Tag Archive | reading

January Book RoundUp 2015

Jan26

DSCN9140Pop-Out & Paint Dogs & Cats:
Hours of fun for crafty kids! With these clear, fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions, kids ages 8 to 14 can create realistic stand-up paper models of their favorite dog and cat breeds. Simply pop out any of the 20 sturdy templates and use paint, craft paper, and glue to bring it to life! There are 13 dog breeds, including a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, a Beagle, a Jack Russell Terrier, and a Poodle, and 5 cat breeds — a Siamese, a Manx, a Russian Blue, an American Shorthair, and an American Longhair. This third book in the best-selling Pop-Out & Paint series features new techniques, such as rag painting and using a pencil eraser dipped in paint, and includes instructions for making water bowls, leashes, cat toys, and more things a happy pet needs.

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Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to Be a Grown-up:
"One of the sharpest, funniest voices on YouTube" (Forbes), comedian Grace Helbig offers an irreverent and illustrated guide to life for anyone faced with the challenge of growing up.

Face it—being a young adult in the digital era is one of the hardest things to be. Well, maybe there are harder things in life…but being an adult is difficult! So Grace Helbig has written a guide that’s perfect for anyone who is faced with the daunting task of becoming an adult.

Infused with her trademark saucy, sweet, and funny voice, Grace’s Guide is a tongue-in-cheek handbook for millennials, encompassing everything a young or new (or regular or old) adult needs to know, from surviving a breakup to recovering from a hangover. Beautifully illustrated and full-color, Grace’s Guide features interactive elements and exclusive stories from Grace’s own misadventures—like losing her virginity solely because her date took her to a Macaroni Grill—and many other hilarious lessons she learned the hard way.

Amusing and unexpectedly educational, this refreshing and colorful guide proves that becoming an adult doesn’t necessarily mean you have to grow up.

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Spices & Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors:
Inspired by the bounty of local produce, mostly from her own backyard, Rinku set out to create recipes for busy, time-strapped home cooks who want to blend Indian flavors into nutritious family meals. Arranged in chapters from appetizers through desserts, the cookbook includes everything from small bites, soups, seafood, meat and poultry, and vegetables, to condiments, breads, and sweets. You'll find recipes for tempting fare like Mango and Goat Cheese Mini Crisps, Roasted Red Pepper Chutney, Crisped Okra with Dry Spice Rub, Smoky Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Puree, and Red Harvest Masala Cornish Hens, to name a few.

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Disney Princess Hairstyles: 40 Amazing Princess Hairstyles With Step by Step images:
Whether your hair is long or somewhat shorter, curly or straight, the step-by-step instructions in the beautifully photographed book, Disney Princess Hairstyles: 40 Amazing Princess Hairstyles With Step by Step Images, will make it possible for you to recreate the gorgeous looks of eleven of Disney's beloved princesses – from Ariel to Mulan, Cinderella to Snow White, and Tiana to Pocahontas.

Disney Princess Hairstyles details forty hairdos, including braids, updos, buns, waves, twists, and ponytails. Among the variety of styles are options that are ideal for both straight and curly hair, as well as for a variety of hair textures. Each hairstyle is created on a real child and meticulously photographed in full color to make even the most complicated coiffure easy to achieve.

The princesses and their accompanying hairstyles include:

    Ariel: Locks of the Ocean – A free-flowing style with two tightly woven braids holding it in place
    Aurora: Aurora's Waves – A cascade of pretty waves
    Belle: Belle's Bow – A distinctive style accented by a charming bow created with your own hair
    Cinderella: Buns and Braids – A pair of beautifully twisted buns highlighted by braids
    Jasmine: High Ponytail – An unusual ponytail perched high on the head
    Merida: Rough and Tough – A tumble of curls balanced on the crown of the head
    Mulan: Mulan's Bun – A lovely bun accessorized by an intertwined ribbon
    Pocanontas: Pocahontas' Hidden Braid – A unique look in which a French braid peeks out from twisted locks of hair
    Rapunzel: Rapunzel's Full Braid – An exquisite variation on the traditional fishtail braid
    Snow White: Braid of Braids – An attractive concoction of braids gathered at the nape of the neck
    Tiana: Tiana's Bun – A gorgeous but easy-to-create topknot

Disney Princess Hairstyles also features "Braidschool," an invaluable section that shows how to construct the basic braids that are fundamental to the Princesses' looks as well as so many other hairstyles. Braidschool includes detailed directions and illustrations for creating traditional, French, Dutch, rope, and fishtail braids.

Try as many hairstyles as you can and use them as inspiration to create your own look. Offering hairdos perfect for special occasions – from parties and proms to weddings – as well as everyday styles, Disney Princess Hairstyles makes it fun and easy for anyone to create looks inspired by Disney's cherished heroines.

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Disney Frozen Hairstyles: Inspired By Anna and Elsa:
If you long to recreate these royal sisters' beautiful braids, buns, and other dazzling hairstyles, Disney Frozen Hairstyles: Inspired by Anna and Elsa is for you. The step-by-step instructions in this gorgeously photographed book make it possible for anyone to replicate these heroines' striking looks.

Truly unique, Disney Frozen Hairstyles is the first book to reveal the secrets behind Anna and Elsa's different coiffures. Each of the twenty-eight hairdos is created on a real child and meticulously photographed in full color to make even the most complicated style easy to achieve.

10913669_10153487838362841_1001448074_nThe book depicts a variety of hairstyles perfect for active girls as well as for special occasions such as parties, proms, and weddings. The many beautiful hairstyles include:

    Elsa's Icy Braid – a loosely woven, thick braid
    Big Braid – a beautiful concoction of four interwoven braids
    Anna's Braids – two simple but lovely braids
    Anna's Crown – a striking alternative to the traditional bun
    Snow Queen – a special bun accented with a flower

Disclosure review

Guest: The Divided Trilogy Giveaway 12/12

Dec2

Life in a House of Testosterone and friends are pleased to bring you another giveaway from our Christmas Giveaways selection! One lucky winner will receive an autographed, complete set of all three novels from C.J. Sullivan!

the divided trilogy

Book #1 – Wings of the Divided

Fallen angel Laphelle has been sent on a mission to modern-day Earth, along with two of his comrades, to start fresh chaos behind the scenes. But everything changes when he hears the sound of the violin one fateful night. The heavenly music stirs thoughts of his life before the Fall, a time he does not consciously remember. Confused and intrigued, he begins to spiral out of control when he discovers he can actually play the violin with stunning talent. This unknown skill, along with the surprising relationship he develops with the violin’s owner, pushes him to question his role in the war of good and evil. An emotional, character-driven adventure, at times humorous and fun, and at others dark and horrific, Wings of the Divided is the first book in an epic trilogy that explores the sacred bond of friendship, the universal power of music, and the question of redemption.

Book #2 – Blade of the Divided

Laphelle has committed the ultimate act of rebellion, dividing him from both the angels of light and the angels of darkness. Now an outcast, he has the choice to turn away from the angelic war or to continue to play a part in it. His path is set when he hears rumor of an ancient prophecy, one that could finally put him in the limelight he feels he so rightly deserves. Circumstances present him with no alternative but to allow the healer Gidyon to help him. Together, they journey to find and read the original written prophecy, Gidyon at the risk of his reputation, Laphelle at the risk of his life.

Book #3 – Song of the Divided

Laphelle leaves the eternal war behind when he's transported to the faraway world of Kazjmeer. Here, on this abandoned wasteland, he rediscovers his dark side and faces the evil angel he used to be. Amid the harsh terrain and its monsters, an eerie but beautiful sound trickles through the air, whispering of destiny. As this music box melody draws him closer to a mysterious castle, his journey, both outward and inward, grows deadlier with each step. While Laphelle is gone, Gidyon must make a crucial decision: continue hiding behind the mask of a healer or submit to the Thanatakran warrior within him. But when a powerful Elitist finds out what he's been hiding, Gidyon may not have a choice. Please read the complete Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the giveaway entry form for details. 

Entries: 5563
This giveaway has ended.
Lisa. is the winner!

Guest Disclosure

November Book Roundup

Nov3

DSCN9370A rambunctious kitty wakes up with a mission: he is going to finally catch his tail! Through mountains of toilet paper, under the covers, into the laundry basket (with a quick stop at the litter box), and beyond, the tireless kitty continues his never-ending chase until the unexpected motive for his mission is revealed.
Debut author and illustrator Jimbo Matison uses his bright, lively illustrations and minimal text to tell a raucous story full of classic “cat humor” and high jinks that will leave young readers (and cat lovers of all ages) laughing out loud.

Product Details
    Age Range: 3 – 7 years
    Grade Level: Preschool – 2
    Hardcover: 40 pages
    Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (October 7, 2014)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 1419713825
    ISBN-13: 978-1419713828
    Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 9 inches

My niece really loves this book and it is one of her favorites for a nightly read before bed.

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More than 100 paw-some facts about your favorite furball!

Did you know that cats sleep an average of thirteen hours a day, or that their hearts beat twice as fast as ours do? In I Love Cats, you'll discover more than 100 fascinating facts that will make you fall in love with your favorite felines all over again! From the trick behind their purr-fect balance to the adorable way they greet a new pal, you'll learn even more about your furry friend as you watch the kittens in this collection pounce their way into your heart.

A heartwarming keepsake, I Love Cats is a must-have for any cat lover!

Product Details
    Hardcover: 112 pages
    Publisher: Adams Media (October 3, 2014)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 1440581134
    ISBN-13: 978-1440581137
    Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 6 inches

My family loves cats and with having four cats in our home this was a great read. We could see our cats in some of the facts that were mentioned. I had to pass this book on so my parents who own cats could read the I love cats book too.

DSCN0136What are you waiting for? Do you find yourself waiting for the right moment? The ideal relationship? The perfect job? Are you waiting for your “real” life to begin? Do think that the gifts of life are right around the corner? That one day you will arrive and everything will be okay? Do you endlessly search, yet never seem to find? Through the sharing of authentic personal stories and profound life lessons, Kristen Moeller explores our pervasive human tendency to wait for life and to look outside ourselves for answers. So we don’t try; we give up. We sell out and we forget who we are. We are afraid to succeed, afraid to fail, and afraid to say we are afraid. But as Wayne Gretzky said, “You'll always miss one-hundred percent of the shots you don't take!” Kristen Moeller's mission in life is to inspire you to get on the path, move forward and take the shot.

Product Details
    Paperback: 256 pages
    Publisher: Viva Editions (October 22, 2013)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 1936740524
    ISBN-13: 978-1936740529
    Product Dimensions: 1 x 5.8 x 7.5 inches

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Put on your 3D glasses, and get ready for an amazing adventure into the awesome world of creepy-crawlies!

Product Details
    Series: Discovery Kids 3d Readers
    Hardcover: 32 pages
    Publisher: Parragon Books; Nov edition (October 25, 2013)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 1472330250
    ISBN-13: 978-1472330253
    Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 6 x 9 inches

The kids really enjoyed the cool 3D effects of this book. The bugs just jump off the pages lol

oct 018

Join Rick Browne, best-selling author, host, and producer of Barbecue America, on a pilgrimage to 100 of the oldest and most historic restaurants in America, with interesting profiles of each restaurant, recipes for their signature dishes, and hundreds of photographs that make you feel like you have a seat at the table.

Come along on a pilgrimage to some of the oldest and most historic restaurants in America in A Century of Restaurants. Each is special not only because of its longevity but also for its historic significance, interesting stories, and, of course, its wonderful food. The oldest Japanese restaurant in the country is profiled, along with stagecoach stops, elegant eateries, barbecue joints, hamburger shops, cafes, bars and grills, and two dueling restaurants that both claim to have invented the French dip sandwich.

Product Details
    Hardcover: 408 pages
    Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (October 15, 2013)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 1449407811
    ISBN-13: 978-1449407810
    Product Dimensions: 8 x 1.3 x 9.1 inches

If you love reading about food like my mom does then your really going to enjoy reading this book.

Disclosure review

Guest: Rhyme to Read Giveaway 8/29 Daily WW

Aug16

Rhyme to Read Giveaway Sponsored by Rhyme to Read

Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Rhyme to Read is an effective program for beginning readers available on iOS (Apple). The program emphasizes word families (e.g., cat, rat, sat) which are color-coded to assist children in discriminating the different patterns. It's a great way to learn to read.

Are you homeschooling and have beginning readers that need additional encouragement? Or are you a teacher with a classroom of beginning readers? Whether you are a homeschooler, teacher, or a parent that wants to encourage reading, you can appreciate Rhyme to Read!

Emilee from Pea of Sweetness uses the Rhyme to Read app with their three children. Their preschooler just recently showed interest in reading and their 6 and 8 year old are are both homeschooled in the 2nd grade level except in reading. Both have had struggles with reading due to their special needs.

Three winners will receive each receive the full version of Rhyme to Read for iOS (Apple devices). This giveaway begins on 8/16 at and ends on 8/29 at 10:00pm (times are Central) and is open worldwide ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

Entries: 7894
This giveaway has ended.
Guest Disclosure

Disclosure: Emilee from both Pea of Sweetness and Deals of Sweetness received free product in exchange for an honest review. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Guest: Reading Here We Go 8/7 Daily WW

Jul30

Far Faria and Economical Mommy are proud to bring you a giveaway that is all about reading and bringing the joy, adventure, imagination and mystery to your child's mind without ever having to leave the house. Reading books is a great way to help encourage their imaginations of where they can go and who they can become. The stories and adventures never end. 

If you would love to win 3 months of Far Faria for your children make sure to enter the giveaway below. For the full app review head on over to Economical Mommy. Giveaway is open World Wide & 18+. Giveaway will run from 7/30 Midnight Central Time until 8/7 Midnight Central Time.  

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

Entries: 1110
This giveaway has ended.

