Tag Archives: Reading

Help Your Kids Get More Out of Reading With VOOKS and Giveaway #VooksMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #vooks #betterscreentime #vookspartner

Storybooks brought to life. Better screen time.

As a mom who loves books, it seemed natural that my kids would love them too. I love reading to my kids and started in utero. I have many memories through the years with my kids that include the books we shared at those times. As the mother of 5, I know that sometimes kids can view reading as a chore or it can be like pulling teeth to get them into it. I am very excited to let you know that VOOKS may be the answer you are looking for to get your kids excited about reading.

 

VOOKS brings children’s books to life with animated illustrations, read along text and narrated story. The ad-free platform features a variety of titles that engage students all across the world. VOOKS s is trusted by parents and loved by teachers. Over one million kids are using VOOKS and that number is growing. There are hundreds of books available and new titles are added every week.

 

May be an image of child

 

VOOKS will allow your children to experience story books like never before.  Your child can enjoy VOOKS books online or you can stream them and enhance the experience. VOOKS even offers a free first year of books to teachers and educators of public schools, private schools, and preschool programs worldwide!

 

VOOKS Lesson Plans help parents and teachers extend the learning beyond each storybook. Each Lesson Plan provides themes, summaries, talking points, discussion topics, activity ideas and even vocabulary cards. Wow, what a great way to expand learning for your kids! VOOKS strengthens literacy and vocabulary & promotes independent learning!

 

If you would like to try VOOKS with your child, you can  try VOOKS free for 30 days! Go to VOOKS to sign up!

 

GIVEAWAY

 

VOOKS is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky Mommy Ramblings reader will win a one year-long subscription to VOOKS! Thanks to VOOKS for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Enter below for your chance to win.
Many thanks to Vooks for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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Baby Code! Board Book Set Giveaway

Do you know Baby Code? If not, you can learn with this set of four new adorable board books. The Baby Code! board books by Sandra Horning are illustrated by Melissa Crowton.

Perfect for the littlest hands, the BABY CODE! board books show the youngest readers that coding is all around them, and how they can take part in it. Making use of experiences common in a baby’s world, like holding a teddy bear or playing with an electric train, these charming board books full of bright, colorful illustrations are the perfect introduction to coding in many different forms.

The first book, BABY CODE! introduces coding in relation to everyday objects like a dog or phone, while BABY CODE! ART, BABY CODE! MUSIC, and BABY CODE! PLAY tie in the earliest experiences—like hearing a melody or playing on a swing. The sweet board books also feature real code, encouraging parents and children alike to be actively involved in technology from the very youngest

These books are so cute and fun to read to little ones. You don’t need to fear ripped pages from overzealous little hands, because the sturdy board book pages stand up to even not-so-gentle babies and toddlers. Great to take along in a diaper bag to entertain while eating out or traveling.

Giveaway:

Penguin Young Readers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Baby Code! Set of Board Books! Thank you To Penguin Young Readers for the review set and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to U.S. Residents.

Baby Code! Board Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Discover “The Action Storybook Bible” Today!

I would like to introduce you to, The Action Storybook Bible, by Catherine DeVries and Illustrated by Sergio Cariello. This book is a great way for parents to explore God’s redemptive story together with their children.
The Action Storybook Bible tells the amazing creation story, the powerful kinds who reigned over ancient Israel, God’s miraculous gift of eternal life through his son, Jesus and more! On every page you will find God’s promise for the world.
This book has illustrations that are very different, more like a comic book, making it more relatable to kids  I believe that this is very beneficial in helping kids engage with the stories and people they are reading about. If you are looking for something a bit different to share God’s incredible story with your kids, you should really check The Action Storybook Bible out. 
Interactive features include:
  • Fifteen key episodes from God’s Word-each one loaded with several stories along with more than 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.
  • Short and easy readings—for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.
  • Life, Faith, Action! features-conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.
  • Hall of Fame visual index—the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.

