Heartwood hotel Book One: A True home and Book Two: The Greatest Gift Review

Book: Heartwood Hotel, Book One: A True Home, Heartwood Hotel, Book Two: The Greatest Gift
On Sale: July 4, 2017
Disney Hyperion Books
By: Kallie George
Illustrated: Stephanie Graegin
Ages: 7 - 10

Disclaimer: We received a galley copy of these books for our review/post.

     We have just finished up A True Home, where we were introduced to Mona the Mouse.  Poor Mona, has never had a place of her own, a place that she could call home.  She had been lucky to find a place, where she was currently staying, but she could not figure out,  if it was such a great place to call home, why no other animal was living there.

     Then came the storm.  A storm that beat down on her and her home and sent her off looking for shelter.  She came across places that no mouse should stay, so she scurried on.  Then the stream . . . . . .the trying to balance . . . . the falling in.  Now, Mona was at the mercy of the water. 

     Where would it lead her?? Would she be okay?? 

     What kind of adventures would she have? What new friends would she meet??

     Well, if you want to know, then you are going to have to read the book yourself. :-) 

     As stated above, we have just finished A True Home and will be moving on to The Greatest Gift.

     The kiddo has enjoyed reading about Mona the Mouse.   She has really gotten into the characters and the happenings that is going on.  She has been able to read most of it on her own.  There area few words here and there that she stumbles over.  The story is easy to understand and she can relay me back what is going on, in her own words.  So that tells me she understands what it is about.  She just mentioned that she is looking forward to starting book two and says she hopes that Mona the Mouse has more adventures down the road.  

     We believe that your children or students would enjoy this book.  That they will be able to relate to Mona and the other characters.  Why don't you check it out? The books are available in paperback ($5.99) and hardcover ($14.99) and were on sale July 4, 2017. 

     If you need help finding them, here are the codes: 

     Book One: Hardcover: 9781484731611 Paperback: 9781484746387
     Book Two: Hardcover: 9781484732342 Paperback: 9781484746394

     Many thanks to Ms. Cassie McGinty and Disney Hyperion Books for sending us a copy of these books to do a review on.  All opinions, expressed herein, are our own. 

The Gumazing Gum Girl in Gum Luck Book Review

Disclaimer:  I received an advance Uncorrected Proof copy of this book, free of charge for our review on our blog.

ABOUT GUM LUCK

Gabby Gomez is back for more gum-tastic adventures! This time she must face her first villain—but she isn’t alone. The second book in The Gumazing Gum Girl series, GUM LUCK (Disney-Hyperion | On Sale June 13, 2017) by Rhode Montijo, with Luke Reynolds, illustrated by Rhode Montijo, brings new characters and more gummy fun that will keep readers cheering for the world’s stickiest superhero.  With a gum-scented reversible cover and bold, bright illustrations, the bubbly Gum Girl is back in action.

Info:

Part of the Gumazing Gum Girl series.

180 pages

Ages 6 - 8

Grades 1 - 3

                                                      

                                                   

Review:  The kiddo is actually still reading this book and she loves it.  Which kiddo couldn't relate to being like Gabby Gomez?? When she chews gum, she turns into a super-stretchy, super-sticky superhero!  I think all of us would like to be able to that.  But Gabby being a good kid, promised her folks that she would never ever chew gum again, but then, a new villain shows up and Gabby and her friends must take him on.  Will she continue to chew gum and fight the good fight or will she stick to her word and never chew gum again??

You will have to read it to find out, we won't spoil the story.  

Oh and get this people!!!!! Your book, will have a gum scented reversible cover, how cool is that?? The kiddo, even though she hasn't finished this book yet, already wants us to get the book so she can experience the gum scent.  We will include a couple pictures from the book, but please be advised, this is an uncorrected and unfinished copy.  Your book will have bright, jump off the page illustrations, and don't forget the yummy gum scent!!!