Guest Disclosure

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island

Mar12
Are you looking for a good book to read? Then your going to want to check out Stillwell.
Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free.
~ PURCHASE ON AMAZON ~
Disclouser

 

Read with Me Scout by LeapFrog

Oct31

Read with Me Scout by LeapFrogProduct Description:

Scout is an interactive get ready-to-read toy that's doggone fun! Your puppy pal reads from the five included board books and engages children by asking questions throughout the story to help build comprehension skills.

Scout features 5 interactive spots that respond to your touch. You can pet his back to answer questions; kiss his cheek and hear him say you're his best friend; press his left paw to hear songs; and press his right paw for more responses.

Scout completes each page and asks the child 1 of 70+ different engagement and comprehension questions over the course of the 5-book set.

The 5 colorfully illustrated board books teach:
    1) Rhyming—helps children learn about the sounds of language and build phonological awareness,
    2) Learn-about—learn about the world through reading and recognize how print carries meaning,
    3) Narrative—learn about how stories are put together, with characters, settings, and a sequence of events,
    4) Pattern—learn with rhymes, refrains and repetition to predict what comes next, and
    5) Concept—explore concepts like colors to label and classify new information.

Features
• Read With Me Scout is a cuddly companion that provides the perfect interactive introduction to reading.
• Scout reads from 5 included books, asks questions to engage kids and deepen comprehension.
• Features 5 interactive touch points, 70+ comprehension questions and 5 illustrated board books.
• Teaches comprehension, early vocabulary and book and print basics.
• Ages 2-5 years.

There is also a purple Read with Me Violet for a more girlie look dog.

Read with Me Scout by LeapFrogNow this is a great learning toy for the kids. My niece and nephew came over and when I got the Read with Me Scout by LeapFrog out my niece took to it right away. The books are nice and firm and will last with the kids using them. The words on each page matches with what is going on in the picture. My niece picked up a book and pushed the matching number on Scout's collar and the story began. The pace was one that my niece could follow with and she really enjoyed reading with Scout. Before I knew it we had read threw all the books and she wanted to read them again. My nephew who is 2 soon started to follow along with the stories and was keeping entertained. After a while the two were fighting over the Read with Me Scout. So it's safe to say this was a big hit and the kids really enjoyed it.

Read with Me Scout by LeapFrog

You can connect with LeapFrog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Youtube.

Read with Me Scout by LeapFrogDisclaimer: I got the Read with Me Scout by LeapFrog free to do this product Review and was not paid for my response.

Sight Words DVD Level 3

Sep27

sight words level 3Kids love reading and singing with the zany armadillo Festus and his friends. Sight words are the most common words in children's literature Being able to read them quickly and automatically improves fluency, which leads to better reading comprehension. This video covers all Dolch first-grade sight words and many from the Fry's list. It reviews some of the words from Sight Words Level 1 (pre-k) and Level 2 (kindergarten). If your child is ready to begin reading first-grade words, this engaging DVD program will help boost their literacy skills.

~ Made in the USA Product ~

You can connect with Rock 'N Learn on Facebook & Twitter

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win Sight Words DVD Level 3. This is open to US and ends 10/13/2013 @ 11:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

Entries: 2518
This giveaway has ended.
Megan P. is the winner!

Disclaimer: Please note that SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize.

What Daddy Duck Loves Book + Rubber Duck by DaddyScrubs Review & Giveaway 2/2 Daily US

Jan18

Site product pic

Daddy Duck loves to spend time with his ducklings while they surf and play in the sand at the beach. Just like Daddy Duck, you too can enjoy spending time with your children while you read this story, and others in the series, together sharing in smiles and laughter while discovering what it is Daddy Duck loves most of all!  Includes Rubber Duck.

My product pic

Our good friend just became a new dad 4 months ago and loved doing this review for me. His son loved the rubber daddy duck. He would smile and coo at daddy duck while our friend read read the book What Daddy Duck Loves to him. This will be a great bonding tool as the baby grows. I love any item that helps bring dads be more involved with the child. I am so pleased to see a site like DaddyScrubs. When I had my son 14yrs ago there was nothing like this around. Now with DaddyScrubs you have a go to place to buy that special dad to be a gift to make them feel all the more apart of the becoming a parent process.

You can see my DaddyScrubs review here

Daddy Duck site pic

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win A What Daddy Duck Loves Book + Rubber Duck by DaddyScrubs. This is open to US and ends 2/02/12 @ 11:59 pm est. To enter, simply do the tasks on the Rafflecopter widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win.

 Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

*** Giveaway Ended! ***

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Disclaimer: I got the What Daddy Duck Loves Book + Rubber Duck by DaddyScrubs free to do this product review and was not paid for my response. Please note that SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize.