Category Archives: Books

November 7, 2014 · 12:59 am

Draw-A-Saurus Drawing Book By James Silvani Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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My seven-year-old loves drawing and he’s really becoming quite the artist.  He was thrilled to see Draw-A-Saurus arrive.  A quick scan of  the pages filled him with inspiration to create.  I have no doubt our home will be filled with his dinosaur drawings and I am sure his little brother will be trying his best to follow right along.  If you have a dino-loving artist in your home or on your gift list this holiday season, this book would be the perfect fit!  Mommy Ramblings is adding Draw-A-Saurus to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  Keep reading to see how you can win a copy in our giveaway.

This in-depth yet accessible dinosaur drawing guide combines humor, creativity, and the latest dino research to show artists young and old how to breathe life into drawings of their prehistoric favorites. 

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Prehistoric Pencil Power!
Even though they lived some 65 million years ago, dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles continue to rule today. From movies to comics and cartoons, these ancient, giant beasts are everywhere you turn. Of course, who wants to just read about or watch these dinos when you can learn how to use pencils, pens, markers, and more to draw your very own?

Cartoonist James Silvani combines easy-to-follow art exercises with the latest, greatest dino-facts to help you create fun and cool dinosaur doodles all by yourself. With lessons on old favorites like T-rex and stegosaurus, as well as lesser-known (but still awesome) creatures like the massive argentinosaurus, Draw-a-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for (outside of their very own pet dino!).

Of all the creatures to walk the earth, nothing captures the imagination and fascination of children (and children at heart) quite like dinosaurs. Even though they lived 65 million years ago, dinosaurs are morepresent than ever in movies, comics and cartoons. Draw-A-Saurus takes readers on a pre-historicadventure, giving expert lessons on drawing their favorite dinosaurs.An accomplished cartoonist that has worked for Disney, Marvel, and Dreamworks, James Silvaniknows how to break down these complex creatures into easy, step-by-step lessons that make drawingthese colossal creatures an accessible and fun activity.  Draw-A-Saurus is more than your average doodle book. Each dino-drawing lesson is accompanied by fun facts and the latest information on old favorites like T-rex and velociraptors, along with some less heard of (but equally awesome) dinosaurs like:
  • Struthiomius, who has a beak instead of teeth
  • Pteranodon, whose hands and fingers evolved into wings
  • Protoceratops, who was roughly the size of a sheep!
  • Argentinosaurus, the largest animal to ever walk the earth

With easy-to-follow art exercises that mix creativity with the latest dino-facts, Draw-A-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for. 

JAMES SILVANI is an artist and illustrator and has drawn characters for Disney, Warner Bros.,Dreamworks, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Comics. Currently he is a comic book illustrator for titles likeDisney’s Mickey Mouse, DuckTales, Darkwing Duck, and The Muppets. Silvani has drawn dinosaursand other prehistoric beasts since childhood, and now puts those skills to use in art workshops atlibraries, schools, and comic book conventions. Silvani is a resident of Kihei, Hawaii.

Would you like to win a copy?  Random House is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Draw-A-Saurus.  Thank you Random House for the review copy and for sponsoring this dino-riffic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Draw-A-Saurus Dinosaur Drawing Book By James Silvani Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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October 13, 2014 · 5:14 pm

Chicken Soup For The Soul: Reboot Your Life Book Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

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Are you feeling a bit down, need something to change?  Do you want to go in a different direction?  We all fall into ruts at times, with our jobs, our relationships, our lives.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Reboot Your Life will inspire, invigorate, and empower you to break out of your rut. With its powerful stories of taking chances, positive life changes, and finding new paths to happiness, you will be inspired to find the courage to reboot your own life!  The book is packed with  101 inspiring personal stories of change that will motivate and encourage you to find your own new path to happiness.

csfts reboot your life book

Every chapter begins with a motivational quote about rebooting or changing what you don’t like in your life.  As you read the stories of people who began again even when most people would feel it is too late, you will be cheering for them and left with a healthy dose of inspiration for whatever course you wish to navigate.  You can purchase this book on Amazon.com and you can read the first several chapters there as well.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Reboot Your Life!  Thank you to Chicken Soup for the Soul for sponsoring this great giveaway and for the review book.  Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Reboot Your Life Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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September 11, 2014 · 8:38 pm

Chicken Soup for the Soul: “The Dog Did What?” Book Review & Giveaway!!!

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Are you a dog person?  Do you have one or more family members with four legs?  Do their antics and abilities amaze you?  If so you will love The Dog Did What?  This new book from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing contains 101 Stories of Magical Moments, Miracles and Mayhem!  The book features a forward from Miranda Lambert.  You are sure to recognize your own dog(s) in this entertaining collection of stories about our best friends who save lives, help heal their human companions with an uncanny sense of intuition, goofy dogs and of course those bad, bad dogs!

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The Dog Did What back cover

There is a special emphasis on the benefits and joys of adopting abandoned and rescue dogs!  The stories are sure to put a smile on your face, make you laugh out loud and even tear up a bit as you see your dog in a whole new light.  The royalties from this book support the American Humane Association.  Consider giving it as a gift to a dog lover and it truly becomes a gift that keep on giving to help dogs in need.  You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of The Dog Did What?  Thank you to Chicken Soup for the Soul for the review book and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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September 5, 2014 · 12:40 am

“NEST” By Esther Ehrlich–Book Giveaway!!!

