BOOK REVIEW: Smarty Pig by Molly Nero

Smarty Pig is a Children's Picture Book.

The little red-haired pig knew if she wanted to succeed in school, she had better study.  She organizes her notes and makes the best use of her time, all the while her friends make fun of her and call her a "Smarty Pig."

When the grades come in, everyone is disappointed except the little red-haired pig.  The other pigs don't understand how to make words and math work for them.

Smarty Pig comes up with a solution and all she asks for in return, is that they try their best to understand. Will the pigs listen to the little red-haired pig or will they continue to frolic and play?

I thought this was a delightful book with a great moral message to young readers.  I loved how the author expresses the desire to learn and how important it is for each to do the best they are able.  I like to say that perfect takes practice and without even trying, one is only setting themselves up for a downfall.

I loved the illustrations by Monique Turchan.  They are colourful, full of fun and life and there is loads of background "candy" for wee eyes to ponder over.  I thought the pictures were expressive and encouraging.

Smarty Pig is done in a rhyming prose and for the most part it sing-songs along, as expected, but I did find some of the flow to be interrupted by the rhymes, a few of them felt forced.  I would give it a four out of five stars, and look forward to learning more lessons from Smarty Pig.

Smarty Pig Homepage

SYNOPSIS:
The school year has started but the pigs have given up on school and aren't doing their homework. All but one, that is. Smarty Pig is working hard. Although she gets teased, her report card shows her hard work, while the others fail. They reach out to her, and she becomes their tutor. By creating games in their home that practice skills, Smarty Pig shows them that they can learn, and it's really fun after all. She helps them understand that learning is not just for school, it's for life. Smarty Pig helps again in Smarty Pig and the Test Taking Terror when the fear of taking a test shuts down Petey Pig. Available in Spring 2012.

Now, we'd LOVE to give one of you a copy of your very own...just enter via the Rafflecopter below...

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post. By entering this giveaway you agree to my giveaway/disclosure guidelines

BOOK REVIEW: Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important by Trout Fishing In America

Chicken Joe is back in the delightful new storybook-music CD, Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important.

Chicken Joe, is caught up in a new adventure. This time, Chicken Joe awakens to realize that he's forgotten something kind of important. But, what could it be? Chicken Joe sets off to solve this mystery. Along the way he meets up with various friends who are planning something memorable, but are keeping this inside secret from their good friend—it's a big happy birthday to Chicken Joe! What he doesn't know is that his friends have planned a big surprise birthday party in his honor.

Come and celebrate with Chicken Joe and some of his good friends. This entertaining title is packed with twelve new songs on the supplemental CD, sung by Trout Fishing in America. Dance to fun tracks like, "16 or 17 Hours of Sleep" and "C-A-T in the H-E-N House". Also, check out our earlier title, My Name is Chicken Joe, also written and performed by Trout Fishing in America.

Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important

There is nothing I can say that is wrong with this book/CD combo, it is an excellent addition to any library.  The music is wonderful, the story is delightful and the illustrations by Stephanie Jorisch are just a perfect blend of colour and magic.

I loved how all of Chicken Joe's worked to make a memorable day for Chicken Joe.  The thought of a cat named Chicken Joe who lives in a hen house is hilarious and then there's the dog named, "Miss Kitty".  The whole premise of the characters are charming, the story has purpose with wondrous results and a happy ending is to be found by all.

I loved the music on the CD, it's kind of a rock'n'roll folk sound that keeps your toes a'tappin' and your fingers a'snappin'.  My kids and I boogied around the room on a few of the more happening tunes, like "Rock'n'Roll Roosters" and "You've Got A Funny Name", which has a country twang to the tune.  My kids said to tell everyone to go and get this for their collection, it is a great book with awesome music.

I would give Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important a five out of five stars.  It is original in content and has many hilarious antics and songs.  My children love it and it has been played numerous times over!  With six thumbs up, how can you go wrong??