                                                 




                                                  

Another winner from Disney Hyperion.  The kiddo thinks that this would make a good children's TV series.  

Please be sure to check out the first book in the series: The Gumazing Gum Girl: Chews Your Destiny.

Many thanks to Ms. Cassie McGinty and Disney Publishing Worldwide for letting us have the chance to enjoy the adventures of The Gumazing Girl.  We look forward to her next adventure.  

VAMPIRINA AT THE BEACH from Disney Hyperion Book Review

Vampirina At The Beach
On Sale: April 4
By: Anne Marie Pace
Illustrations by: LeUyen Pham

     Another winner from the Disney family.  Let me introduce you to Vampirina through her story Vampirina At The Beach.  

     This is such a cute story that both adults and kids alike will love it.  I'd be fibbing if I said that I can't wait for it to come to Disney Junior.   The story is well written, flows nice and easy that it is such a smooth read even for the beginning readers. 

     Obviously, it is about heading to the beach, but not your normal, its hot today, let us go to the beach, but to the beach when the summer moon is shining brightly over us, it is time to spend the night at the beach.  The story gives "tips" on what you should pack for your epic visit and what the first thing you should do when you get there (always be helpful).    Gives ideas on what you can do there, as there are so many things to do at the beach, and also, many good tips (in easy for kids to understand) on how you should act.

 

 

     The story line is great and is such a fun read and would be a treasure to add to your book shelf.  I think we can relate to Vampirina, she is girly, she is gothic, she is fun and loves her friends and family.

 

     What about those graphics?? I only shared a few pics, but wow!  The book is full of "jump off the page at you" graphics and colors. 

 

 

     And, one last word of advice, while you are sitting with your buddy, toasting marshmallows, telling stories and having fun . . . .Don't forget to make plans for your next beach adventure.

 

 



 

 

      Remember, book is on sale now from Disney: $16.99 US hardcover and also, REMEMBER Vampirina is bring herself and all her friends and family to DISNEY JUNIOR!!!! We can't wait, and I hope that you can't wait either.

 

DISCLAIMER:  Many thanks to Disney and Ms. McGinty for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs the opportunity to review this book.  We received a copy at no cost for our honest review on our blog.  All opinions are our own.

 

 

Soldier Song: A True Story Of The Civil War by Debbie Levy & Illustrated by Gilbert Ford

 

 

     I am a history buff and love almost everything about it.  In school, it was my favorite subject.  One of the times in our history that has had my interests peeked was the time of The Civil.  Though the Civil War took place across many different geographical locations, I was always fascinated with Gettysburg.  This past year, we were finally able to take a trip there and spend a few days walking around the town, the monuments and spending an endless amount of time on the battlefield. I would highly recommend you going if you haven't.  It is a moving experience.

 

     Being that we are a homeschooling family, one of the educational subjects that I wanted to teach this year was the Civil War, and where else can you learn about it, then going to the places that the battles were fought.  There were many places and many battles. Just at this time that we were learning about it, I received the opportunity (thank you to Ms. C McGinty, Disney Publishing Worldwide) to do a book review called Soldier Song: A True Story Of The Civil War written by Debbie Levy and Illustrated by Gilbert Ford.



 

     It is a non-fiction book that tells one of those more positive aspects from a soldiers view that was going on in a very awful time for them and our country.  It is based around an event that happened during the siege of Fredericksburg.

Our thoughts on it:
    
     We used this book as a supplement for what I was covering with our child about the war.  I mainly just wanted to touch base on some of the important parts of the war and what the turning point was.  Our daughter is only elementary age so we did not dive into all aspects of The Civil War, that will come at a later date.

     The story is wonderful.  Well written and keeps you turning the pages.  In my opinion in is for an older elementary child as some of the words are advanced.  But, you can do as we did and read it together.  The illustrations are wonderful.  Colorful. And paint a "beautiful" picture of a devastating time, as does the story. 