About the Author:

Catherine DeVries has written more than twenty-five books for children, including the bestselling Adventure Bible Storybook. She lives with her family in the Colorado forest.
About the Illustrator:
Sergio Cariello is a master illustrator. He drew his first regular comic strip for his city’s newspaper at age eleven. Born in Brazil, he spent many childhood hours poring over the Portuguese edition of The Picture Bible. Sergio has worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, illustrating Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Fantastic Four, and dozens more comic book characters.
What do you think of this Adventure Bible Storybook? I would love to know.
I received a copy of this Bible to facilitate my review. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.

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All New Chapter Book Based on Disney “Tangled”! #Giveaway

If you have a child who loves Disney and reading, there is an all new chapter book series based on Disney Tangled: The Series. Before Ever After by Stacia Deutsch and illustrated by RH Disney follows the long-locked Rapunzel as she acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom and the people of Corona.

Accompanying Rapunzel on her journey is the charming Eugene, the plucky chameleon sidekick, Pascal; and the no-nonsense horse, Maximus. Fans of the 2010 film, Tangled, will love this series! Book features 8 pages of full-color images from the show and is perfect for children ages 8-12. You can purchase this on Amazon.

Tangled: The Series and Tangled Before Ever After are available on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD platforms now.Following its U.S. debut, the Disney Channel Original Movie and series will roll out globally in 33 languages in 162 countries on Disney Channels worldwide.

Giveaway:

Would you like to win your own hardcover copy of Before Ever After? If so, enter below!

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a hardcover copy of Before Ever After! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Disney Tangled, Before Ever After Chapter Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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10 of My Favorite Picture Books for Children

I love sharing books with my kids. When I think of some of my favorite picture books for kids, some are ones that I enjoyed as a child while others I discovered with my own children. Here are 10 of my absolute favorites.

The Giving Tree

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk…and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.

Go Dog Go

One of my absolute favorites as a child! Reading goes to the dogs in this timeless Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. From big dogs and little dogs to red, green, and blue dogs, dogs going up and dogs going fast . . . who knew dogs were so busy?

Repeated laughter will ensue at the repeated question “Do you like my hat?” Like P. D. Eastman’s classic Are You My Mother? Go, Dog. Go! has been a go-to favorite for over fifty years, leaving audiences of all breeds wagging their tails with delight.

Goodnight Moon

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.” And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.

In this classic of children’s literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

Harry The Dirty Dog

Another I loved as a child and my children do too!

There’s never been another dog as delightful–or dirty–as Harry.

This lovable white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) has charmed children for over fifty years. This childhood favorite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath.

Where The Wild Things Are

In the forty years since Max first cried “Let the wild rumpus start,” Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children’s books of all time.

Lemonade In Winter

This is one of our favorites of newer books, we read this over and over and it is a favorite bedtime story for the coldest winter nights.

A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that’s exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade–and also lemon-limeade. With a catchy refrain (Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LEMONADE!), plus simple math concepts throughout, here is a read-aloud that’s great for storytime and classroom use, and is sure to be a hit among the legions of Jenkins and Karas fans.

 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

On a train ride in 1966, the title phrase Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? popped into Bill Martin Jr.’s head. Later, he spotted an illustration of a red lobster in a magazine and contacted the creator, Eric Carle, to ask if he would illustrate his poem.

So began Eric Carle’s career as a children’s book illustrator–along with a life-long collaborative friendship with Bill Martin Jr. Since then, Brown Bear and the three companion titles, Polar Bear, Panda Bear, and Baby Bear, have gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide.

The Bear books are a cultural landmark and a key milestone in many children’s reading lives. And many adults today remember reading the Bear books themselves as well as the experience of reading them for the first time to their own children. Whether in a picture book or a reader, and now in eBook and audio, the same bold graphics and repetitive, rhythmic text have truly stood the test of time.

 I Wish You More

Our youngest actually has the personalized version of this book from I SEE ME! Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes.

Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

By now I think you know what happened to your sandwich.
But you may not know how it happened.
So let me tell you.
It all started with the bear . . .

So begins Julia Sarcone-Roach’s delicious tale of a bear, lost in the city, who happens upon an unattended sandwich in the park. The bear’s journey from forest to city and back home again is full of happy accidents, funny encounters, and sensory delights. The story is so engrossing, it’s not until the very end that we begin to suspect this is a TALL tale.