SYNOPSIS:
Chicken Joe, oddly enough a cat who sleeps in the hen house, is abruptly awoken one morning by roosters playing rock ‘n’ roll. Somehow he’s forgotten that it’s not just a day like any other; it’s his birthday! Making his way to the farmhouse for breakfast, Chicken Joe meets up with his friends, all of whom would rather joke around than remind the cat that today’s his birthday. After all, they've planned a surprise party for their buddy. The chickens Helen and Hilda have baked a cake; Miss Kitty, the little dog from the city, has made a fish piñata; and the mule, Mister, has gathered up some funny hats and noisy kazoos. Will Chicken Joe finally remember that today’s a very special day, or will his friends have to tell him? In addition to narrating their story, the internationally renowned Trout Fishing in America performs 11 songs on the accompanying CD. Their witty, engaging lyrics—demonstrated on “Rock and Roll Roosters,” “Me to Know and You to Find Out,” “C-A-T in the H-E-N House,” and “You’ve Got a Funny Name”—and splendid musicianship combine several musical styles including rock, country, folk, pop, and blues.

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

BOOK REVIEW: Songs From The Baobab by Chantal Grosléziat

Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes is a storybook-music CD compiled by Chantal Grosléziat, arranged by Paul Mindy and Illustrated by Elodie Nouhen.

This delightful book shares eleven languages of Central and West Africa via a collection of rhyme's and lullabies.

These soothing tales soothe babies to sleep as the songs travel from one country to another sharing their customs and languages.

The accompanying CD features 29 songs from 10 countries.  The lyrics are reproduced in their original language and translated into English.  The instruments heard in each of the songs are indigenous to the country and played with passion.

This enchanting production captures the staccato rhythm of the children's rhymes and the poetry of the language, as well as, a sense of the heritage and tradition from each culture.

Songs From The Baobab

I absolutely love the music that is found on the CD, the songs are a wonderful blend of life and tradition.  The percussion is remarkable as you find yourself tapping your toes to some of the more catchier tunes.

I was more impressed with the CD than the storybook, I found some of the illustrations to be dark and there were a few times where I couldn't see the words upon the pages.  To read the book as a story doesn't make much sense but when its shared with the CD, it allows a whole new plethora of emotions to ensue.

I would give Songs From The Baobab a four out of five stars.  The songs are enriching and shared wonderfully with the listener and the break down of all the songs at the back of the book make for a wonderful addition, especially if you are unaware of the Lullabies and Rhymes of Africa.

SYNOPSIS:
Representing 11 languages originating from Central and West Africa and brought to life with lavish illustrations, this collection's rhymes and lullabies soothe babies to sleep as the songs travel from one country and one language to another. Lyrics are reproduced in the original language and translated into English, followed by notes on the origin and cultural context of each song. The accompanying CD features 29 songs from 10 countries—including Rwanda, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal—each one unique in language and sound, recorded with indigenous instruments and exquisitely performed by women, men, and children. This delightful, enchanting production captures the staccato rhythm of the children's rhymes and the poetry of the language as well as a sense of the heritage and tradition of each culture.

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

BOOK REVIEW: Sock'n Boots Adventures by D. K. Smith

Sock'n Boots:  Adventures is a Children's Picture Book.

Sock'n Boots wish to teach children different life lessons through their own experiences.

Each of their stories begins with a question, the story will present itself, then the question is repeated again.  This is designed to help stimulate positive thinking and expression of thoughts.

The Adventure's book combines all three of the Sock'n Boots series into one book.  Share, Afraid of the Dark and Play It Safe have been compiled together to help bring these important lessons to your child.

Sock'n Boots:  Share - the reader is asked if they know how to share and then Sock and Boots will show you through the outcome of their actions.  When the two head to the park for a picnic, the birds have eaten Socks lunch.  Not to worry though, Boots comes through and shares his lunch with Socks.

Sock'n Boots:  Afraid of the Dark - After Socks goes to bed he hears bumps in the night and this frightens him.  After he checks over his room, he feels safe and shares his message with the reader.

Sock'n Boots:  Play It Safe - Socks is looking for a new place to play and after he finds one, he tries to convince Boots to play there too.  However, Boots doesn't think its safe and after mishap happens to Socks, Boots is there to save the day.

Each of these stories are shared in a rhyming prose that children will find easy to follow and understand.  The illustrations depicted by Lorena Isabel are highly detailed, wonderfully coloured and provide children with thought-provoking questions to the depictions shared.

I would give Sock'n Boots:  Adventures a five out of five stars.  I found the stories to have a message that all children should have knowledge of and the lessons were told in an entertaining manner.  The prose is easy to read and those who are just beginning to read will find great pleasure in sharing these stories.

Also found at the back of the book are several colouring pages for children to further enhance their creativity, so it provides hours of amusement.  I think this would make an excellent addition to your home library and I am sure it will become a favourite your wee ones will love.

Sock'n Boots 

Sock'n Boots Blog

SYNOPSIS:
The first three adventures of Sock and his pal Boots have been rolled into one exciting children's compilation.

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

BOOK REVIEW: Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly Stowe McClure

Tumbleweed Christmas is a Children's Picture Reader.

Jackie has believed in Christmas miracles since his mother told him the story of Jesus and his birth.

One Christmas season Jackie, his little sisters, April and May, and his mom were having a very tough time.  Jackie's dad was really sick and in the hospital and the family had no money to do anything special on Christmas.

Jackie had a dollar in his pocket and swearing his sisters to secrecy, he sets out to buy them a tree.  Along the way he meets his best friend, Daniel, who has lost his baseball glove and is upset as his father won't allow him to play in the Little League.

As the two traipse about trying to find a tree, Jackie comes upon a tumbleweed and his excitement and imagination build.  Helping Daniel with his dilemma, everyone finds the miracle of Christmas through love and generosity.

I really loved the illustrations by Bridget McKenna.  They were expressive, charming and colourful and my children enjoyed looking at them.  They added a beautiful blend to the story by allowing children to visualize the words being expressed.

I loved the tenacity and spunk of Jackie and loved how he didn't let the "bad" things in life to bring him down.  I enjoyed the "glass is half full" message that was being shared and how to look for positive solutions even when it seems against the odds.

I found the sacrifice that Jackie made to ensure his family, heartwarming.  It had a miracle to boost their morale in all the hardships the family was currently facing, reminding the reader to always find the miracles in life. 

I would give Tumbleweed Christmas a four out of five stars, while I found the story wonderful, I couldn't help but thinking that the mother wasn't well-represented.  The burden of Christmas should never have been felt by her children even with her own problems, her children should never be overlooked.  However, children will not see this message, unless they are perceptive, like my two, it is because of their mentioning it, that I bring it to light here.

This would make a great stocking stuffer for your wee one!

SYNOPSIS:

Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes, a child must make her own miracle, and one for her siblings.

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Holiday Gift Guide Day 24 - Babysitting Sugarpaw & I Love You, Be Careful Book Review & Giveaway

I Love You, Be Careful by Judy Snider and Joan Dickow is a Children's Picture Book on Parenting and Relationships.

From the moment we are born, someone is there telling us to be careful.  There isn't no one that hasn't been told by someone, to be careful, whether they are playing, or traveling or just doing everyday things, a mom, dad, friend etc. has told you to watch what you are doing because you are loved.

A baby is born and we read how the parents watch over her, protecting her and reminding her to be careful.  From climbing trees, playing in the park or beach, ballet recitals, first dates, marriages and the birth of the child's own baby, her parents are there to remind her that they love her and to be careful until the moment she says the same things to her own child, bringing the book full circle.

I thought the pictures were delightful and lead to much discussion about the events on the pages.  Each page is simply written giving you a chance to let your imagination soar as you feel the message the book is trying to convey.  The illustrations by Candy B. Driver were colourful, friendly and beautifully depicted and children will delight in pouring over their stories as you read to them.

SYNOPSIS:
From the moment we are born, someone is telling us to be careful. No matter what country we call home or what language we speak, these words follow us our entire lives. You might hear parents, friends, family or children lovingly say this phrase at least once a day. Think about all of the times that a loved one goes off to school, play or work, and you say, "I Love You, Be Careful!"