     One thing that I really love is that the author has also included a timeline of events.  This will come in handy for anyone that is learning about the Civil War. 

    
     This story will be a valuable resource for years to come. 

     If you are interested in obtaining this book, it was available for sale on February 7, 2017 from Disney Hyperion.  If you are a history buff, homeschooler, or just someone that really loves learning about history I would recommend it.

Disclaimer:

I received no monetary compensation for this post.  However, I did receive a copy of the book so that we could do a proper book review and state our opinion, but all opinions are our own.

I Love My Grandma Book by Giles Andreae and Illustrated by Emma Dodd Review

By: Giles Andreae

Illustrated: Emma Dodd

On Sale: December 6, 2016

Disney-Hyperion

Price: $16.99.

Age Group: 3-5 years of age.

32 pages

Also available via eBook.

Summary:  Story of the love between a Grandma and a Grandchild and the adventures that they have.

Our Review:

As you can see, our kiddo falls out of the recommended age group for this book, but since she loves to read, pretty much anything she gets her hands on, I knew that she would enjoy this book as well.  

If your child is on the younger end of the scale, this would be a good read together book with their Grandma (or Mom, Dad, etc). Our kiddo loved the book, besides telling me that she does, the fact that she has now read it just about every night before bed, lets us know that she really does.  We loved the story line.  Easy for younger kids to understand and they can put themselves in the story and relate to it because these are probably activities that they have done themselves.  

I think that the highlight of receiving this book for me, was on Christmas morning.  My husband's mother came over and the kiddo told her that she had something to read to her, with a "this is what you and I do when I come to visit."  She then proceeded to read the story to her Grandma, who was just about in tears when she was done.  Was a very touching moment between the two of them. 

The story line is fun and heartwarming.  

Then, you need to check out the illustrations.  They are colorful, expressive and jump right off the page. They show the love between the Grandma and the child as well as all the fun things that they do together.  Of course, at the end, though they have had a ton of fun, it is nice to go back home to Mom. 

In closing, we truly do believe that you would love this book.  This would be a perfect present to have your child give to that special Grandma in their lives.  

Happy reading!!!

Other books in this series:

I Love My Mommy

I Love My Daddy

I Love You, Baby

DISCLAIMER: I received this book free of charge from Disney-Hyperion Books, in exchange for a honest book review.  I received no monetary compensation of any kind and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for allowing us to host a book review on our blog. 

Coloring For Moms and Moms-To-Be Review

If you haven't noticed, adult coloring books have become a rage.

I love to color.  Should I admit that as an adult? 

Probably not.  

But, I have been known to break out the crayons and coloring book with the kiddo.

Comes in handy when one of us, or even both of us is under the weather.

Adult coloring books take coloring to a whole new level.

Tiny circles, little lines, small small things to color, lol.

I had the chance to do a review of the book:

Color For Moms and Moms-To-Be

This book will be available for sale on July 19, 2016 and is from DoubleDay Books For Young Readers.

Cost: $9.99

All Ages (yes, not just for adults).

This book is truly unique.

Pictures are very detailed.

A good way to unwind after a long stressful day.

Did I mention that they are really detailed?

What is nice about this book is: small enough to toss in your purse, diaper bag, backpack, etc.  Just don't forget your coloring pencils (crayons won't work). 

Being that it is reasonably priced, would be perfect as a gift for that special someone. 

The picture I am about to show you is my first attempt at an adult coloring book.

I don't have very steady hands.

This one took me quite a bit of time to finish.

Truthfully, if I had to grade myself on it I would only give me a 4 out of 10.

But, the kiddo loved it. 

Told me how pretty it is.

Did it relax me?

Not really.

But, I could see myself getting lost in coloring these pictures and an afternoon slipping by.

You all should really check these out.

Again:

Will be available for sale on July 19, 2016 and is $9.99.

Available from DoubleDay Books for Young Readers

Disclaimer:

I received this book, free of charge, in return for a review on our blog. All opinions stated are my own and were not influenced by any outside source.

Many thanks to Ms. McGinty for allowing us to participate in this review.

Sophie's Squash Go To School By Pat Zietlow Miller

Book: Sophie's Squash Go To School
By: Pat Zietlow Miller and Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf
On sale: Schwartz & Wade Books June 28, 2016
Ages 3-7
$17.99 USA

I have to say that the kiddo is enjoying all these books from Random House Children's Books and I am as well.  When I was her age, I do not remember a whole lot of fun and colorful books like they have nowadays.  

What is Sophie's Squash Go to School about? First, this book is a sequel to Sophie's Squash. Do you have to read Sophie's Squash to follow along? Of course not.  This story is about a little girl named Sophie who is starting school and like most kiddos, Sophie has those wicked first day jitters. Sophie's only friends are Bonnie and Baxter (who are they? Well you will have to read the book to find out) and she isn't interested in making new friends.  But will she? Will she stay loyal to her two best friends? Will she make new friends? Will she learn any important lessons? I don't want to ruin it for you or your kiddos so you will have to check it out when it becomes available for purchase on June 28, 2016. 

I will tell you, my kiddo really enjoyed it.  She loves books with short paragraphs and big beautiful crisp pictures.  This book covers both of those requirements. She stumbled on a few words but was able to read the story and understand what was going on and understood all about Sophie. 

Third time through the book

Please check it out for your kiddo, you will be glad that you did.

If you are interested in any of the other titles by Pat Zietlow Miller: She is also the author of Wherever You Go and Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story.   You can visit with her online at: patzietlowmiller.com

Illustrator Anne Wilsdorf has been the illustrator for many books including: My Dog's a Chicken and Dogs on the Bed.  

Again, this book will be available for sale to the public on June 28, 2016 for $17.99 US and $23.99 Canada. You will also be able to purchase it on eBook for $10.99.

Check out Random House Children's Books at RandomHouseKids.com and visit on facebook at RandomHouseKids and @RandomHouseKids. 

We give our thanks to Ms. Cassie McGinty for allowing us to do this book review. Lollipops n' Ladybugs received no monetary compensation for this posting, however, we did receive an advanced readers copy of the book so that we could do a proper review. 

Wolf Camp by Andrea Zuill

Title: Wolf Camp
Author: Andrea Zuill
ISBN: 978-0-553-50912-0
US $16.99/Canada $21.99

Available for sale starting May 3, 2016

Let us introduce you to Homer (who was inspired by the author, who has a pup of the same name).

Homer is happy in his life, but he also has a wild side and dreams of being able to run with the pack and howl at the moon.

One day . . . he gets his wish.

But is it what it is all cracked up to be? Does Homer love running with the pack? Eating what the pack does? Howling at the moon? 

You will have to grab the book for your kiddo and find out. 

Review: Except for a word here and there, this is a pretty easy book for kids to read and follow along with the story. My girl loved it. She loved finding out what Homer would do and if he would make friends and fit in. She said she really "loved the pictures that go with the story." She has actually read it 3 times now and other times she just grabs it to look at the pictures. We think that your young readers will enjoy it as much as she did and I'd be fibbing if I said that I didn't enjoy it as well. We lover Homer and he is lovable. 

This would make a great gift for someone special in your life. It was available for sale staring May 3rd, so you can run out and get your copy. 

The kiddo asked me if this is what our dog thinks about . . . . .I'm not sure he would want to give up the option of sleeping on the couch, with his legs in the air, to run with the pack, so I tell her that he is quite content being part of our family.  That we are his pack. 

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Ms. McGinty at Random House Children's Books for allowing our blog to participate in this review. I received no compensation for this posting, however, I did receive an advanced readers copy so that the kiddo and I could do a review of the story. 

The Perfect Dog by Kevin O'Malley

Title: The Perfect Dog
Author: Kevin O'Malley
ISBN: 978-1-101-93441-8
US: $17.99/Canada $23.99

Book will be available for sale on May 31, 2016.

What is your idea of "the perfect dog?" Asking my kiddo this question, who response was: "a dog that has long hair that goes to his feet, a dog that plays fetch, a dog that is happy to see me and greets me at the door, a dog that loves to play." 

I think with our pup, she got all that and more. 

If you ask a hundred different people what their idea of a "perfect dog" and each one would probably have a different answer for you.  That is somewhat of the basis of "The Perfect Dog" by Kevin O'Malley, everyone has different ideas on what their perfect dog is.  

This is a perfect read for your beginning+ readers. There are a few big words that you will have to help them with, but it will be a fun read for them and there isn't a whole lot of reading. Sentences are short and sweet. The illustrations are bright and jump right out at the reader. They are crisp and well-done.

So, have you decided what your idea of the perfect dog is yet?  Is it one of these?

A different one?

How about ones of these? We have one of these? He slobbers, drools and generally makes a mess, especially if he gets excited about seeing another dog in his area.  He has been a drooler since the beginning.

BUT, do you know what my idea of a perfect dog is? Doesn't have to be a specific breed, doesn't have to be a big dog or a little dog, a fast dog, a slow dog, I just want a dog that is HAPPY!  And, I know that we have that with our boy.  He is one of the family. He goes where we go, sleeps pretty much where he wants and gets plenty of play time with the kiddo.  

If you are interested, check out the book. Its a fun read for your young readers. A nice addition to add to their growing library.

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Ms. McGinty at Random House Children's Books. I received no compensation for this posting, however, I did receive an advanced readers copy so that the kiddo and I could do a review of the story. 

The Opposite Zoo: Written and Illustrated by Il Sung Na

Are you looking for a cute picture book for your young readers (ages 2 - 5)? If you are, you must check out the book: The Opposite Zoo written and illustrated by Il Sung Na. 

The readers will get to learn about opposites and they will do that  through the eyes of zoo animals on a night that the zoo is closed.

I won't give away all the pictures in this book and my camera really does them no justice. You must get your hands on a copy of this book (also available on ebook). The pictures are so colorful, they will keep your little one entranced for a time being. So many beautiful colors.  Even my 8 year old loved the beautiful colors. 

Each illustration also has a one word description, which describes the animal, and then on the opposite page, you will find, well, the opposite. 

Look at the colors . . . 

One of my favorites:

And another  . . . 

Here we have the noisy:

And here, the quiet:

It is a must have for your kids book shelf.  Perfect bedtime story.

Book Info:

Title: The Opposite Zoo by Il Sung Na
Ages: 2 - 5 
Available for sale on March 8, 2016.
US $16.99
Canada $21.99.
Also available in eBook format for $10.99 as well as hardcover format for a little more.

Please make sure you follow along with Random House Children's Books.  @RandomHouseKids on twitter and their facebook page.

Disclaimer:

Many thanks to Random House Children's Books and Ms. Cassie McGinty for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to do a review of this stunning animal picture book. We received no financial compensation for this review, but did receive a pre-sale copy of the book. 

BEATRIX POTTER & THE UNFORTUNATE TALE OF A BORROWED GUINEA PIG Book Review

TITLE: BEATRIX POTTER & THE UNFORTUNATE TALE OF A BORROWED GUINEA PIG
BY: DEBORAH HOPKINSON AND CHARLOTTE VOAKE
AVAILABLE FROM: RANDOMHOUSEKIDS.COM
AGES: 4-8

Reviewer: Ms. E

She thought at the beginning it sounded like it was going to be a fun read. She wasn't sure who BEATRIX POTTER was, so I started to explain to her everything I knew about her and luckily there is a P.S. (Author's Note) in the back of the book who explained who she was. She was able to find out that Ms. Potter was very famous and the creator of all these animal tales that both children and adults love.  She found out that Ms. Potter and her little brother loved animals and kept quite the "zoo" growing up.  She finally found out that Ms. Potter, in her later years, bought land to preserve "traditional farms" and then donated four thousand acres to the "Great Britain's National Trust." Today her home is preserved as a museum.

As for the story, she enjoyed it, but was a little sad with some of the things that happened to the animals. I asked her if she understood why things like that happen and she replied "because they had so many, it was hard to keep track of them." I asked her if she thought that Beatrix and her brother Bertram loved animals and she replied "oh yes, they did their best to take care of them."

I'm not going to give away the story as I think that you all should read it to find out all about Beatrix Potter and her animals and the lessons learned. I think for older kids 8+ it would be a good read. Ms. E is a little younger than that and there were many words that she hadn't learned yet, but was able to sound some of them out. She understood the story (wants to read more Beatrix Potter books) and has a little understanding of who this great woman was. 

For younger children, you might have a lot more explaining to do about the story and what is happening and would have to probably do most of the reading. But I imagine that they would enjoy it as well.

Finally, the illustrations are WONDERFUL! So much detail and they go so well with the story. 

If you want to purchase this book you can head over to randomhousekids.com (just click that link, it'll take you right there) to buy. It was just released earlier this month. Or, head to the library and check the book out. I know you and yours will enjoy it as much as Ms. E and I did.

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book, free of charge, for Ms. E to do a book review on. All thoughts/opinions expressed are our own. Many thanks to Ms. McGinty and Random House Children's Books for allowing us to do a review. 

Disney Book Group ~ Disney Junior Book Set of 6 Review

Disclaimer: As a part of the Disney Book Group I received the following books free of charge, however, my opinion is my own and was not influenced by any outside source.

Reading! I have always loved it and was hoping that it would pass down to my child and that she would find a great enjoyment in escaping into a book. Being that she has only recently been starting to read pretty good, I am surprised that she has developed a love for it already. A few times I have gone into the bedroom, expecting to find her asleep, to see her propped up with a book open on her lap. I am hoping that this love continues with her through the years.

We were invited to join the Disney Book Group a while back and receive regular shipments of new Disney books and some old favorites. The kiddo is really enjoying these shipments. She loves opening up the package and seeing which one has arrived.

One of our most recent deliveries was this 6-book set, that comes in a very handy, sturdy, case.

The box included:

Sofia the First

Jake Neverland Pirates

Doc McStuffins

Minnie Mouse

And it comes with a free eBook as well.

And this package is the Level Pre-1 for ages 3 and up and is valued at $12.99.

Levels:

Pre-1 : Reader in training: Pre-K - Kindergarten.

Level 1: Beginning Reader: Pre-K - Grade 1

Level 2: Junior Reader: Kindergarten - Grade 2

Level 3: Super Reader: Grade 1 - Grade 3

Of course the first book she grabbed was Sofia the First: Sofia Makes a Friend. That seems to be one of her go to books as of recent. 

She still had some trouble with a few of the words, but with a lot of sounding out and with the help of the "pictures" that are included with the "new" words for her she was able to get through it with very little help.

The books aren't that long so the child doesn't get bored reading them. They keep their interest. The colors of the pictures are bright (and that helps keep the interest as well) and the story line is definitely understandable for a young reader. 

Though some of the words they might not have seen before or have previously learned, with a little help they can get them.  

And of course, with Sofia, there is always a lesson to be learned:

Final thoughts:

Would definitely recommend this set for your young readers. I know my kiddo loves to look at these books over and over and over again and each time she does it she adds new words to her vocabulary. 

Check this set out. Right now it is available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/World-Reading-Disney-Junior-Boxed/dp/1484704339/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408377317&sr=8-1&keywords=Disney+Junior+World+Of+Reading