The wonderfully told story, spectacular illustrations, and surprise ending make this Julia Sarcone-Roach’s best book to date. You’ll want to share it with your friends (and keep a close eye on your lunch).

10. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He went to sleep with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. When he got out of bed, he tripped over his skateboard and by mistake dropped his sweater in the sink while the water was running. He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Nothing at all was right. Everything went wrong, right down to lima beans for supper and kissing on TV.
What do you do on a day like that? Well, you may think about going to Australia. You may also be glad to find that some days are like that for other people too.

 

So there you have 10 of my top Children’s Picture Books. What are some of your favorites? Please let me know in the comments.


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“Appleblossom the Possum” by Holly Goldberg Sloan-Book Giveaway!

We are a book loving family and I want to share a great book for kids in middle school grades to read on their own or for parents to read aloud to younger kids, as we are doing. The book is Appleblossom The Possum by Holly Goldberg Sloan and it is illustrated by Gary Rosen.

Appleblossum The Possum

This book is so interesting and charming, I am not sure who loved it more, me or my kids! Throughout the story information about possums is weaved through and I was amazed at some of the things I learned. The story begins with Mama possum having to teach her possum children about the world. There are rules to follow, real danger to avoid and adventures in that great big world! Take a look INSIDE THE BOOKHERE!

You can read an excerpt HERE!

Fans of E.B. White and Dick King-Smith will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of Counting by 7s

Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it’s time for all of them—even little Appleblossom—to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family—and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers—who launch a hilarious rescue mission—and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they’re about to find out!

With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial’s point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making.

PRAISE FOR APPLEBLOSSOM THE POSSUM:

  • “Sloan has masterfully created an intensely satisfying and humorous tale that makes possums seem utterly adorable. Rosen’s charming illustrations pair beautifully with the text, as he draws the possums with intertwined tails, pink noses, and vivid expressions.” —School Library Journal
  • “Insights about possums add an educational element to this otherwise comic adventure, while humorous illustrations capture the wee possums’ antics and personalities. A warm and funny possum-family saga.”—Kirkus Reviews
  • “Holly Goldberg Sloan knows how to write a story for young people, with a style that’s easily accessible and entertaining for new readers. Her latest book, Appleblossom the Possum, is no exception….Appleblossom the Possum is a fun read, and the illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the lighthearted story.” – BookPage
  • “Readers will enjoy both the realistic details of a newborn possum making her way to her mother’s pouch, and the fanciful view of adult possums’ urban nightlife, complete with rooftop music and a conga line. Best of all is the consistent, convincing presentation of Appleblossom’s perspective. Throughout the book, lively black, gray, and pink illustrations portray characters and events. With wide-spaced lines of fairly large type, this attractive book will engage young readers intrigued by animals.” – Booklist
  • “Rosen’s pink-tinged images bring a playfulness to many of the scenes. Amid the homey message that family matters most, Sloan seeds the story with assorted possum facts and vocabulary lessons, but it’s the possum-as-actor metaphor (“Playing dead is one thing. But smellingdead is another. It adds a whole other layer to a possum performance”) that generates the most fun.” – Publishers Weekly

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GIVEAWAY:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of  Appleblossom The Possum. Thank you Penguin Random House for the review copy and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

AppleBlossom The Possum Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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K5 Learning Online Reading and Math Program Review!!!

K5

K5 Learning is an award-winning online reading and math program for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Kids work at their own level and their own pace through a personalized program of over 3,000 online tutorials and activities.

Designed principally for after school study and summer study, K5 is also used by homeschoolers, special needs and gifted kids. K5 helps your children build good study habits and excel in school.

I recently tried this program out and it was easy to set up and customize for my kids. Before they begin they enter their name and grade level, then design a character that looks like them or anything they like. Next, your child is ready to start learning through fun games. The math facts for my 5-year-old was done integrated with a bowling theme and it was engaging and kept his interest. It is a program that both he and my 7-year-old look forward to playing not something that is a drag. It will save their progress, give reports and let children switch between math, spelling and math and reading lessons easily.

Parents will find it easy to monitor progress and identify areas where their children need more help or practice. There are 2 logins, one for parents and one for kids.  The kids are logged in to an easy to navigate dashboard and the parents have a dashboard that lets them view  reports on their child and get the details of how they are progressing.   To view a video of how the system works click HERE.  The software is designed so that children as young as 4 can use and navigate the lessons by themselves.

This program is great for both kids that attend school or are home schooled as well as pre-school age children. If you are looking for a reading and math enrichment program, you should check out K5. You can view sample lessons HERE. There is a 14 day free trial you can use to see for yourself how it works and how your child likes it. You can also download a free ebook, “How to Help Your Kids Succeed in School” filled with practical advice and specific activities by clicking HERE.  To set up the free trial click HERE to get started.  Let me know what you think.

k5-book-icon

Oh and you can get free printable worksheets by clicking HERE.

Online Reading & Math Program for K-5

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.


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“Duck & Goose Go To The Beach” Kick Off Summer With A Blog Tour & Giveaway!!!

Summer is HERE… and Duck & Goose are waddling on over to the beach…
 
New York Times Bestseller!
Duck-Goose-Go-To-The-Beach-Book-Giveaway
A Great way to kick summer off with your kids.  My kids love the Duck & Goose Books, they are so adorable and always have a great message to share with even the youngest children.  Pick up a copy and share it with the special child(ren) in your life!  Have a safe, healthy and fun summer!!! 

In this delightful follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose, Duck wants to go on an adventure. Goose doesn’t. He doesn’t see the point. After all, why would they go anywhere when they’re happy right where they are? But then Goose sees the ocean and loves it. Who doesn’t? Well, Duck, for one!

Enter to Win Duck & Goose Go To The Beach!!!

Would you like to win a copy of Duck & Goose Go To The Beach ?  Enter below for your chance by using the Rafflecopter widget.  Thank you To Random House for sponsoring this blog tour and giveaway!!!  Open to US residents

Duck & Goose Go To The Beach  Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

 

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“Count on the Subway” Book Review & Giveaway!!!

random house kids logo

Count on The Subway by Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender is a delightful children’s book that tells what it’s like to ride the subway counting all the way.  My little ones love this book especially since they hear all about the subway from their sister who attends school near NYC.

This book was very timely since she will be graduating in a few weeks and was hired as a GIS Analyst with New Jersey Transit.  So trains, subways and everything transportation is big around here.

So if you have a MetroCard of if you have never stepped foot on a subway, this book is a ticket to ride for all.  Everyone can experience a taste of navigating through NYC on this counting adventure!

Count on the Subway

1 MetroCard, Momma and me.
Down 2 flights—to catch the 3.
4 turnstiles, singers 5.
A rumble, a screech . . . the train arrives!

This bright, young counting book is a delightful trip through the New York City subway system. Hand in hand, child and mother see colorful subway signs and funny passengers, watch trains screeching by, and make new friends. With bold illustrations and a playful, rhyming text, this is not only a counting book, but also a tribute to New York and a sweet story of a child and parent navigating the city together.

Giveaway

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Count on the Subway!  Thank you Random House for sponsoring this great giveaway and for the review copy.  Open to US residents.

Random House, Count on the Subway Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Smart Games, Bunny Peek-a-Boo Game Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Logo #SmartGames

You may be full swing into your holiday shopping since Halloween is over and thinking about the little ones on your list.  As a mom, I love when something is fun and educational for my kids.  A great game that is both of those is Bunny Peek-a-Boo  from Smart Games.  This game may at first look like an infant toy but don’t be fooled.  Named to the Parents Magazine 2013  top picks from Toy Fair, Bunny Peek-a-Boo helps children discover the world of 3D spatial perception.  3D spatial perception is an important skill in reading and mathematical reasoning.  There are 60 challenges on 4 different levels for children to solve.  Beyond the cards parents and kids can use the blocks to explore other concepts like above/below, inside/outside, visible/hidden, etc.  My little guy loved to play with this and was really thinking how to recreate the picture on the card.  It’s fun even for my 6-year-old to do the master level challenges.

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Mommy Ramblings is adding this fun and educational game to our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!!!

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

 

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky Mommy Ramblings reader will win their own Bunny Peek-a-Boo  Game.  Thanks to Smart Games for the review Game and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Smart Games, Bunny Peek-a-Boo  Game Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget.  Good Luck!!!

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