I Love You, Be Careful is a heartwarming and uplifting book. There is a page to personalize it as a gift for adults and children. The book's beautiful illustrations capture poignant memories and cause one to reflect on all the "Be Careful" moments in life and smile.

I Love You, Be Careful 

Babysitting Sugarpaw by VS Grenier is an Action Adventure Children's Reader book.

Sugarpaws parents are going away and a babysitter is coming to look after him.  He is not impressed and begins a plan to make things work for him.

After Bonnie Whiskers arrives to watch Sugarpaw, Mama Bear takes her to the kitchen to show her the rules that Sugarpaw has to follow.  Sugarpaw has other plans and changes the rules so that he is able to do more things.

Bonnie tries her best to look after the unruly Sugarpaw; she tries to get him to play games, read a story and take a bath and Sugarpaw makes trouble for her whenever he is able.  After Sugarpaw comes to realize his actions, he must tell everyone the truth about the reasons for his misbehaviour.  

Again, another delightful story with a great message and wonderful depictions of the characters.  The illustrations by Kevin Collier are charming and colourful and will delight your young person as they explore the pages.

I thought Sugarpaw to be a very mischievious little bear and was happy to see that he realizes his actions may hinder those around him.  I loved the outcome of the story and how Sugarpaw confesses to the wrongs that happened while his parents were away.  I also liked how the issues were resolved.

Babysitting Sugarpaw - VS Grenier

I think both of these books would make excellent Christmas gifts for your loved ones.  They are wonderfully illustrated, with great messages of love and learning and both books would be a welcome to any child's library to be read over and over again.

Now, we here at One Day At A Time want to give one of you the chance to win the same set of books that I reviewed...your li'l ones will love you for it~!!

All you need to do is follow the instructions provided via the Rafflecopter entry form below...

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post. By entering this giveaway you agree to my giveaway/disclosure guidelines

Little Shephard by Cheryl Malandrinos

Little Shepherd is a Christian Children's Picture Book.

Five-year-old Obed is a shepherd, his greatest joy is protecting the sheep from wolves.  His father has entrusted the care of his first flock and Obed is determined to be wise beyond his years.

On the night that a special baby is born and an Angel descends upon them; the Shepherds wish to go pay their respects, but Obed doesn't wish to leave his sheep behind.

Obed's father explains to the young boy that everything will be protected by God and not to worry, it is an important mission that they have been set upon and reluctantly, Obed agrees and goes with the other Shepherds to Bethlehem.

Along the way, Obed learns patience, obedience and faith.  He is pleased to see his father happy and rejoices in the miracles and the blessings of God.

I loved the story of Obed and the journey he found himself upon.  I thought the retelling of Luke 2:8-16 was commendable in its approach.  The tale is delightful and faith affirming.

I enjoyed reading the tale through Obed's eyes, giving the reader another side to a story we have heard for since childhood.  The message is a great one to be read to your own child and they will love the outcome of the story.

I would give Little Shepherd a four out of five stars.  I thought the illustrations by Eugene Ruble were a bit dark in places and it made for reading some of the text difficult.  The pictures and the prose blended together on a couple of pages and if a child were reading this, they may get frustrated having to differentiate the words through the pictures.  While the drawings were a great addition, I found the lines to be dark and not as appealing as they could be.

I think this would make a wonderful addition to any home library, church day cares or libraries in general, it is a great book to have and enjoy!

SYNOPSIS:
In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior's birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. When Obed returns to his sheep, he realizes it is a night of miracles. Suggested age for readers: 4 - 8

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. 

Author Feature - Mark Smythe author of The Snowman's Revenge

The Snowman's Revenge

Ages:  4-8

Pages:  44

Publisher:  Mark Smythe

ARV:  $9.99

The snow's piled up high and school's cancelled, so let's play outside and, of course, build a snowman! Now, what if you were left out in the cold snow all by yourself, like that poor snowman? Would you be mad? Of course you would!

