Category Archives: Books

Joyous Christmas Stories To Leave You Renewed With Holiday Spirit! #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

The Christmas season is so busy that we often rush through it flustered, sometimes or often frustrated at our long to-do list and we miss the time to be still. You know what I mean, unwind with a cup of tea and relax, maybe read a short uplifting story. We think we have no time to do that but it can actually help us refocus and be more productive than continuing to run around like a chicken with our head cut off.  If taking a brief rest sounds good and you would like to curl up with a great book of uplifting and inspirational Christmas stories, I can recommend a great book.

Chicken Soup for the Soul, Merry Christmas is filled with 101 Joyous Holiday Stories! There is a forward by St. Nick himself!

Chicken Soup Christmas

 

Inside you will find story after story of family bonding, holiday hijinks, then joy of giving, community spirit, family and religious traditions.  Some will make you laugh out loud, others will cause you to get a little teary eyed. All the stories will leave you smiling and with an eagerness to share the holidays with new ideas, a new perspective and enthusiasm for this magical time of the year.

Chicken Soup Christmas Back

You will find stories from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and even  some of Hanukkah in this book that has something for everyone. We think this book is a great gift this Holiday Season so you will find it on Mommy Ramblings 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog reader will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas. Thank you to Chicken Soup for the Soul for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Finding Financial Freedom Amazon $25 Gift Card Giveaway #MomBuzz

 

Have you ever sat there at your desk, looked towards the corner office and just pictured it. Pictured yourself strolling in there with your head high and saying those two words that would just so effortlessly glide right off your tongue? Those two beautiful words….I QUIT!

OK so maybe you don’t have to totally despise your job in order to find this enticing! Real Estate investing if done properly can free you from financial stress and give you the life you imagined and you deserve. Peter Harris is a well-known Real Estate Investor and mentor to many.

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ABOUT THE SPONSOR

Peter Harris is a leading expert in the field of commercial real estate investing. He is co-author of the book Commercial Real Estate Investing for Dummies, contributor alongside Donald Trump in the Three Master Secrets of Real Estate Success program and most recently authored the Kindle eBook Commercial Real Estate for Beginners.
(Get a free copy now!)^^^
Peter has personally mentored hundreds of commercial real estate investors across the United States for the past 11 years. His passion is teaching commercial real estate investing because of the tremendous impact it has made on his life, including helping him leave the “Rat Race” and his engineering job for a life of financial freedom. Today, he coaches and mentors as the Director of Education for CommercialPropertyAdvisors.com.
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NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

Peter Harris is passionate about getting the word out about Real Estate Investing and has sponsored this fun giveaway! One winner will get a $25 Amazon gift card. It is a simple entry and someone has to win, why not you? But you can’t win if you don’t enter, so here we go! Easy entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This blogs participation in the promotion of this giveaway has not been monetarily compensated nor are they responsible for prize fulfillment. US Residents only please. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook or any other social media and is Facebook compliant. The winner will be chosen randomly by a third party service. Winning entry will be verified. Winner will be emailed from Mom Buzz Media and will be given 48 hours to respond. If no response is received, another winner will be chosen. Winning prize of $25 Amazon gift code will be sent via email once the winner responds. Giveaway will end on 9/17 at 11:59pm CST. Good Luck!


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“Hamster Princess” by Ursula Vernon-Book Giveaway!

Allow me the pleasure of introducing you to Harriet Hamsterbone, this royal rodent princess finds her life rather dull. She sighs a lot at the less than exciting life she has. That is, until the day that Harriet’s parents reveal to her a secret! They tell her that a rat placed a curse on her on the day of her birth. This curse said she will prick her finger on a hamster wheel when she is twelve and fall into a deep sleep!

Hamster Princess Book

Harriet has a bit of a different reaction than you might expect hearing this news. She was thrilled because it meant she was invincible until she turned twelve! So she started that adventurous life she wanted  along with her riding quail, Mumfrey and enjoyed herself immensely. Oh, but what do they say about all good things? Her 12th birthday arrives and the curse…well, it manifests in a most unexpected way for this Hamster Princess.

You will just love reading this book aloud with your kids or presenting it to your middle grade school child to read on their own.  This hilarious new comic series  is a feisty, furry, twist on Sleeping Beauty from the creator of Dragonbreath, Ursula Vernon.

Take a look Inside The Book-HERE!  You can read an excerpt HERE!

Perfect for fans of Babymouse and Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories, this laugh-out-loud new comic hybrid series will turn everything you thought you knew about princesses on its head.

 

 

Penguin Random House Logo

GIVEAWAY:

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

Hamster Princess Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

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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

Penguin Random House Logo

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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#VoyagersHQ-Voyagers-New Middle School Series-Giveaway For Book 1 Project Alpha!

I have some great news for fans of Star Wars, Rick Riordan, Spirit Animals, 39 Clues and Poptropica (so, for every person ever), I am thrilled to share a new multi-platform middle-grade series, VOYAGERS, blasting off NOW!

Voyagers Book

VOYAGERS: PROJECT ALPHA is the first in a six-book series. In this first book we are introduced to a world in danger. Without a renewable source of clean energy, the earth will be toast in less than a year. Only a spaceship piloted by children can reach the essential elements that are scattered throughout the galaxy. Equipped with a full online companion experience, the fun extends well beyond the page.

Each book in the series is written by a different blockbuster author! Every book contains nonstop adventure, cool graphics, and mysterious coded symbols.

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The other books in the series (only available by pre-order now) are:

  • Book 2- Game Of Flames by Robin Wasserman
  • Book 3- Omega Rising by Patrick Carman
  • Book 4- Infinity Riders by Kekla Magoon
  • Book 5- Escape The Vortex by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Book 6- The Seventh Element by Wendy Mass
 Visit the Voyager site for lots of cool activities and information on the series. You can also watch the trailer video.

Giveaway:

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Voyagers Book 1- Project Alpha!  Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Voyagers Book 1- Project Alpha Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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How To Save & Share Your Summer Memories

Are you capturing lots of  sweet summer memories on your digital camera? Looking for a way to turn them into beautiful keepsakes to treasure for a lifetime?  AdoramaPix helps people do just that with their custom photo books that let you display your captured memories in rich color and vibrant detail.

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adoramapixphotobook3

 

Thick, durable, professional grade photo paper resists fading and ensures that your photos will be just as colorful for future generations. The binding is lay-flat, so even panoramic images can splash across two pages without any separation. Your memories deserve to live in a stylish, archival home with AdoramaPix photo books.

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adoramapixphotobook2

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You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE!  Good news you can save 25% on AdoramaPix square photo books (6×6,8×8,10×10,12×12) when you use the promo code pxusfam25 at checkout. Offer expires 9/30/15 so keep capturing those memories and then use the code to create your summer memory book at a great savings!

 


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See The Special Way We Wished Our Son More For His Graduation & I See Me! Personalized Book Giveaway


Personalized Children's Books

We celebrated our son Luke’s kindergarten graduation this year and for his graduation presents he got a big Jurassic Park dinosaur set but we wanted to also give him something that would be a great keepsake of the day and be really special.  I See Me! Personalized Books are so great for occasions like this.  After browsing their huge selection of books I chose I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld.

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This book is full of endless good wishes for our son. We uploaded a photo of him and put a personalized inscription inside the book and his name appeared throughout the book in multiple places. This truly was a one-of-a kind gift for celebrating his graduation because I Wish You More applauds effort, achievement, and love, and wishes readers “more ups than downs” and “more give than take.”

I see me book luke

I See Me Luke We Wish You More Book

 

He loved this book and he loves for us to read it with him and find all the Luke names in the book. He loves to find his name written on the sand on the beach, on the sidewalk, on a plaque on the wall and more as well as throughout the text of the story.

If you are looking for a special gift that will be treasured then check out I See Me! They have so many great titles that are perfect to celebrate new babies, big brothers and sisters, birthdays, baptisms, graduations and more! Click here to order this great personalized children’s book! Save $10 when you purchase 2 or more Board Books at ISeeMe! Use code PEEK during checkout.

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I See Me! is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a personalized I Wish You More book!  Thank you to I See Me! for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

I See Me! Personalized I Wish You More Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive Book Giveaway-3 Winners!

It’s your Time to Thrive with these 101 inspiring stories about growth, wisdom, and dreams!

It’s your time to thrive — and these stories show you how! In Chicken Soup for the Soul:Time to Thrive you’ll learn how to take charge of your life, make time for what’s important, and do what’s right for you! These stories, from regular people who have taken control of their lives, show you how to do it yourself. Find new purpose, try new things, and take care of yourself, all while improving your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.

CSFTS Time-To-Thrive
You’ll read  stories about:

•  Making your own needs important again
•  Carving out time for work–life balance
•  Thriving on your own path
•  Reinventing yourself
•  Embracing adventure
•  Pursuing your dreams
•  Making time for relationships
•  Taking time for your passions
•  Learning how to say no
•  Learning how to say yes to the things that will make you thrive!

 

Enter Our Giveaway!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Time to Thrive. Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Do You Know What Happens If You Give A Mouse A Cookie?

He will probably want a glass of milk to go with it. If you and the special children in your life like the “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” Book, you will love what I am going to share with you.  You can own the new DVD “If you Give A Mouse A Cookie” that features 4 Classic Episodes from the iconic Reading Rainbow series.  Just released on May 12th this DVD is the First Reading Rainbow DVD from PBS Distribution.

“Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high…” is the opening to the instantly recognizable theme song for the iconic series READING RAINBOW. PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing four episodes from READING RAINBOW on the new DVDIF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE.” Since 1983, this beloved children’s television series has been bringing stories to life.

Reading Rainbow DVD

 

READING RAINBOW: IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

Run Time: Approximately 120 Minutes

Format: DVD

READING RAINBOW aired on PBS from 1983-2009. Hosted by LeVar Burton (“Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Perception”) for its entire 26-year run, the program encouraged a love of literature in millions of children and garnered more than 200 awards, including 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award.

READING RAINBOW has helped children build lasting relationships with books at home and in the classroom. The four episodes and books, featured in this DVD are “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” read by Beth Howland, “Owen,” read by Matthew Broderick, “Two Old Potatoes and Me,” read by Jordan Puryear, and “Mr. George Baker,” read by Wayne Brady.

Reading Rainbow Logo

DVD Stories:

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” – Reader: Beth Howland

One thing leads to another in this episode, with LeVar in a bowling alley, showing how certain actions lead to consequences. Included is a piece on an expert at domino displays and domino art. Beth Howland reads “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” the tale of a little boy who offers a cookie to a mouse, and all the events that occur afterwards as a result.

 Owen” – Reader: Matthew Broderick

It’s easy to get flashbacks while watching READING RAINBOW. Now it’s LeVar’s turn, as he gets in touch with visions of “his boyhood.” Matthew Broderick reads “Owen,” about a little mouse who’s very attached to his security blanket and doesn’t want to give it up, even if it means he will be teased when he starts school.

 Two Old Potatoes and Me” – Reader: Jordan Puryear             

Jordan Puryear reads “Two Old Potatoes and Me,” about a girl who works with her father to recycle two old potatoes by replanting them using the sprouts to grow a whole new crop of potatoes. LeVar, working with his daughter, is inspired to make a potato dish from a recipe in the book.

 Mr. George Baker” – Reader: Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady narrates the story of an elderly man who decides to go back to school to learn to read, even though he is almost 100, and his relationship with his young neighbor as they wait for the bus every day.

 About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming.

Enter The Giveaway:

PBS Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a READING RAINBOW: IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE DVD . Thank you PBS Kids for the review DVD and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

READING RAINBOW: IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE  DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Add This Book To Your Young Reader’s Summer Reading List-Book Giveaway

In New York we still have several weeks of school left.  I know that in the southern states some schools are letting the kids out for summer this Friday!  No better time to start thinking about some great summer reading books for kids. Reading keeps kids entertained, their reading skills sharp and fuels their imagination. I have a great book I want to tell you about that may be one you want to add to your child’s summer reading list. Fans of Polly Horvath or Roald Dahl will love this quirky story of a determined girl, and some extraordinary chickens.

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UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER

Unusual Chickens Book

by Kelly Jones; illustrated by Katie Kath

Sophie Brown and her family have inherited her dead uncle’s farm—a place vastly different from her familiar hometown of LA. Due to her family’s lack of funds, though, operating a fully functioning farm is out of the question. But what happens when the farm animals come to them? Sophie begins to see chickens—very unusual chickens—appearing on her land. She chronicles their activity and her challenges in a series of fun-to-read letters to her deceased relatives. But when a respected local farmer tries to steal them, Sophie must find a way to keep them (and their superpowers) safe. Readers will become immersed in the narrator’s honest and endearing tone. Young readers will root for Sophie and her chickens until the very last page. UNUSUAL CHICKENS is an original, clucky classic in the making.

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About The Author:

KELLY JONES has been a librarian, a bookseller, and a teacher, and is currently a raiser of (much-loved but fairly ordinary) chickens. Now she has published her first middle-grade novel, UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER (On sale May 12, 2015 / Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers / $16.99). Written entirely in letters, to-do lists, and quizzes, with several black-and-white drawings, this is a quirky story of a determined, strong-willed girl with some very unusual super chickens.

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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 Unusual Chickens For The Exceptional Poultry Farmer. Thank you Penguin Random House for the review book  and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Unusual Chickens For The Exceptional Poultry Farmer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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