                                                                             Pen ran

NEST by Esther Ehrlich

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Debut author Esther Ehrlich delivers a poignant and genuine middle-grade novel NEST (Wendy Lamb Books / On sale September 9, 2014 / $16.99 US / Ages 8–12), a memorable story about a girl, a tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship.

 

It is 1972. Home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein; her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes. Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.

 

Esther Ehrlich’s lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish NEST, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.  READ The first 59 pages of the book HERE by clicking Look Inside.image003

 

«“A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters, this novel is an emotional roller coaster that effectively conveys a family’s visceral tragedy.” —School Library Journal, Starred

 

«“Ehrlich’s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred

 

«“A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred

 

“Ehrlich writes beautifully, constructing scenes with grace and layers of telling detail and insight.”—The Horn Book

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

NEST by Esther Ehrlich Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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June 27, 2014 · 1:10 am

“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!
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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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May 7, 2014 · 10:11 am

Win an Autographed Copy of “It Ain’t Over…” By Marlo Thomas

Anyone who has ever tried to make a big life change knows it can be a bit more complicated – and frightening – than that. How do you get up the nerve and confidence to actually take the leap? No one knows better than the women profiled in this powerful book by actress, activist, and bestselling author Marlo Thomas.

It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over introduces us to sixty amazing women who are proving that it’s never too late to live out a dream – to launch a business, travel the world, get a PhD, indulge a creative impulse, make a family recipe famous, escape danger, find love, or fill a void in life with a challenging new experience.

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Meet a graphic artist who fulfilled a childhood ambition by going to med school at age forty-two; a suburban mom whose innovative snack recipe for her daughter’s lunchbox turned into a multimillion-dollar business; a private-practice psychiatrist who convinced her husband that they should quit their jobs and take off on an exciting, open-ended, cross-country adventure – in a giant bus, no less!; and a middle-aged English teacher who, devastated to discover that her husband was cheating on her, refused to be a victim, filed for divorce, and began the challenging journey of rebuilding her life.

Brimming with anecdotes that will inspire smiles, tears, and – most of all – hope, It Ain’t Over speaks to women of all ages with an empowering message: The best is yet to come!
Get your copy today at But anyone who has ever tried to make a big life change knows it can be a bit more complicated – and frightening – than that. How do you get up the nerve and confidence to actually take the leap? No one knows better than the women profiled in this powerful book by actress, activist, and bestselling author Marlo Thomas.

I am excited to be meeting with Marlo Thomas tomorrow during a live webinar and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Get your copy today on Amazon! Follow Marlo on Twitter @MarloThomas and like her on Facebook.

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Win an autographed copy of the book!!!

Enter to win an autographed copy of It Ain’t Over…Till It’s Over by entering via the Rafflecopter widget below.  Open to US residents. Good Luck!!!

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May 5, 2014 · 11:56 pm

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

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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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April 17, 2014 · 12:21 am

Celebrate Earth Day With Flight of the Honey Bee, Little Pear Tree & E.I.E.I.O!!!

Candlewick Press

April 22nd is Earth Day and I want to tell you about some great books you can read with your child to celebrate.

Flight of the Honey Bee by Raymond Huber:

Your child will get to follow the flight of a honey bee as she searches for nectar to sustain her hive and, along the way, pollinates flowers to produce seeds and fruits.

Flight of the Honey Bee

A tiny honey bee emerges from the hive for the first time. Using sunlight, landmarks, and scents to remember the path, she goes in search of pollen and nectar to share with the thousands of other bees in her hive. She uses her powerful sense of smell to locate the flowers that sustain her, avoids birds that might eat her, and returns home to share her finds with her many sisters. Nature lovers and scientists-to-be are invited to explore the fascinating life of a honey bee.The back of the book gives examples of how to save the bees that you can discuss as a family as well as an index.

Little Pear Tree by Jenny Bowers: 

little pear tree

Children will be captivated as they watch a tiny seed grows through the seasons into a fine pear tree in this beautiful book. This format showcases vibrant artwork with more than twenty-five flaps that you lift to discover creatures hidden in every scene. The charming text makes this the perfect interactive primer to a key scientific topic.

 

E.I.E.I.O, How Old MacDonald Got His Farm With A Little Help From a Hen by Judy Sierra:

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The Little Red Hen gives Old MacDonald some pointers on composting — and a legendary farm is born — in this rhyming, rollicking read-aloud. Once upon a time, Old MacDonald didn’t have a farm. He just had a yard — a yard he didn’t want to mow. But under the direction of the wise (and ecologically sensitive) Little Red Hen, Mac learns to look at the environment in a very different way, and whole new worlds start to bloom with the help of some mud, garbage, horse poop, and worms!

Judy Sierra’s spirited verse, paired with Matthew Myers’s exuberant illustrations, yields a fresh take on a children’s classic, complete with raised-bed gardens and an organic farmers’ market—making this a perfect story for armchair gardeners and devoted locavores of all sizes.

Enter To Win All 3 Books:

My kids love books and these 3 were a big hit and have spurred some great conversation about nature, growing plants and trees and of course all the ways bees are essential in our world.  Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One luck blog reader will win all three of these books!  Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review books and for sponsoring this Earth Day Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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