Well, this snowman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! So, let's see what happens in this delightful story, nicely flowing with rhymed verse, very beautifully illustrated and quite humorous indeed.

So lovable, it's sure to be an instant favorite and a timeless classic with "kids" of all ages.

About the Author...

Mark Smythe resides in a small, rural town located in the beautiful Southern geography of Western New York State. It is a lovely and quaint agricultural community, just South of Buffalo, New York.

He and his two children, Cassandra and Alexander, live on a picturesque, turn-of-the-century farm complete with a charming old white farmhouse, quaint red barns and wooden pasture fences.

Mark is an Interior Structural Fire Fighter with a local Volunteer Fire Department, and also works in the field of Bio-Oncology Diagnostics.

In His Own Words...

You will note that the rhymed verse, in this particular book, is quite fun and, depending on how you tell the story (what tonation you use, the meter, the cadence, voice ranges, etc…) it can be altered for various age ranges and personalities. The story can be told in a very humorous manner, or you can make it a bit spooky, or you can just let the flow of the rhyme and the nice illustrations encapture the imagination.

Not only is the rhymed verse unique in its very nice cadence, allowing for verbal creativity in your presentation, but you will also note various “graphic” or “artistic” uses of the text, as well; in that, the text is very purposely “integrated” into the illustrations, in certain page spreads, in order to make the text “come alive” as an imbedded part of the illustration itself.

For instance, in the scene where a snowball is being thrown, it is the text that tells the tale of the snowball’s path, catching and leading the eye, infusing the text into the very drawing itself. Or, when the snowman slides down the hill toward the house: it is the text that tells the “story” of his curvy, swervey  ride.

So, when talking of the writing process, I also incorporate the illustration process; because, as Mike (my very gifted illustrator) will tell you, I was extremely particular and very meticulous about how each of the drawings depicted the story and lent itself to the rhymed verse. In so doing, I believe we created a book that is so fun for children to read (as I have seen their faces light right up), a joy for adults to read to a child, and one that is very pleasing to the eye (in that the drawings, the colors and the resolution is very aesthetically pleasing overall.

**  Thank you most kindly Mark for stopping by and sharing yourself with us...we wish you success in all that you do~!!  **

The Snowman's Revenge by Mark Smythe

The Snowman's Revenge is a Children's Picture Book.

Yea~!!  It's a snow day and the children don't have to go to school!!  They all rush outside to play and have fun in the snow and decide to build themselves a Snowman.

When the kids get cold, they go inside for some hot chocolate and leave the snowman outside to freeze.  The Snowman is not impressed with being left behind and plots his revenge upon the unknowing children.

While they enjoy their cocoa, the snowman sneaks into their house and heads for the freezer when he begins to sweat.  Sitting in the dark, he plots to scare them all while they sleep however, before that can happen he must wait and while he waits, he wonders why he continues to sweat.

I thought this was a delightful book for the Christmas season.  I loved the rhyming flow of the narrative and how some of the lines of dialogue were shared with the reader.  Sometimes the words would flow with the snow and sometimes they climbed the stairs.  I really liked that extra bit of interaction and fun.

I thought the illustrations by Mike Motz were wonderful.  They were nicely drawn and beautifully coloured.  Each page had a story to share along with the prose.  The characters were cartoonish in nature with big eyes and as the story progresses, the Snowman gets really sinister and creepy looking.  If your child frightens easy, then this may not be the story for them however, most children will be able to handle the creations and enjoy the story in its completion.

I would give this a five out of five, I truly did like the sing-song rhyming sequence and my children sat enthralled listening to it until the very end.

The Snowman's Revenge

SYNOPSIS:
If you were left out in the cold snow all by yourself, would you be mad? Of course you would! Well, this snowman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! So, let's see what happens in this delightful story, nicely flowing with rhymed verse, beautifully illustrated and quite humorous indeed. So loveable, it's sure to be an instant favorite and a timeless classic with "kids" of all ages.

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **