G.P. Putnam Books For Young Readers ARC Review: Prince and Pirate (Author-Charlotte Gunnufson & Illustrator-Mike Lowery)

Prince and Pirate

Author: Charlotte Gunnufson

Illustrator: Mike Lowery

Publication Date: May 9th, 2017

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

When two little fish with big personalities have to share the same tank, there are rough seas ahead!
Prince and Pirate are proud masters of their very own fishbowls, and life goes along swimmingly--until they're scooped up and plopped into shared waters.
Prince is horrified to find this cheeky cod trespassing in his kingdom.
Pirate is sure this scurvy sea slug has come to plunder his treasure.
Thus, a battle of regal sneers, seaworthy stink-eyes, and off-the-hook insults begins.
Prince and Pirate's hilarious duel for territory will elicit gales of giggles, hearty guffaws, and heartfelt smiles. Just when it seems their struggle might end in a silly stalemate, a little surprise convinces them to find a way to get along--swimmingly. 

Amazon * B & N * Indiebound

Charlotte is the author of Prince and Pirate (Penguin/Putnam, May 2017) and Halloween Hustle (Two Lions, September 2013), picture books for kids ages 3-9. Watch the giggle-inducing trailers at booksbycharlotte.com, and get lots of fun, free, kid-friendly stuff: coloring pages, music, mazes, word puzzles, crafts, activity kits for teachers, and more.Charlotte loves making kids laugh and getting them jazzed up about reading. Contact her via her website about scheduling a visit at a school, library or bookstore near you. Events include an interactive reading, guessing game, action rhymes, crafts, music, dancing and more.Charlotte grew up in Minnesota, bossed by an older sister (who once tricked Charlotte into eating a worm) and pestered by a younger brother (who, among other misdemeanors, blew out the candles on Charlotte's birthday cake). Charlotte has since escaped to Iowa, where she write and teaches Zumba Fitness classes. She has one handsome husband, two blue cats, and three remarkable children.
In addition to picture books, Charlotte writes poems which have appeared in Highlights, Highlights High Five and Hello, Cricket, Spider, Ladybug, Babybug, Jack & Jill, Humpty Dumpty, and Turtle magazines.

http://www.booksbycharlotte.com/

Mike Lowery is an illustrator whose work appears in everything from greeting cards to children’s books—and Workman’s Kid’s Awesome Activity Calendar. In Doodle Adventures™ – the first series Mike has written and illustrated – he invites readers to doodle along with him and Carl the Duck. Mike shares more of his work at mikelowery.com and @mikelowerystudio on Instagram.

He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and daughter.

Click here for Mike's Website!

"When two little fish with big personalities have to share the same tank,

 there are rough seas ahead!"

Prince and Pirate is fun children's book full of bright, vivid illustrations that will engage the reader and a fun, entertaining story that will keep the reader's attention right up until the last page. 

Prince and Pirate tell the story of two fish who both want to be the "king" of the fish tank and they both work so hard to prove who is the best...until......a new fish arrives. Once DogFish arrives both Prince and Pirate forget all about who is the best and they work together to try to make DogFish feel welcome.

The "pirate" language that both Prince and Pirate use throughout the book is funny and kids will love reading this fun and entertaining story. Both Pirate and Prince are hard-headed, determined characters and neither wants to budge on who "rules" the fish tank. The words they use are supposed to be mean and stern but they really just end up sounding silly and kids will laugh at their attempts to be the ruler of the fish tank. 

The best part about this book is how the story shows kids how important it is to put your differences aside and work together. Life is much more fun with friends instead of being alone and friendship makes everyone happy! 

"With the lively little dogfish, 

Prince and Pirate cavorted from castle to schooner, 

corner to corner to corner to corner.

Happy, by golly,

so thar-she-blows jolly,

and the teensiest bit tuckered out."

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

**I want to say Thank You to G.P. Putnam Books For Younger Readers for the opportunity to review this book!!**

Children's Book Review: You Can Do It, Stinky Face!! (Lisa McCourt)

Board Book, 32 pages
Published March 29th 2016

Publisher: Scholastic

Author: Lisa McCourt

Stinky Face has a lot of questions, and his patient mama always knows how to reassure her little Stinky Face with the right answers!

This time, Stinky Face is struggling with confidence and having some doubts about his abilities. Luckily, Mama knows the magic words: "You can do it, Stinky Face!"
Readers will enjoy Stinky Face's wild adventures while being reassured that it's okay to feel afraid sometimes. But they have the strength to overcome it -- just like Stinky Face does. A perfect year-round Stinky Face story with a gentle nod to graduation and transitions!

I’m a lover of all things writerly. I can help you create whatever it is you’re needing written. I’ll write it for you; I’ll write it with you; or I’ll hold your hand while you write it yourself. Pop me a note and tell me what you need.
Oh, but maybe you clicked here looking for my credentials. Here’s the official bio for conferences and such:
Lisa McCourt is a bestselling author and ghost-blogger specializing in the field of personal transformation. Her joyful passion for the power of words has propelled a diverse publishing career studded with industry awards, starred reviews, international honors, and mega-sales.
On the secret side of Lisa’s publishing path, she’s been the silent ghostwriter for many prominent thought-leaders, from New York Times bestselling authors to Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Hollywood stars. Protected by ironclad confidentiality, her clients have appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, The Dr. Oz Show, The View, and The Nancy Grace Show.
Lisa has also penned over three dozen books in her own name (including the modern classic, I Love You, Stinky Face) that have together sold over seven million copies. Published by Hay House, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, McGraw Hill, and Health Communications, her books have won publishing awards, been featured on Lifetime TV, Fox News, CNN, and PBS, garnered praise from over 200 reviewers, and been translated into 11 languages.
For over a decade, Lisa has shared her creativity secrets on stages around the world. A former popular CBS Radio host and a frequent speaker at both writing conferences and self-growth events, she brings her passion and unique blend of skill-sets to an eclectic career path that is ever mysteriously unfolding, just the way she likes it.

http://www.lisamccourt.com/

You Can Do It, Stinky Face! is the perfect childrens book for younger kids. The book is easy to hold with little fingers and is illustrated with bright vivid colors which help to keep the child's attention. It also encourages children to use their imagination when reading and love how the mom in the story is always encouraging the child to look at the good in every experience and shows the child how to be positive in every situation.

You Can Do It, Stinky Face really focuses on the special connection between a mother and her child and being a Mom myself...well this just made me smile.

You Can Do It, Stinky Face! is a precious children's book that reflects the beautiful love between a mother and her child and is perfect for young children and parents to encourage special moments during reading time. 

5 Star Children's Book Review & AWESOME Giveaway: Storm Buddies (Melissa Pope)

Paperback, 24 pages
Published August 30th 2013 by 1st Books

Storm Buddies is a fictional tale about a little boy named Tommy who is terrified of stormy weather. Tommy overcomes this fear with the help of three small animals, called The Storm Buddies, who live in a cloud pillow under Tommy's bed. The Storm Buddies have superpowers that help calm Tommy during scary thunderstorms, ultimately comforting him to sleep. 

Click here to purchase Storm Buddies!!

Melissa Pope is a children's book author, and Storm Buddies is her first book. Before becoming an author, Melissa was an elementary teacher. She and her husband have been married for 23 years, and they live with their three sons in the St Louis area.

Click here to contact Melissa!!

I was so excited when I got the opportunity to review this adorable book! I loved all the simple yet eye-catching images within the story that are drawn with bright, bold colors and easy wording that will help hold a child's attention. 

Storms are scary to not only children but adults as well so when I saw this book that could help children to overcome their fears...I jumped at the chance to review it. 

Storm buddies help to comfort children when they are scared due to bad weather and storms. The child can talk and pray with their new buddies about their fears and issues with storms and how/why they scare them. Storm buddies have superhero powers that can help make the child feel safer during a storm. 

I think this is a great book for parents to use with their children that can create a calming environment and can make the child feel safer. 

The storm cloud pillow and the buddies are attractive to kids and get them interested in the book and hearing the story and then once they open up the storm cloud and see the surprises waiting inside then they are happy and smiling at their new toys. 

"Just tell us what you are afraid of and we can use our super powers to help. We will watch over you all day and night. We will be BUDDIES forever!!"

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Children's Book Review: Flossopher and the Brushing Trees (Dr. Mike King & Rick Ellis)

FLOSSOPHER AND THE BRUSHING TREES

An Adventure for Young Tooth Brushers

by “Dr. Mike” King

Illustrations by Rick Ellis

Flossopher knows everything there is to know about taking care of teeth. He lives in the Brite forest,
where his job is to make sure that all his friends keep their teeth clean and sparkly.

Flossopher and the Brushing Trees is an adventure book for young tooth brushers; a children's book that teaches the importance of taking care of your teeth. The Brite Forest is where Flossopher lives with his friends. The evil Cavidorg plots to steal the magic Brushing Crown from Sparkla, the mother of all Brushing Trees. Without the toothbrushes that the Brushing Trees grow, no one will brush, and everyone's teeth will turn rotten. That way Cavidorg's plant, Denture-Con, can make even more fake teeth for the world. Flossopher must find a way to defeat Cavidorg and keep all the teeth in the Brite Forest clean and healthy.

“My favorite children’s book that shows the importance of brushing and taking care of your teeth!”

~Dr. Charles Kaner, Chief of Dental Perio Division, Mt. Sinai Hospital

Mike King, also known as “Dr. Mike,” is a pediatric dentist who uses jokes and magic tricks to entertain his patients. He wrote this story because even though Flossopher and Cavidorg are made-up characters, the cavity bugs are not. And he’s determined to outwit them. He writes screenplays and does stand-up comedy in New York City (performing as "The Fifth Dentist" -- as in, Four out of five dentists recommend sugarless gum, well-he's the fifth!), where he lives with his wife, Sophie, and their daughter, Annabelle. You can find out more about Dr. Mike and his practice at FunDentists.com, and more about his book at Flossopher.com. Check out SidsTreasureDenver.com to explore his upcoming play - The Fifth Dentist: In Search of Sid's Treasure or http://thefifthdentist.com/ for more about his standup act.
Rick Ellis is a cartoonist-illustrator who has worked on several children’s books and is the cartoonist for the syndicated cartoon strip Half Baked Comics. With his wife and five children, he enjoys life and all the beauty and humor that life provides. You can view more of Rick’s work at HalfBakedComics.com.

*Note: a portion of the profits from books sold will be donated to Smile Train (http://www.smiletrain.org/). 

FLOSSOPHER AND THE BRUSHING TREES

An Adventure for Young Tooth Brushers 

by “Dr. Mike” King // Illustrations by Rick Ellis

The Fifth Dentist 

Summer 2015 // Ages 3+

*$11.95-Hardcover // ISBN 978-0-9909484-0-7

Flossopher.com

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the beautiful, bold, and bright colors throughout the book. The illustrations are captivating and keep children engaged and interested in the story that is being told. 

Flossopher and The Brushing Trees is a cute story that teaches kids the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy while also engaging them in a cute story that will keep their attention. 

I loved the addition of the interactive game that has children search through the book to find the hidden"tooth-care kits". 

Yet, my favorite part about this entire book is that part of the profits from every sale will be donated to Smile Train to help provide dental needs to children who need it. 

Overall, Flossopher and The Brushing Trees is a very cute story that can help parents introduce teeth cleaning and the importance of maintaining healthy teeth to young children. 

Gallup Press Children's Book Review: How Full Is Your Bucket (Tom Rath)

Hardcover, 32 pages
Published April 1st 2009 by Gallup Press

Through the story of a little boy named Felix, this charming book explains to children how being kind not only helps others, it helps them, too. As he goes about his day, Felix interacts with different people — his sister Anna, his grandfather, other family and friends. Some people are happy, but others are grumpy or sad. Using the metaphor of a bucket and dipper, Felix’ grandfather explains why the happy people make Felix feel good, while the others leave him feeling bad — and how Felix himself is affecting others, whether he means to or not. This beautifully illustrated adaptation takes the original book’s powerful message — that the way we relate to others has a profound effect on every aspect of our lives — and tailors it to a child’s unique needs and level of understanding. 

Amazon * B & N * Indigo 

Tom Rath is an author and researcher who studies the role of human behavior in business, health, and well-being. He has been described by business leaders and the media as one of the greatest thinkers and nonfiction writers of his generation.
Tom has written six New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers over the past decade, starting with the #1 New York Times bestseller How Full Is Your Bucket? His book StrengthsFinder 2.0 was the top-selling book of 2013 and 2014 worldwide on Amazon.com. Tom’s latest bestsellers are Strengths Based Leadership, Wellbeing, and Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes. In total, his books have sold more than 6 million copies and have made more than 300 appearances on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list.
Tom’s latest bestseller, Are You Fully Charged? The Three Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life is receiving acclaim as “Rath’s best book yet” and is the subject of a feature-length documentary in late stages of production. This book and his second children’s book, The Rechargeables, were released in May of 2015.
Tom previously served as vice chairman of the VHL cancer research organization. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, where he is now a regular guest lecturer. Tom, his wife, Ashley, and their two children live in Arlington, Virginia.

Tom's Website

"When Felix wakes up one morning, he finds an invisible bucket floating overheard.

A rotten morning threatens his mood-and his bucket- drop by drop.

Can Felix discover how to refill his bucket before its completely empty?"

How Full Is Your Bucket is an inspirational children's book that is filled with metaphors to help children to see how to view right and wrong. Felix's grandfather explains to him that everyone has a bucket and depending on his and other's actions...his bucket can either be full or empty and it is up to others to help fill or remove the water from your bucket. 

I thoroughly enjoyed how this book teaches kids to see how their words and actions can affect other people and how by just one kind word a person can change someone's entire outlook for the day. 

How Full Is Your Bucket explains how being nice and honest can make such a huge difference in someone's life.

I loved the illustrations in this book as well...they were so bright and colorful and full of emotion. You can see the genuine emotion on all of the characters faces both when they are happy and when they are sad. I recommend this book to all parents who have young children in school. This is a perfect book to help them learn right and wrong and how their actions affect others. 

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

**I want to say Thank You to Gallup Press for the opportunity to review this book!!**

ARC Children's Book Review: Scarecrow Magic (Author-Ed Masessa & Illustrator- Matt Myers)

Hardcover, 32 pages
Expected publication: June 30th 2015 

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic

After nightfall, Scarecrow and friends have a playtime adventure!
Scarecrow plays by the light of the moon.He jumps rope and dances and belts out a tune.Ghoulies and ghosties have fun through the night.Then as the sun rises, they scurry from sight.
As night time falls and the moon appears, magic is building in the air. The time has finally come, and Scarecrow is ready to play. Slowly, all his friends start to arrive and they all have a good time. But soon, playtime is over and the sun starts to rise. Back at his post, Scarecrow bids his friends good night as he thinks of the next time the moon will rise and the magic will return.
SCARECROW MAGIC is spooky fun that's just perfect for Halloween!

Pre-Order Links: 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo 

Ed Masessa is the author of The Wandmaker's Guidebook, Travel-Size Pups Around the World, and Mixed-Up Pups. He currently loves in Winter Springs, Florida. 

Matt Myers is the illustrator of children's books Battle Bunny, A is for Musk Ox, Tyrannosaurus Dad, and EIEIO How Old Macdonald Got His Farm with a Little Help From a Hen. He lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit him online at www.myerspaints.com.

"Scarecrows play by the light of the moon. 

He jumps rope and dances and belts out a tune. 

Ghoulies and ghosties have fun throught the night

Then as the sun rises, they scurry from sight."

The first thing that caught my eye when I started reading Scarecrow Magic were the illustrations. The characters drawn are so colorful and full of life. The creatures are spooky and yet not too scary. 

All of the "monsters" are portrayed dancing around and having fun and enjoying normal kid games. I love how the illustrator makes even the scariest creature/monster look happy and cheerful! 

Yet, my most favorite part of the book is close to the end where all the monsters are getting ready to turn in for the day...Some go back to their trees and some dig down in the ground. The picture shows a Momma ghoul and a baby ghoul curled up in the ground and the Momma is reading a bedtime story to the baby. So cute! Even monsters need their bedtime stories! :)

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

**I want to say Thank You to Scholastic for the opportunity to review this book!!**

Farrar Straus Giroux ARC Children's Review: My Dog Is The Best (Laurie Ann Thompson)

Hardcover, 40 pages
Expected publication: June 9th 2015 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

What do you get when you combine one energetic, enthusiastic little boy with his sleepy but tolerant dog? Unconditional love.Using simple words and spare illustrations, My Dog Is the Best celebrates the special bond that exists between a young child and a beloved family pet. It’s the heartwarming story of two best friends. . . told by a boy with a very active imagination. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Indigo 

Laurie writes for children of all ages. She is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young readers through nonfiction and fiction that educates as well as entertains.

My Dog Is The Best is a beautiful children's book that is full of natural, light colored drawings that attract children's attention to the book. The simple wording helps young children who are learning to read to be able to understand the story. 

I loved the different scenes with the child and his dog. The young boy uses his dog to help him face his fears and sees the dog as his protector. I loved the fireman scene where the dog is helping to save someone! So cute!!

I really enjoyed this cute children's book and enjoyed its depiction of man's best friend....or should we say "boy's" best friend! :)