . I do it while I am nursing!! They are not going anywhere and I can't stand just sitting there not doing anything!! I believe that now that my son is older, he already has a love for reading and learning. He has not officially started school and he already "reads" in bed before turning the lights out! This is already after his dad or myself have read aloud to him. I've even caught my son "reading" to my daughter!!

A few years back, I worked in a high school classroom in which the students were reading at low elementary levels. I have seen how these students have struggled, but I have also seen how excited they get when they have seen the progress they have made or simply, finished a book that they have loved!! With my experience here, I understand Amy's perspective that she shared on her blog . . . it can be very difficult for parents to read aloud to their children if they have low reading levels. And, I was thinking to myself that are we not already preaching to the choir in the book blogosphere? We are already readers and love to share our passion for it!

As I began reading the comments, it was interesting to read all the comments and ideas shared by Jen's readers. I think some of them expanded beyond the avid readers and thought that many good ideas were shared. However, one in particular stood out to me and I felt that I had to act on it myself!

Much of the research out there that is provided through this discussion comes from the program, Reach Out and Read: a program in which this very topic is discussed and encouraged via a pediatric exam room! Since my husband will be graduating in a few short months as a doctor, I thought that this was a great medium!! However, only the AMA was brought up as a way to get the word out. For those that have forgotten or are not aware, your doctors are not always M.D.'s! You may just have a D.O. treating you and your children as well! (If you are not sure what this is, feel free to check out this website.) And, in addition to this, there are also advocate groups to both of these medical organizations (i.e., spouses, signifcant others, etc. to these doctors and the medical field)! What about them?

Well, I'm a person that does not like to just talk about being proactive, but to actually BE proactive as well!! I have already sent an email to a board member of the Advocates to the American Osteopathic Association to see what we can do!! They are meeting in the near future, so we will see what comes of it! I also intend to see if the individual advocate chapter that I am a part of can do something about this as well. And, I also plan to post something about it over at my medical blog as well later today!

Any of my other advocate readers or otherwise want to help spread the word or work with me on this one?